Lead Youth Development Phase Coach

Stoke City Football Club; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Stoke City Football Club's Category One Academy at Clayton Wood Training Ground is seeking a Lead Youth Development Phase Coach to oversee the U13 to U16 squads and lead the U16 coaching programme, ensuring players access the best progression within the Youth Development Phase. The role focuses on player development, alignment with club philosophy, and collaboration with recruitment and Academy Director.

Availability for evenings and weekends to cover matchdays at the bet365 Stadium is required;

Qualifications

• UEFA A Licence coaching qualification or equivalent.
• FA Advanced Youth Award (AYA).
• Strong understanding of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) guidelines and their application within an Academy setting.
• Strong understanding of the Youth Development Phase and player progression.
• Strong leadership and motivational abilities, with a proven track record of developing talent.
• Deep understanding of player development principles and modern coaching methodologies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively within a Multi-Disciplinary Team.

Responsibilities

• Planning and delivering weekly coaching programmes in line with the Club's philosophy and games programme.
• Managing and evaluating daily coaching activities, ensuring players work towards targets in their Player Development Plans.
• Tracking and monitoring player development, ensuring all cycle reviews are completed and communicated to players, parents and staff.
• Identifying and recommending potential players for transition within the Youth Development Phase and to the Professional Development Phase.
• Liaising with the recruitment department and Academy Director to carry out scouting and player recruitment.
• Building effective relationships across the Academy and wider Club to support the Multi-Disciplinary Team.
• Educating staff to ensure the maintenance of best practice, including the monitoring of training sessions and provision of in-service training.
• Participating in the Club's in-house CPD and attending national and regional meetings as required.
• Ensuring compliance with Club policies, including health and safety, safeguarding and betting integrity rules.

Skills

UEFA A Licence

AYA (FA Advanced Youth Award)

EPPP knowledge

Youth development focus

Leadership & motivation

Communication & collaboration

Organisational & planning

Education

Coaching qualifications

Job description

Stoke City Football Club of the English Football League are looking for a Lead Youth Development Phase Coach. The role will be based at our Category One status Academy at Clayton Wood Training Ground.

As the Lead Youth Development Phase Coach, you will oversee the U13 to U16 teams, whilst leading on the U16s coaching, providing all players with the best programme and opportunity to progress through the Youth Development Phase.

You will be responsible for player development and supporting the progression of players within the phase, ensuring all coaching activities align with the Club philosophy.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence the development of our young players and contribute to the success of our Academy.

The ideal candidate will be available to work evenings and weekends to cover match day fixtures and other ad hoc events at the bet365 Stadium.

The position will be offered on a full time basis. All relevant training will be provided.

Main Responsibilities

• Planning and delivering weekly coaching programmes in line with the Club's philosophy and games programme.
• Managing and evaluating daily coaching activities, ensuring players work towards targets in their Player Development Plans.
• Tracking and monitoring player development, ensuring all cycle reviews are completed and communicated to players, parents and staff.
• Identifying and recommending potential players for transition within the Youth Development Phase and to the Professional Development Phase.
• Liaising with the recruitment department and Academy Director to carry out scouting and player recruitment.
• Building effective relationships across the Academy and wider Club to support the Multi-Disciplinary Team.
• Educating staff to ensure the maintenance of best practice, including the monitoring of training sessions and provision of in-service training.
• Participating in the Club's in-house CPD and attending national and regional meetings as required.
• Ensuring compliance with Club policies, including health and safety, safeguarding and betting integrity rules.

Key Skills and Experience

• UEFA A Licence coaching qualification or equivalent.
• FA Advanced Youth Award (AYA).
• Strong understanding of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) guidelines and their application within an Academy setting.
• Strong understanding of the Youth Development Phase and player progression.
• Strong leadership and motivational abilities, with a proven track record of developing talent.
• Deep understanding of player development principles and modern coaching methodologies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively within a Multi-Disciplinary Team.
• Exceptional organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Ability to analyse player performance critically and provide constructive and effective feedback.
• Proactive and adaptable approach to problem solving, with a commitment to continuous improvement.

This organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and DBS checks at the appropriate level will be obtained prior to employment commencing.

Closing date for applications is Monday 17th August 2026.

Stoke City Football Club endorses the principle of Equality and will strive to ensure that everyone who wishes to be involved in the Club will be treated fairly and with respect, regardless of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion and belief, sex or sexual orientation.

By applying to us you are agreeing to share your Personal Data in accordance with our Recruitment Privacy Policy which can be found at www.stokecityfc.com/recruitment-privacy-policy/

The Club is committed to providing access and opportunities for all members of the community to take part in without threat of intimidation, victimisation, harassment, bullying and abuse. Any person associated with the Club can be assured of an environment in which their rights, dignity and individual worth are respected and in particular, that they are able to enjoy their engagement at the Club.