Academy Head of Coaching Development

Watford Football Club; St Albans; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Watford Football Club's Academy is seeking an Academy Head of Coaching Development to lead, deliver and refine the coaching programme in line with Premier League/EFL Youth Development Regulations. You will manage all full-time Lead Phase coaches, design age-appropriate programmes from pre-academy to U21s, and drive recruitment, performance management and staff development.

The role requires UEFA A Licence, FA Youth Advanced Award, CPD commitment, and a track record of developing elite players;

Qualifications

• UEFA A Licence and FA Youth Advanced Award are essential.
• Commitment to CPD and improving coaches' qualifications.
• Proven track record of developing elite players.
• Understanding of academy standards of behaviour and safeguarding.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Academy coaching programme in line with regulations.
• Manage and support the full-time Lead Phase coaches.
• Recruit, performance-manage and train casual and permanent staff.
• Ensure age-appropriate coaching for players from pre-academy to U21s.

Skills

Driving licence

Travel availability

CPD commitment

Elite player development

Code of conduct

EDI understanding

Education

UEFA A Licence

FA Youth Advanced Award

EFAiF Certificate

Academy Managers Licence

Job description

An exciting opportunity has become available within the Academy at Watford Football Club. We are currently looking to recruit an Academy Head of Coaching Development, to manage, deliver and develop the Academy’s coaching programme in accordance with Premier League/EFL Youth Development Regulations as directed by the Technical Board. The role will involve the management of all the Academy full-time Lead Phase coaches, ensuring the design and delivery of age-specific coaching programmes for all academy players from pre-academy to U21’s. The role will include managing the quality of Academy coaching through appropriate recruitment, performance management and training/development as appropriate for both casual staff and specialist permanent coaches.

The successful candidate will enjoy working as part of a team, be enthusiastic, hardworking, and be flexible to the requirements of the position and the business. Applicants should ideally live local to Watford and London Colney or the surrounding areas and be a UK resident or non-UK resident with a valid UK work permit and ideally have experience working within a similar role.

You must have:

• Minimum UEFA A Licence qualification and FA Youth Advanced Award
• Be committed to a CPD programme, enhancing coaches personal skills and qualifications to meet the Academy needs
• A proven track record of developing elite players
• A clear understanding and appreciation of the standards of behaviour and codes of conduct demanded within the Academy
• Safeguarding Children Workshop and Committee Members Workshop
• Current EFAiF Certificate
• Full UK driving licence or ability to travel to various locations due to the demands of the role
• Understanding of the Clubs commitment to EDI & Safeguarding

You would ideally have, but not vital:

• Academy Managers Licence

Club Commitment:

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI):

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and dynamic working environment by building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Safeguarding:

We provide a safe and secure environment for all. We believe Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children & adults is everyone responsibility. Everyone in the organisation has a role to play, to ensure that club policies, procedures and practices in regard to safeguarding are followed.