Academy Lead Foundation Phase Coach (8-11s) (Full Time)

Barnsley Football Club; Eltham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Barnsley Football Club is seeking a Lead Foundation Phase coach to manage football operations for foundation phase players at their Eltham training facility. The role involves leading training sessions, developing players, and collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team to ensure successful transitions within the academy.

Qualifications

• Experience in coaching academy footballers at U8-11s in a lead capacity.
• Demonstrates professionalism in creating and reviewing player development plans.
• Knowledge of EPPP requirements and player development.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of high-level training sessions for foundation phase players.
• Devise and implement individual development plans for all players.
• Manage foundation phase coaching staff to achieve EPPP requirements.

Skills

Coaching skills

Communication

Organisational skills

Problem-solving

Education

UEFA B Licence

Advanced Youth Award

UEFA A Licence

Job description

Salary: TBC

Location: Well Hall training Ground, Kidbrooke Lane, Eltham, SE9 6TE

Hours of work: Full Time, Permanent. Flexible working hours, including evenings and weekend fixtures


About us: Established in 1885, Millwall Football Club is one of the most famous football clubs in England. Currently competing in the EFL Championship, they play their home games at The Den, which is based in South Bermondsey, and has been the home of the Club since 1994.


Role Overview:

An exciting opportunity has arisen at Millwall Football Club of the English Football League for a full time Lead Foundation Phase coach to support in the leadership and management of the football operations of its foundation phase players, parents and staff at our training ground facility in Eltham.

The primary focus will be to lead the delivery of high-level training sessions and game day coaching of an age group within the phase, continuously improving players individually and collaboratively within the Millwall How We Play, Coach & Support models. Although assigned to an age group the successful candidate will also support/lead in the development of the other academy foundation phase teams and be responsible for the successful transition of players into our youth development age groups.

The role will also lead and supervise the individual development plans for your designated age group and phase including reviews of such plans from a technical, tactical, physical & leadership perspective. The candidate will require an ability to identify these requirements and apply appropriate coaching strategies tailored to individuals and foundation phase players.

The lead phase coach will also need to work collaboratively with all key stakeholders to maintain positive relationships with players, technical staff, parents/guardians, whilst liaising with the recruitment department for the selection of players in line with club profiles.



The successful candidate shall also display attributes that align with the values of the academy.

Attitude – Selfless – Respect – Integrity – Respect – Excellence

And finally, from a safeguarding perspective, the successful candidate should be resilient, self-aware and open to sharing information.



Key Responsibilities:

The role includes, but is not limited to:

· Uphold and demonstrate the values, standards & behaviours expected by Millwall Football Club, inside & outside of training and matchdays for foundation phase players & staff

· Leading the plan-do-review process of a foundation phase age group training & matchday’s, ensuring delivery of relevant, innovative and enjoyable practices across our training groups within the phase, in line with our How We Coach strategy

· Assist with combined training sessions of foundation phase players when appropriate

· Drive the additional fixture program of the foundation phase, to ensure we obtain more minutes for more players within a variety of different contexts, formats and vs different oppositions

· Lead the essential meetings required with the multidisciplinary team, incl MDT reviews of players, department meetings and quarterly reviews for the foundation phase

· Devise and implement individual development plans for all foundation phase players in connection with the multi-disciplinary team. Including a review every block

· Monitor and report on team training, match minutes & reviews on Millwall intelligence platform in connection with the coaching and multi-disciplinary team

· To line manage the foundation phase coaching staff to ensure daily tasks and other EPPP requirements are achieved

· Leading communication and scheduling with staff and parents of the foundation phase age groups on through the Teamworks communication platform



Closing date for applications: Friday 13th June 2025

About The Candidate

Essential Requirements / Qualifications:

· Minimum of UEFA B Licence and Advanced Youth Award (8-12s)

· Experience in coaching academy footballers at U8-11s, in a lead capacity

· An understanding and ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team

· Demonstrates professionalism and high standards in creating, implementing & reviewing individual player development plans, recording evidence, providing reports and feedback to players, parents and academy management staff

· Knowledge and understanding of EPPP requirements

· Excellent knowledge and understanding of player development requirements from an age specific capacity

· Organisational qualities to plan, meet deadlines and keep accurate records within administrative tasks

· Communication skills to deliver and support key messages, and sustain positive working relationships

· Ability to solve problems within a fast-moving environment



Desired Requirements / Qualifications:

· UEFA A Licence

· Previous experience and knowledge of the recruitment process

· Previous experience in leading and managing staff

· Experience working within academy EPPP settings previously

· Drivers licence