Purpose of the Post:
The Youth Development Phase Lead is responsible for the oversight and delivery of all coaching, development programmes, and staff coordination within the U12–U16 age groups. The role supports the academy’s long-term player development model, ensuring players transition effectively from Foundation Phase into YDP and continue progressing into the Professional Development Phase (PDP). The YDP Lead sets the standards for technical, tactical, physical, psychological, and social development at this critical stage.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
An enhanced criminal record check is mandatory prior to taking up post.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Leadership & Phase Management
- Lead, manage, and support all coaches working within the YDP.
- Ensure the delivery of a consistent and progressive programme aligned with the club’s playing philosophy and coaching methodology.
- Oversee weekly training structures, matchday operations, and seasonal planning for all YDP squads.
- Facilitate regular coaching meetings, workshops, and in-house CPD to raise coaching standards.
- Oversee the hybrid training programme.
Coaching & Curriculum Implementation
- Develop, refine, and implement the Youth Development Phase coaching curriculum.
- Deliver high-quality coaching sessions that stretch and challenge players tactically and technically.
- Ensure periodised training plans are age-appropriate and aligned with sports science guidelines.
- Support coaches in creating individual learning plans (ILPs) and season-long progression frameworks.
Player Development & Performance Management
- Monitor and track development across all YDP age groups using academy assessment tools.
- Lead player reviews, performance meetings, and individual goal-setting sessions.
- Identify high-potential players and support their transition into the PDP.
- Work collaboratively with MDT staff (analysis, sports science, medical, psychology) to support holistic development.
Matchday Responsibilities
- Oversee match preparation, squad management, and coaching staff deployment.
- Ensure player game time supports learning outcomes and long-term development, not short-term results.
- Analyse match performances and provide constructive feedback to both coaches and players.
Recruitment & Talent Identification
- Support the scouting and recruitment strategy for U12–U16 players.
- Assess trialists and ensure smooth integration into the academy environment.
- Liaise with FP Lead and PDP Lead to ensure alignment in the talent pathway.
Safeguarding, Welfare, & Standards
- Maintain high levels of safeguarding, welfare, and player care throughout the phase.
- Promote behaviours consistent with the club’s values, code of conduct, and performance expectations.
- Ensure a safe, supportive, and motivating environment for all academy players.
Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
- Maintain clear communication with parents, coaching staff, and senior academy management.
- Lead parent information evenings, review meetings, and educational workshops.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary departments to ensure consistent development strategies.
Administration & Compliance
- Ensure all EPPP-required documentation is completed accurately and on time, including:
- Session plans
- Player reports
- Performance data
- Match reports
- Attendance records
- Ensure compliance with safeguarding, health & safety, and club policies.
General:
- Carry out duties in accordance with all relevant company policies, including, but not limited to, the Health and Safety Policy, Code of Conduct Policy, Safeguarding Policy, Equality and Diversity Policy, Financial Regulation Policy and Social Media Policy:
- To safeguard and promote the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk;
- To be vigilant and support all safety and security operations; · Act always with utmost good faith to the Club, Foundation and the Company;
- Devote full attention and ability to fulfilment of the duties required by the role; · Other duties as reasonably requested by a member of the senior management staff;
- To work closely with partnership organisations, to maintain good relationships and collaborative working practices;
- To work with colleagues throughout Lincoln City Football Club & Foundation to extend knowledge and skills in order to identify and develop best practice;
- Deal with enquiries and general day-to-day liaison with customers, colleagues and partners;
- Carry out general office duties including data recording, filing, photocopying, sending and receiving emails;
- Active participation on continuing professional development and the appraisal process;
- To undertake such other duties, training and/or hours of work as may be reasonably required and which are consistent with the general level of responsibility of this job;
- To maintain the quality of service provision, regularly evaluating work and seeking to make improvements;
- Present a professional image when dealing with both internal and external contacts and partners, acting in a professional manner always;
- To cover as and when required at other departments within Lincoln City Football Club & Foundation;
- To recognise commercial opportunities across all products within Lincoln City Football Club & Foundation;
- Promote the brand identity and increase Lincoln City fan base throughout;
- To support the Lincoln City Football Club green energy saving strategy and meet all requirements including but not exclusive to recycling, waste reduction, energy efficiency; and
- Any other duties commensurate with the grade and falling within the scope of the post, as requested by the Chief Executive.
Important information
The above-mentioned duties and responsibilities should be regarded as neither exclusive nor exhaustive as the post holder may be required to undertake other reasonably determined duties and responsibilities, commensurate with the grading of the post, without changing the general character of the post. Lincoln City Football Club & Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and employees to share this commitment.
The salary for this vacancy will be competitive dependent on experience and qualifications.