Academy Head of Coaching and Player Development.

West Ham United FC; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

West Ham United FC is seeking an Academy Head of Coaching and Player Development to lead the coaching and player development strategies within our prestigious academy. This impactful role requires a proven track record in developing coaches, driving high-performance cultures, and a solid understanding of compliance within elite sports. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape the future of aspiring talents and ensure the academy maintains its status as one of the leading pathways in professional football.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus birthday off

Pension and life insurance

Healthcare cash scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Discounted gym membership

Qualifications

• Experience in a Category 1 Academy.
• Proven track record of developing coaches and players.
• Strong understanding of compliance and safeguarding.
• In-depth knowledge of player development methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Champion a high-performance culture focused on learning.
• Oversee implementation of player development plans.
• Ensure up-to-date coaching documentation.
• Lead training and matchday environments.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching Development

Player Development

Communication

Education

UEFA A Licence

FA Advanced Youth Award (AYA)

Job description

Academy Head of Coaching and Player Development.

Join to apply for the Academy Head of Coaching and Player Development. role at West Ham United FC

Academy Head of Coaching and Player Development.

Join to apply for the Academy Head of Coaching and Player Development. role at West Ham United FC

Company Description

Join the Legacy and Future of West Ham United.

Founded in 1895, West Ham United is a club that blends rich tradition with a forward-thinking approach, creating an exciting, ever-evolving football culture. Based in the heart of London, we proudly call the London Stadium home — a state-of-the-art venue with a capacity of 62,500, making it one of the largest in the country. We are also dedicated to providing the most affordable Premier League tickets in London, championing Accessible Family Football for all.

Company Description

Join the Legacy and Future of West Ham United.

Founded in 1895, West Ham United is a club that blends rich tradition with a forward-thinking approach, creating an exciting, ever-evolving football culture. Based in the heart of London, we proudly call the London Stadium home — a state-of-the-art venue with a capacity of 62,500, making it one of the largest in the country. We are also dedicated to providing the most affordable Premier League tickets in London, championing Accessible Family Football for all.

Our women's team, achieving professional status in 2018, has soared to new heights in the Women’s Super League and reached the prestigious FA Cup final. Meanwhile, our cutting-edge Academy, which opened in 2019, is nurturing future stars, producing first-team players like Declan Rice and Ben Johnson.

With ongoing improvements to the stadium, including the iconic Billy Bonds Stand, West Ham is constantly evolving, making sure our fans experience the best in matchday atmosphere and comfort. We are also incredibly proud to hold the Disability Confident Leader status, reflecting our dedication to inclusivity and accessibility.

As we continue to grow, so does our workforce. With a dedicated team of 300 core staff and 500 event and Foundation employees, West Ham United offers a truly unique working environment. We’re especially proud to have been awarded the Premier League’s Advanced Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Standard in 2023 — our second consecutive recognition — underlining our ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and dynamic workplace.

Join us and become part of a club that stands at the crossroads of history, ambition, and innovation. West Ham United is where passion, progress, and inclusivity come together to create something special.

Why Join Us?

Diversity & Inclusion: We believe a diverse team drives creativity and strengthens performance. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and identities to apply.

Health & Wellbeing: We are committed to protecting the physical and mental health of our staff, ensuring a balanced and supportive work environment.

Career Growth: As part of a premier football club, you will have opportunities to grow and innovate in an exciting and fast-paced environment.

If you’re ready to bring your passion for coaching and development at an elite level to one of the world’s most iconic clubs, apply now!

Position

Job Role: Head of Coaching & Player Development

Location: Chadwell Heath, Rush Green & Little Heath Training Grounds

Contract: Full-Time (40 hours per week)

Department: Academy

Reports to: Academy Manager

Salary: Highly Competitive

At West Ham United, we have built an exceptional Academy rooted in a culture of excellence, high standards, and continuous development. Renowned globally for producing outstanding talent both on and off the pitch, our Academy is recognised as one of the leading pathways in elite football. We are now seeking a highly experienced and forward-thinking Head of Coaching & Player Development, with a proven track record of working within a Category 1 elite sporting environment. This is a key leadership role for someone ready to shape the next generation of players and coaches—The West Ham Way.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Culture

• Champion a high-performance culture focused on learning and development.
• Foster collaboration across all Academy phases to ensure consistency and alignment.
• Uphold and promote the values and standards of West Ham United, both on and off the pitch.
  
  

Coach Development

• Lead the creation, delivery, and monitoring of Individual Development Plans for all coaches.
• Deliver ongoing CPD sessions tailored to staff needs and club philosophy.
• Provide one-to-one mentorship, regular feedback, and performance reviews.
• Ensure coaches are appropriately qualified and supported in their ongoing development.
  
  

Player Development

• Oversee the implementation of tailored individual player development plans, ensuring personalised training and matchday experiences.
• Align coaching delivery with the club’s Playing and Coaching Philosophy.
• Work closely with Phase Leads and multidisciplinary teams to deliver holistic development.
  
  

Quality Assurance & Standards

• Maintain up-to-date coaching documentation in line with Premier League and UEFA standards.
• Support the Academy in meeting PGAAC audit requirements and Safe to Operate standards.
• Review coaching outcomes regularly using performance data and feedback tools.
• Lead by example in sessions, games, and meetings to model best practices.
  
  

Annual

Standards & Audit Responsibilities

• Conduct yearly staff appraisals and develop tailored IDPs.
• Provide performance feedback and update all football documentation for licensing and audit.
  
  

8-Week Blocks

• Collaborate with phase leads to review player and coach development.
• Deliver CPD and attend EHOC events, submitting evidence as required.
• Lead training and matchday environments for demonstration and learning.
  
  

Weekly

• Work hands-on with coaches and players across all phases.
• Drive reflection and improvement through various feedback methods.
• Support phase leads in delivering their responsibilities effectively.
  
  

Safe To Operate Responsibilities

• Ensure the welfare, safety, and protection of all children, young people, and adults at risk.
• Report safeguarding concerns promptly using the Club’s internal systems (e.g., MyConcern).
• Uphold the club’s policies on safeguarding, health and safety, welfare, and equality.
  
  

Compliance Responsibilities

• Engage in regular CPD to maintain qualifications and meet Premier League/FA requirements.
• Ensure all working practices comply with club policies, GDPR, and relevant legislation.
• Maintain accurate performance data on platforms such as Kitman Labs.
• Support the Academy in achieving full compliance with annual PGAAC standards.
  
  

Requirements

Person Specification:

Experience/Education/Skills

Essential Qualifications

• UEFA A Licence
• FA Advanced Youth Award (AYA)
• FA Safeguarding Children Certificate
• FA Emergency First Aid in Football (EFAiF)
  
  

Coaching Qualifications Across Age Phases

• Experience with multiple development stages (U9-U23).
  
  

Essential Experience

• Experience in a Category 1 Academy
• Significant time working in a Category 1 environment under the EPPP framework.
• Understanding of Premier League audit and compliance requirements.
• Coach Development and Mentoring
• Track record of developing coaches through CPD, IDPs, and mentoring.
• Experience in delivering structured coach education programmes.
  
  

Leadership of Coaching Staff

• Proven ability to lead and manage a team of full-time and part-time coaches.
• Strong leadership and communication skills to influence across departments.
  
  

Player Development Expertise

• In-depth knowledge of long-term player development models and methodologies.
• Proven ability to contribute to or lead the design of individual player development plans (IDPs).
• Strategic and Operational Planning
• Experience aligning a coaching curriculum with a club’s playing philosophy.
• Familiarity with performance data analysis tools (e.g. Kitman Labs) and using insights to inform coaching.
  
  

Audit & Compliance

• Experience preparing for and ensuring compliance with EPPP audits (PGAAC).
• Understanding of safeguarding, GDPR, and health and safety responsibilities in youth football.
  
  

Desirable/Additional Experience

• UEFA Pro Licence (or working towards).
• Experience working with national governing bodies (FA, UEFA).
• Experience with international player development or global academy programmes.
• Background in sports science, performance analysis, or sports psychology (collaborative work).
• Contribution to research or innovation in coaching methodologies or development environments.
  
  

Interpersonal Skills

We’re seeking a driven, reflective, and passionate leader who:

• Leads with humility, confidence, and clarity.
• Champions team-first thinking and values others’ contributions.
• Embodies The West Ham Way through ambition, creativity, and community spirit.
• Is committed to personal development, coach empowerment, and player excellence.
• Embraces challenge, self-improvement, and high standards across all areas.
  
  

If you are passionate about coach and player development, and want to be part of a club with deep roots and global ambition, we would love to hear from you.

Other information

Benefits on offer (may vary based on contract type and location)

• 25 days annual leave plus your birthday off
• Pension and life insurance
• Healthcare cash scheme
• Travel season ticket loan
• Cycle to work scheme
• Priority access to apply for match tickets
• Discounted season tickets
• Staff discounts in the club store, café and our official partners products and services
• Discounted gym membership and onsite fitness room facilities
• Family friendly leave policies
• Company Social events
  
  

EDI Statement

Our club's history is rooted in a solid commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and we openly strive to be leaders in promoting EDI values. West Ham United is tactical in its approach to addressing inequity and prioritising the undertaking of meaningful and lasting change for all.

We prioritise removing barriers to attracting and engaging the best talent from all communities. We are proactive in creating equal access to opportunities and benefits for everyone and a discrimination-free environment where everyone experiences being treated with dignity and respect regardless of their background, circumstances, or protected characteristics.

Safeguarding

At our Club and Foundation, we advocate a proactive approach to ensure every child and adult has the right to experience safety and be treated with care, respect, and dignity. Therefore, we prioritise protection from harm and promote safeguarding good practice and compliance as an integral part of all our operations and engagement. This includes conducting robust, safer recruitment checks to identify any potential risks associated with individuals who may pose a threat to children or adults who are at risk of harm.

Everyone, including third parties who work with the Club or the West Ham Foundation, is responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals. It is non-negotiable to remain vigilant, promptly report any concerns as outlined in our safeguarding policies and guidelines, and take decisive action to prevent harm, abuse, and neglect. Each person must actively contribute to creating a safe environment for everyone.

How To Apply

To apply, please reply to the link with your full CV and a supporting statement outlining your motivation for applying and how you feel you meet the profile of the candidate we are looking for.

The deadline for applications is Midday 25th June 2025. Please note that the vacancy may close early if there is a high volume of applicants.

Queries

Thank you for your interest. If you have any queries, or require support with your application, please contact [email protected]

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