Lead Professional Development Phase Coach (U21s)

Stoke City Football Club is seeking an innovative and driven individual to play a vital role in the ongoing evolution of our Academy. This position is designed for someone with a genuine passion for enhancing our Academy curriculum, refining our game model and advancing our player development philosophy.

As the Lead Professional Development Phase Coach, you will be instrumental in leading and coordinating the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT), ensuring that we adopt a holistic approach to player development. You will act as a coaching leader and mentor to our staff, fostering an environment of collaboration, continuous improvement and shared success.

The ideal candidate will be committed to staying at the forefront of coaching and player development trends. You will be expected to integrate evidence based practices into our programmes, ensuring that our methodologies are grounded in the latest research and developments in the field.

Main Responsibilities

• Leading all on field and off field aspects of the U21 programme, creating a demanding, inspiring and aligned environment that prepares players for First Team football.
• Developing and implementing a progressive, dynamic coaching plan in line with the Academy’s tactical principles, individual development objectives and competition demands.
• Creating and executing team and individual game plans collaboratively with the MDT, ensuring performance behaviours reflect the Club’s values and playing identity.
• Formulating KPIs in line with the Club philosophy for the Match Analysis team to source, along with ad-hoc game analysis footage requests.
• Delivering elite coaching sessions using modern methodologies, incorporating specialist support, individualisation and data insights.
• Providing consistent, clear and detailed feedback to players and staff, encouraging a growth mindset and self-awareness.
• Managing the integration of training and match exposure opportunities with the First Team, Technical Staff and Loan Manager.
• Driving the development and oversight of Individual Player Development Plans, ensuring that each player’s pathway is managed proactively and reflectively.

Key Skills, Experiences and Qualifications

• UEFA A Licence coaching qualification or equivalent.
• A strong understanding of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) guidelines and their application within an Academy setting.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with players, parents, staff and stakeholders.
• Strong leadership and motivational abilities, with a proven track record of developing talent.
• Exceptional organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• A deep understanding of player development principles and modern coaching methodologies, with a focus on evidence based practice.
• Ability to analyse player performance critically and provide constructive and effective feedback.
• A proactive and adaptable approach to problem solving, with a commitment to continuous improvement.

A high degree of flexibility is needed to cover evenings and weekend training sessions, matchday fixtures and other adhoc events.

This organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  Background checks and DBS checks at the appropriate level will be obtained prior to employment commencing.