Lead Pathway to Potential Coach (U9-U14)

Birmingham City FC; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Birmingham City FC's academy is seeking a Lead Pathway for Potential Coach (U9-14) to drive the development of young players at Knighthead Performance Centre. The role requires delivering the pathway programme, monitoring ILPs, and ensuring a high-performance learning environment for players and families.

You will lead the coaching curriculum, oversee player progression, and collaborate with Academy staff to uphold safeguarding and governance standards while developing staff and engaging with

Qualifications

• Proven track record leading youth development in elite football.
• Ability to design and implement development programmes.
• Strong communication and relationship-building with players and families.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the U9-U14 player development programme.
• Implement and monitor the Academy coaching curriculum and performance plans.
• Drive ILPs and player progression across age groups.
• Support coaching staff through mentoring and CPD.
• Work with multidisciplinary staff to meet development objectives.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

People management

Player development

Education

UEFA A Licence

FA Advanced Youth Award

FA Safeguarding Certification

EFAiF Qualification

Job description

Permanent | 37.5 hours per week

Location: Knighthead Performance Centre

We are seeking a Lead Pathway for Potential Coach (U9-14) 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.

Essential requirements

• 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.

Desirable requirements

• UEFA Pro Licence.
• Coaching-related degree.
• Leadership qualification.
• 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.