Professional Player to Coach Scheme (PPCS) 2026-2027 Season
Contract Type: 23-month fixed-term
Location: Birmingham City Football Club PLC, Knighthead Performance Centre, Redhill Road, Kings Norton, Birmingham, B38 9EJ
Salary - £31,500 per annum, 37.5 hours
Closing Date: 15th June 2026
Professional Player to Coach Scheme (PPCS):
In Partnership with the Premier League, PFA and EFL, Birmingham City are delighted to offering be a 23 month fixed-term, full time Academy coaching role to support the development of the next generation of football coaches as part of the Professional Player to Coach Scheme 2026/27.
The scheme is open to all, and we particularly welcome applications from individuals from Black, Asian and mixed heritage background, as they are underrepresented groups amongst the coaching roles that exist across the professional game.
The development programme would see the right candidate split their time between the Academy coaching programme at Birmingham City Football Club and the Premier League’s accredited Coach Development Programme. This will help gain experience across the coaching pathway and work with multi-disciplinary teams.
The development opportunity will include:
- Mentoring and tailored support within your coaching development.
- Immersive learning experiences.
- Workshops, peer learning and reflective practice.
- Access to FA/UEFA qualification (dependant on needs and subject to availability).
- A diploma in Professional Football Coaching from Leeds Beckett University (on completion of all programme elements)
The coaching role
To help coach players transitioning within the Professional Development Phase programme in line with the club’s playing philosophy and coaching programme.
Helping the coaching team to maximise the development of our players progressing through t
he Birmingham City Football Club Academy and ensure alignment of player development across the phase.
Full details of the roles and responsibilities of this role can be found in the job description and person specification, please email [email protected] for a copy of the full job description.
What we're looking for in you:
Essential criteria:
- PFA member
- Registered on or completed, the UEFA B licence as a minimum.
- No prior full-time 1st team or Academy coaching at a Premier League or EFL club.
- FA Safeguarding Certificated, Emergency First Aid and enhanced DBS (to be completed prior to role commencement).
- A role model and ambassador for diversity in the game.
Desirable criteria:
- Experience of coaching a team or group of players on a regular basis
- UEFA A Licence
How to Apply:
Click Apply now and follow the application process - Professional Player to Coach Scheme
Reasonable adjustments are available for applicants with a disability, please contact Jay Henderson for further support in applying for this role.
Please submit a two-part cover letter along with a CV:
Part 1 (max 500 words) to demonstrate how you fulfil the essential and desirable criteria. Please structure your responses under the following headings:
1. Essential criteria
2. Desirable criteria
3. Role Model & Ambassador for Diversity in the game
Part 2 (max 500 words) to answer all the following questions.
Please structure your responses under the following headings:
- My motivations for applying for the PPCS Academy coach role and Premier League Coach Development Programme.
- How the PPCS Academy coach role and development programme fits with my career ambitions
- How my unique expertise, and lived experience, will benefit the club and players
Part 3 an up to date CV (Please include your PFA number)
Key Dates:
• Application Deadline: 15th June
• Email Applications and Queries to: Jay Henderson ([email protected])
• Assessment Activities: Part 1 w/c 22nd June 2026
• Assessment Activities Part 2 w/c 29th June 2026
• PPCS Induction, Lake District September 2026 (4 days)
Birmingham City Football Club and the Premier League, PFA and EFL are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. Reasonable adjustments are available for applicants with a disability. Please contact Jay Henderson ([email protected]) if you would like to discuss this further.
Equality monitoring information will be requested separately and will not form part of the selection process.