Lead Pre-Academy Coach

Barnsley Football Club; Swansea; Remote; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Swansea City AFC is seeking a dedicated individual to lead and manage the recruitment and development of high-potential players within the Pre-Academy, preparing them for transition into the Foundation Phase.

You will design and implement the pre-academy coaching programme and work closely with the Head of Academy Recruitment to identify talent for progression to the U9s Academy. This is a full-time role based in Swansea with safeguarding responsibilities and collaborative expectations.

Qualifications

• DBS check undertaken.
• UEFA B Licence is required.
• FA Talent Introduction to Talent Identification is desirable.
• FA Advanced Youth Award or equivalent qualifications are beneficial.
• FA National Talent Identification & Scouting in Football knowledge.
• Degree in Sports Coaching or related subject.
• Degree in Education or teaching.

Responsibilities

• Lead on the design and implementation of the pre-academy coaching programme.
• Identify best young talent to progress from the Pre-Academy into the U9s Academy team.
• Lead on coaching for the pre-academy U8s development group.
• Ensure sessions align with Swansea City Academy Curriculum and safeguarding policies.
• Develop and upskill Pre-Academy coaches through in-house training and CPD.
• Oversee review and feedback programme for Pre-Academy players.
• Maintain relationships with grassroots clubs and communities.
• Manage Pre-Academy coaching staff and organisational structure.
• Ensure clear communication across the pre-academy programme.

Skills

Coaching experience

Recruitment processes

Parent communication

Player development

Time management

Communication skills

IT skills

Education

UEFA B Licence

Degree in Sports Coaching

Degree in Education/Teaching

FA Talent Introduction to Talent Identification

Job description

SALARY: Competitive (dependent on experience)

Contract: Full-time (40 hours)

Job Purpose

ToleadandmanagetherecruitmentanddevelopmentofhighpotentialplayerswithinthePre-Academy in preparation for their transition into the Foundation Phase.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead on the design and implementation of the pre-academy coaching programme.
• Alongside the Head of Academy Recruitment implement a clear process in identifying the best young talent to progress from the Pre-Academy into the U9s Academy team.
• To lead on the coaching for the pre academy U8s development group.
• Responsible for ensuring that all Pre-Academy sessions are delivered in line with the Swansea City Academy Curriculum, closely working with the Lead Foundation Phase Coach.
• To work with the Head of Coaching to develop and upskill Pre-Academy coaches through in-house training and CPD opportunities.
• Lead review and feedback programme for Pre-Academy players, to help monitor player progress and development.
• Ensure the Academy has strong relationships with grassroots clubs within the local communities.
• Manage the Pre-Academy coaching staff regarding their roles and responsibilities, ensuring there is a clear structure which promotes continuity enabling players to progress within the pre academy environment.
• Ensure that there is clear communication across all aspects of the pre academy programme.
• To develop and maintain a professional relationship with the players and parents within the Pre-Academy, whilst always managing expectation.
• Work with the Head of Safeguarding to follow clubs safeguarding and welfare policies are met.
• Assist in the scouting process at games where required.

About The Candidate

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Qualifications

• DBS check undertaken
• UEFA B Licence
• FA Talent Introduction to Talent Identification
• FA Advanced Youth Award
• FA National Talent Identification & Scouting in Football
• Degree in Sports Coaching or related subject
• Degree in education or teaching

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Minimum three years coaching experience.
• Experience of recruitment processes.
• Experience of working with parents.
• Depth and quality of experience within individual player development.
• Ability to relate to and understand young people, demonstrating personality and enthusiasm.
• Experience of working in pressurised situations and to deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and IT skills.
• Ability to adapt and change at short notice.
• Experience of working in a Pre Academy.
• Experience of working in a Foundation Phase.
• Proactive mentality.
• Thinks ahead with a “can do” attitude.
• Generates innovative ideas.
• Works well in a cognitively diverse performance department.
• Loyal and committed.
• Ability to adapt quickly.li>
• Strong team ethos.

CRIMINALRECORDCHECK REQUIREMENT

ThisrolewillrequireanEnhancedDBS Check.

About The Club

GENERAL STATEMENT

Should an adequate number of applications be received prior to the closing date, Swansea City AFC reserve the right to remove this advert.

Due to a high demand in applications the Club will be unable to respond to those applicants who have not been shortlisted for interview.

SAFEGUARDING & WELFARE

The Company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people involved in activities and event at the Company. As part of the Company’s recruitment and selection process any offers of work involving working in regulated activity with children are subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS Disclosure and barred list check (depending on the level of supervision, frequency, and nature of contact with children).

The Company may also conduct online searches of candidates who have been shortlisted as part of its safer recruitment procedures. Appropriate references will be required.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT

Swansea City AFC strives to ensure it provides an environment where everyone's rights, dignity and individual worth is respected and takes a zero-tolerance approach to any form of discrimination. Equal Opportunity is an integral part of our recruitment and selection process, and we welcome applications from all individuals who feel they meet the core requirements of the role.

We are particularly encouraging applications from women, disabled people and individuals from diverse ethnic communities who are currently under-represented within the

organisation.

All appointments will be made on merit of skill and experience relative to the role.