Head of Coach Development

Portsmouth Football Club; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Portsmouth Football Club is seeking an experienced Head of Coach Development to shape and improve coaching across the Academy, from Pre-Academy to Professional Development Phase, aligning with the club's playing and coaching philosophy.

You will lead observations, appraisals and development plans for coaches, oversee the coaching pathway for players aged 8 to 18, and drive a culture of learning, collaboration and continuous improvement within the Academy.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience developing coaches within a professional football academy.
• Significant experience coaching and developing players aged 8–18.
• Strong people management; ability to supervise, observe and appraise coaching staff.
• UEFA A Licence and Football Association Advanced Youth Award are required.
• Understanding of the Elite Player Performance Plan and academy audits.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and performance of the Academy coaching team, including observations and development plans.
• Oversee the coaching pathway to ensure high-quality coaching for players aged 8–18.
• Develop and deliver an ongoing coach development programme to foster learning and improvement.
• Provide insight into player, team and phase performance to support recruitment and retention decisions.
• Contribute to the Academy Performance Plan and align with first-team coaching staff.

Skills

Coach development

Player development

People management

Communication

Leadership

Relationship building

Strategic planning

Observation & appraisal

Collaboration

Driving licence

Education

UEFA A Licence

Advanced Youth Award

Safeguarding

First Aid in Football

Driving licence (if applicable)

Tools

Academy audits

Coach development programmes

Job description

Portsmouth Football Club are seeking an experienced coach and player developer to join the Academy as Head of Coach Development.

This is an opportunity to play a key role in shaping the development of coaches and young players across the Academy, from the Pre-Academy through to the Professional Development Phase.

Reporting to the Academy Manager and working closely with Academy leadership, you will ensure coaching across the pathway reflects the Club's playing and coaching philosophy, while creating an environment where coaches are challenged, supported and given the opportunity to develop.

The Impact You'll Make

You will lead the development and performance of the Academy's coaching team, providing individual support, regular observations, appraisals and development plans to help coaches maximise their potential.

You will oversee the coaching pathway and help ensure players aged 8 to 18 receive a consistently high standard of coaching throughout their Academy journey.

You will develop and deliver an ongoing coach development programme, creating a culture where coaches are encouraged to learn, share ideas and continually improve their practice.

Working alongside the Academy Manager, Phase Leads and wider performance team, you will provide insight into player, team and phase performance, supporting decisions around player development, recruitment and retention.

As a senior member of the Academy leadership team, you will contribute to the Academy Performance Plan and represent the Academy in technical discussions across the Club. You will also work closely with first-team technical staff to strengthen alignment between the Academy and senior football environment.

Your Skills and Experience

• Extensive experience developing coaches within a professional football Academy.
• Significant experience coaching and developing players between the ages of 8 and 18.
• Strong people management skills, with experience supporting, observing and appraising coaching staff.
• A UEFA A Licence and Football Association Advanced Youth Award.
• Strong understanding of the Elite Player Performance Plan and experience supporting Academy audits.
• Experience creating and delivering coach development and learning programmes.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build effective relationships with coaches, players, parents and colleagues across different football departments.
• A collaborative approach, with the confidence to challenge, influence and contribute to football decision-making.
• Football Association Safeguarding and Emergency First Aid in Football qualifications, alongside a full driving licence.

The role is based at Portsmouth Football Club's training ground and requires regular evening and weekend work, including attendance at Academy fixtures. You will therefore need to live within a reasonable commuting distance of Portsmouth.