Lead Foundation Phase Coach

Qualifications

• UEFA B Licence
• FA Advanced Youth Award
• FA Level 2 First Aid/EFAiF
• FA Safeguarding
• Current DBS

• UEFA A Licence
• Coach education experience
• Experience in scouting and player recruitment

Experience

• Strong experience of coaching players in the Foundation Phase in an academy environment
• Experience of helping players to transition from the Foundation Phase into the Youth Development Phase in an academy environment
• Experience of helping players transition from the Pre Academy Phase to the Foundation Phase in an academy environment
• Previous success of producing players that are now playing in the professional game
  

Specific Responsibilities

• In conjunction with the Head of Coaching (HOC) oversee and deliver the Technical Programme for Academy players in the FP.
• Monitor the development of the players, recording individual player data on the FIP Player Performance tool.
• Liaise with the Head of Coaching to create session plans appropriate to individual learning.
• Devise individual learning objectives and action plans for each player within the FP.
• In conjunction with the HOC and Head of Education formulate and deliver a review process every 6 weeks for each Academy player and provide written assessment player feedback bi-annually to the parents.
• Support the Head of Education with the delivery on the education programme.
• Liaise closely with the Head of Recruitment/AMT Staff on identifying and monitoring possible trialist players for the FP age groups.
• Manage the FP age groups alongside HOC/part-time coaches in the league, cup and friendly fixtures.
• Be prepared and willing to work with players in the Youth Development Development age groups when required.

Key Responsibilities

• To coach and deliver from the Academy Performance Plan
• Ensure that players graduating to the Youth Development Phase do so with a high degree of technical and tactical ability with physical, psychological and social capability.
• Specialist trained to ensure that players graduating from the FP have built upon the core ball mastery skills and are able to apply individual skills appropriately in a team setting, with a growing tactical awareness in their role within the team
• Maintain a weekly training reporting process with the Head of Academy Football/HOC
• Deliver group and individual weekly performance objectives
• Assist in the evaluation of the weekly performance objectives
• Assist in the reporting and monitoring of performance, recording, reporting and evaluation of Academy Players in the FP and YDP
• Assist in the monitoring and supervision of physical development
• Take part in all relevant meetings including in service training, parent meeting’s/reviews at the request of the line manager
• Show a continuous commitment to personal development through relevant CPD and courses
• Be aware of the clubs Coaches Code of Conduct, Child Protection policy, Health & Safety policy and Emergency procedures and take responsibility for safety of those participating or under your guidance

This job description sets out current duties of the post that may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the post or the level of responsibility. 

It is necessary to undertake any training relevant to the post, including ongoing CPD training, be trustworthy and adhere to codes of conduct, ethics and confidentiality.

The position is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, appropriate references and a six-month probationary period. 

It is essential to be aware of the clubs Coaches Code of Conduct, Child Protection policy, Health & Safety policy and Emergency procedures and take responsibility for safety of those participating or under your guidance.

The nature of the role means that there are significant variations in the level of activity; this requires the job holder to work whatever hours are needed to meet the requirements of the role.

Safeguarding Statement 

Port Vale Football Club is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and adults at risk and require all employees to share this commitment and promote the welfare of these groups. 

Applicants will be asked about any previous convictions, cautions, reprimands, including those that are considered ‘spent’ as defined by the Rehabilitation Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amended 2013).  Appointment to this role is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS Check (with children’s barred list check) and references.

Health and Safety 

Your core Health and Safety responsibilities are as follows:

Lead by example always being diligent and observant.

Ensure safety & risk are considered within all projects alongside the Head of Academy Education, Safeguarding Lead & Player Care Officer and any other necessary staff.

Ensure a safe and respectable learning environment for all players and staff to maximise their holistic development.

Equality Statement

The employee must always carry out their duties with due regard to Port Vale Football Club policies and procedures.

The employee must ensure a positive commitment towards equality and diversity by treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation, or harassment of any description and to promote positive working relationships between all internal and external stakeholders.

The employee must contribute to encouraging equality and respecting diversity by embedding such values in the workplace and challenging inappropriate behaviour and processes.

Club policies and safeguarding processes can be found at: https://www.port-vale.co.uk/safeguarding/