Head of Academy Coach Development

Sunderland AFC; Cleadon; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Sunderland AFC’s Player Development Team is seeking an experienced coaching leader to shape youth development within the Academy. You will lead, mentor and observe coaches, shaping curricula and implementing age-appropriate, player-centred environments across multiple phases.

You will ensure high standards of quality, compliance and safeguarding, working with staff, players, parents and multi-disciplinary colleagues to support individual development and progression through the Academy pathway.

Qualifications

• UEFA A Licence or equivalent required; UEFA Pro Licence and FA Advanced Youth Award desirable.
• Significant experience in an Academy or elite youth football environment.
• Strong knowledge of EPPP requirements and academy audit processes.
• Experience leading, mentoring, observing and developing coaches across multiple age groups.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organisation and interpersonal skills.
• Valid FA safeguarding qualification, enhanced DBS clearance and a first-aid qualification.
• Enhanced DBS clearance from Sunderland AFC is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead, support and develop coaching staff with observation, feedback, mentoring and appraisal.
• Design coaching programmes, deliver curricula and create age-appropriate player-centred environments.
• Collaborate with coaches, players, parents/carers and multi-disciplinary colleagues to support development.
• Ensure coaching provision meets high standards of quality, compliance and professional practice.
• Support progression of players through the Academy pathway.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organisation

Interpersonal skills

Mentoring

Education

UEFA A Licence

UEFA Pro Licence

FA Advanced Youth Award

FA safeguarding qualification

Enhanced DBS clearance

First-aid qualification

Job description

About the Team

The Player Development Team at SAFC, are dedicated to shaping young talent both on and off the pitch!

Our core mission is to provide a comprehensive education and development framework that empowers youth players to grow into skilled athletes and responsible individuals.

The Opportunity

We are looking for an experienced and inspiring coaching leader with a strong understanding of Academy football, player development and the needs of young players at different stages of their journey. You will have experience of leading, supporting and developing coaches, with the ability to provide constructive observation, feedback, mentoring and appraisal.

You will have a clear understanding of coaching programme design, curriculum delivery and the development of an age-appropriate, player-centred environment. You will be confident working collaboratively with coaches, players, parents/carers and multi-disciplinary colleagues to support individual player development and progression through the Academy pathway.

A sound knowledge of the EPPP, FA, EFL/Premier League and safeguarding requirements relevant to Academy football is essential. You will be highly organised, able to maintain accurate records and manage competing priorities, while ensuring coaching provision meets the highest standards of quality, compliance and professional practice.

You will be an excellent communicator, committed to continuous professional development and passionate about creating an inclusive, high-performance environment where both players and coaches can thrive.

What We Ask For

We are looking for an experienced and inspiring coaching leader with a UEFA A Licence, or equivalent. A UEFA Pro Licence and FA Advanced Youth Award, or another relevant youth development qualification, would be desirable.

You will have significant experience working within an Academy or elite youth football environment, with a strong understanding of EPPP requirements and Academy audit processes. You will bring proven experience of leading, mentoring, observing and developing coaches across multiple age groups or phases, alongside strong knowledge of player development, coach development, curriculum design and age-appropriate coaching practice.

You will be confident analysing coaching practice, providing constructive feedback and supporting coaches to achieve agreed development objectives. Excellent leadership, communication, organisation and interpersonal skills are essential, with the ability to build effective relationships with staff, players, parents/carers and external stakeholders.

You must hold a valid FA safeguarding qualification, enhanced DBS clearance and a first-aid qualification appropriate to the role. You will demonstrate a clear commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity, inclusion and the wellbeing of children, young people and adults at risk, as well as a flexible approach to working evenings, weekends, matchdays and travelling as required by the Academy programme.

An Enhanced DBS from Sunderland AFC is required.