Lead Youth Development Phase Coach

Comunidad Lift; Swindon; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

The County Ground

Job summary

Swindon Town FC is seeking a lead coach for the Youth Development Phase to oversee technical and tactical player development, ensuring progression toward the U18s. You will manage staff, scheduling and a MDT approach with a focus on high-quality training environments.

The role requires UEFA A Coaching Licence, safeguarding, and holistic coaching expertise to drive player pathways. A full-time position with travel to training facilities is offered.

Qualifications

• UEFA A Coaching Licence and FA Advanced Youth Award show required coaching qualifications.
• Safeguarding and EFAIF credentials demonstrate safeguarding and emergency readiness.
• ICT skills with FiP, Sportscode/Hudl, Excel and Word support daily duties.

Responsibilities

• Lead and enhance the youth development phase, aligning with coaching philosophy.
• Design and deliver the academy curriculum and age-appropriate training plans.
• Plan games programme, maximise playing minutes and lead match days.

Skills

Communication

Initiative

Time management

Team player

Education

UEFA A Coaching Licence

FA Advanced Youth Award

Safeguarding and Protecting Children

Emergency First Aid in Football (EFAIF)

Tools

FiP

Sportscode

Hudl

Excel

Word

Job description

Location: The County Ground with the abilities to travel to other training facilities

Reports to: Academy Director & Head of Football Development, Academy Head of Coaching

Full Time: 37.5 hours per week

Salary: dependent upon experience

Overall purpose of the job

To lead and enhance the technical and tactical development of players within the Youth Development Phase, supporting both individual and team progression and preparing players for the transition into the Under-18s and the wider Academy pathway.

To lead the effective management of players, staffing and scheduling within the phase, working collaboratively with key stakeholders and the multi-disciplinary team to ensure a consistent, high-quality player development environment.

Key tasks and responsibilities

Personal Development

Undertake self-development to ensure knowledge in relation to all aspects of your role is up-to-date and forward-thinking:

• Assist with U18 group training where appropriate
• Assist with coaching across other Academy age groups

Coaching Curriculum, Playing and Coaching Philosophy

• Deliver the academy’s coaching curriculum in line with the academy’s playing philosophy and coaching philosophy
• Design and implement an age-appropriate programme and schedule that maximises the academy’s resources and provides maximal opportunity for players to practice, develop and learn.
• Lead the on-grass delivery of sessions and games

Games Programme

• Plan a varied and consistent games programme
• Maximise playing minutes and opportunities
• Lead Match Days

Individual Learning Plan Design and Delivery

• In collaboration with key stakeholders, design and deliver IDPs
• In collaboration with key stakeholders, create an MDT approach to enhance each individual’s performance on and off the grass
• Support the player transitions into, across and out of the phase (player handovers, inductions, player signings, transition across a player journey)

Feedback

• Complete and deliver feedback to staff and players/parents in line with the club’s processes and protocols:
  • MDT review meetings every 6 weeks
  • Player & parent reviews every 6 weeks
  • Session plans, evaluations and player data (FiP)
  • Attend phase-specific recruitment meetings
  • Lead weekly YDP MDT planning & review meetings

Performance Analysis

• Provide data & video evidence to support the development and measurement of performance
• Independently clip/tag and share video footage related to the match objectives & game review
• Independently clip/tag and share video footage related to a player’s IDP
• Support players in compiling ‘Me at my best’ playlists

Facilities & Equipment

• Adhere to all match day and training protocols
• Responsible for all kit and equipment related to the YDP phase

SEP

• Contribute to the delivery of the SEP apprenticeship programme (where applicable)

Manage Staff

• Manage staff as required by the Academy Director & Head of Football Development to deliver the programme.

Such other duties as may be appropriate to achieve the objectives of the post and to assist the Academy Director.

About The Candidate

Qualifications

• UEFA A Coaching Licence
• FA Advanced Youth Award
• Safeguarding and Protecting Children
• Emergency First Aid in Football (EFAIF)

Experience

Minimum 3 years’ experience in one or more of the following roles:

• Full-time Full time age group coach
• Academy Head of Coaching
• Lead Phase
• Professional Playing Experience

Knowledge and/or experience of at least 3 of the following:

• The process of learning in young people (pedagogy)
• Running and designing development programmes
• Football coaching
• Leading a team
• Professional playing experience
• Sports Psychology

ICT experience of FiP, Sportscode/hudl, excel, word and any other software as required to carry out the duties required for the job

Who you are

• Excellent communication
• Have a flexible attitude to work
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
• Have a polite and courteous manner
• Be organised and have good time management skills
• The ability to meet stringent deadlines
• Be able to adapt to different and changing situations
• Have the drive and enthusiasm to set high standards and achieve company objectives
• Have a personable approach

About The Club

https://www.swindontownfc.co.uk/news#academy-news