Lead Pathway to Potential Coach (U9-U14)

Birmingham City FC; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Birmingham City FC is seeking a Lead Pathway for Potential Coach to lead the U9-U14 player development programme within the Academy Coaching Department. You will drive ILPs, progression, and staff development, building strong relationships with families to support wellbeing.

The role requires an inspirational leader with a proven track record in elite youth football and a commitment to safeguarding and high-quality player development across multiple academy phases.

Qualifications

• UEFA A Licence or equivalent coaching qualification.
• Proven track record in youth development and elite football environments.
• Experience leading academy coaching programmes and staff.
• Strong safeguarding knowledge and compliance awareness.
• Ability to design high-quality player development programmes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the U9-U14 player development programme.
• Implement and monitor the Academy coaching curriculum and performance plans.
• Lead phase games programmes, tournaments, tours and developmental opportunities.
• Drive planning and review of Individual Learning Plans (ILPs).
• Oversee player progression, movement and squad selection.
• Develop tailored programmes for high-potential players.
• Support coaching staff through appraisals, mentoring and CPD.
• Build relationships with parents and families to support wellbeing.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary Academy staff to meet objectives.
• Use performance and wellbeing data to inform planning and decisions.
• Ensure safeguarding and governance processes align with standards.

Skills

Leadership

Player development

Staff mentoring

Coaching delivery

Communication

Education

UEFA A Licence

FA Advanced Youth Award

FA Safeguarding Certification

Coaching-related degree

EFAiF Qualification

Job description

We are seeking a Lead Pathway for Potential Coach (U9-14 Phase Lead) to play a pivotal role in developing the next generation of Academy talent. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly skilled and experienced coach to lead our U9-U14 player development programme, creating a high-performance learning environment that supports, challenges and inspires young players to reach their potential.

Working within our Academy Coaching Department, you will lead the delivery of the Academy's player development programme, oversee Individual Learning Plans (ILPs), drive player progression across the pathway and ensure a positive developmental experience for players and families.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead and oversee the U9-U14 player development programme.
• Implement and monitor the Academy coaching curriculum and performance plans.
• Lead phase games programmes, tournaments, tours and developmental opportunities.
• Drive the effective planning, implementation and review of Individual Learning Plans (ILPs).
• Lead player progression, movement and squad selection across age groups.
• Develop tailored programmes for high-potential players.
• Support and develop coaching staff through appraisals, mentoring and CPD initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with parents and families to support player development and wellbeing.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary Academy staff to achieve player development objectives.
• Oversee the use of performance, development and wellbeing data to inform decision-making and development plans.
• Support compliance with Academy standards, Premier League and EFL requirements, safeguarding and governance processes.

About You

We're looking for an inspirational leader who is passionate about youth development and has a proven track record within elite football environments.

• UEFA A Licence.
• FA Advanced Youth Award.
• FA Safeguarding Certification.
• EFAiF Qualification.
• Experience developing players within professional football.
• Experience working within an Academy environment.
• Proven leadership and people management skills.
• Strong ability to influence, motivate and develop players and staff.
• Experience designing and implementing high-quality player development programmes.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills.
• Coaching-related degree.
• Experience working across multiple Academy phases.
• Experience within a senior professional football environment.

Safeguarding

Birmingham City Football Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. The safety and wellbeing of all individuals within our care is paramount, and all staff are expected to share and uphold this commitment.

All successful applicants will be subject to appropriate pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, and will be required to complete safeguarding training as part of the recruitment and induction process.

Birmingham City FC is proud to be an Equal Opportunities and Disability Confident employer.

We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to ensuring a fair and inclusive recruitment process. Candidates are assessed solely on merit, regardless of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or caring responsibilities.

We value diversity and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. If you require any adjustments to support you during the recruitment or interview process, please let us know when applying.