Academy Head of Coaching

To establish a sustainable system and approach to coach development within the Academy – Developing coaches so that they can improve and perform to the best of their abilities and are consequently able to develop well rounded players. 

Attention to detail and the creation, implementation and evolution of the existing Academy coaching programme including an in-depth and full comprehension of the clubs Academy Performance Plan.

• Undertake self-development to ensure knowledge in relation to all aspects of coaching and coach development is up-to-date and forward thinking.
• Build relationships throughout the Academy and broader club.
• Maintain/Enhance football coaching competence.
• Monitor and measure the coaching curriculum against the playing and coaching philosophy according to APP.
• Contribute to the development of an elite learning environment where people take responsibility for their own development and are not afraid to experiment and make mistakes.
• Ensure there is a ‘multi-disciplinary’ approach to the coaching staff where departments can blend and work seamlessly together.
• Design and deliver development interventions based around APP to coaches.
• Create a CPD strategy for the coaching staff and deliver sessions according to this.
• Ensure the delivery of the Stevenage FC Coach Competency Framework throughout the club.
• Ensure personalised development action plans are created in line with coach individual needs.
• Deliver 1:1 coaching for coaches in order to develop the coach’s skill.
• Observe coach performance and provide feedback where possible.
• Provide clear up to date training needs analysis (TNA) for entire Academy staff.
• Build and maintain relationships both inside the club and across football in whole.
• Accountability to undertake CPD to ensure growth in role of Head of Coaching.
• To deliver the coaching syllabuses daily within your working timetable.
• To provide relevant feedback to line managements as required.
• To complete any other duties as deemed reasonable by the Academy Director.

Essential Requirements

• UEFA A Licence.
• FA Advance Youth Award.
• FA Safeguarding Children Certificate.
• FA Emergency First Aid in Football (EFAiF).
• Experience coaching within an Academy (Foundation Phase, YDP, or PDP).
• Experience mentoring or supporting other coaches.
• Understanding of child development and age-appropriate coaching practice.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and matchdays

Desirable Attributes

• Knowledge of EPPP requirements and audit processes.
• Experience leading a coaching programme or age group.
• Experience with performance analysis tools (e.g., Veo, video platforms).
• Knowledge of the KML system and player review processes.

Personal Characteristics

• Passionate about long-term player development.
• Strong leadership and organisational skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with players, parents, and staff.
• Positive role model with high professionalism and integrity.
• Collaborative, reflective, and committed to continuous improvement.

Founded in 1976 as Stevenage Borough Football Club, we dropped the 'Borough' from our name in 2010 when we won promotion to the English Football League for the first time in our history, although it has stuck as our nickname.

We currently play in Sky Bet League One, the third tier of English football. Our home games are played at The Lamex Stadium, which has a capacity of 7,800 supporters.

Over the years, we have achieved a huge amount in our relatively short history: including 2 FA Trophies, 2 Conference National titles, a League Two Play-Off Trophy & automatic promotion to League One in 2023.

Safeguarding Statement

Stevenage Football Club is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to endorse this commitment.

This post requires Enhanced Criminal Records Checks and may include checks against the Barred Lists, as such it is exempt from Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). Therefore all convictions including spent convictions that have not been subject to filtering by the DBS should be declared”.

Relevant information and / or documents will be distributed as part of the recruitment process.

BAME Declaration

The English Football League has introduced positive action measures aimed at tackling the under-representation of coaches and managers from Black, Asian and Minority Ethic (BAME) backgrounds. New regulations require clubs to shortlist at least one suitably qualified BAME candidate (where an application has been received) for all roles in Academy football that require a UEFA A or UEFA B Licence.

As part of the application process, you will therefore be asked to declare your ethnicity.

Equality and Diversity Statement –

Stevenage Football Club is an equal opportunities employer and staff will be regarded equally and will be given equal opportunities irrespective of sex, age, race, religion or belief, marriage or civil partnership, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, ethnic or national origin.