Pre-Academy Coach

Swansea City Afc; Swansea; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Swansea City AFC is seeking a Lead Pre-Academy Coach to lead the development and recruitment of high-potential players within the Pre-Academy, preparing them for transition to the Foundation Phase. You will design coaching programmes, work with recruitment, and upskill coaches while maintaining strong community links.

The role requires a DBS check, UEFA B Licence, and a track record in youth development. A Foundation Phase background is desirable. This is a full-time, onsite position in Swansea.

Qualifications

• DBS check undertaken.
• UEFA B Licence required.
• FA Talent Introduction to Talent Identification required.
• Desirable: FA Advanced Youth Award.
• Desirable: FA National Talent Identification & Scouting in Football.
• 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 the best young talent to progress from the Pre-Academy into the U9s Academy team.
• Lead on the coaching for the pre academy U8s development group.
• Ensure sessions delivered in line with Swansea City Academy Curriculum and CPD.
• Develop and upskill Pre-Academy coaches through training and CPD.
• Lead review and feedback programme for Pre-Academy players and monitor progress.
• Maintain strong relationships with grassroots clubs in the local communities.
• Manage the Pre-Academy coaching staff with a clear structure for progression.

Skills

Coaching experience

Recruitment processes

Working with parents

Player development

Communication skills

IT skills

Adaptability

Education

UEFA B Licence

FA Talent Introduction to Talent Identification

Degree in Sports Coaching or related subject

Degree in education or teaching

Job description

Organisation Swansea City AFC Salary Competitive Location Swansea Contract type Permanent (Full time) Closing date 30 October 2026 Job Description JOB TITLE Lead Pre-Academy Coach

DEPARTMENT Academy

RESPONSIBLE TO Head of Academy Coaching

SALARY Competitive (dependent on experience)

Contract Full-time (40 hours)

Job Purpose

To lead and manage the recruitment and development of high potential players within the Pre-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.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Qualifications

Essential

• DBS check undertaken
• UEFA B Licence
• FA Talent Introduction to Talent Identification

Desirable

• 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

Essential

• 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.

Desirable

• Experience of working in a Pre Academy.
• Experience in a Foundation Phase.

Attitude/Behaviours

• 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.
• Strong team ethos.

CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK REQUIREMENT

This role will require an Enhanced DBS Check.

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.E qual Opportunity is an integral in the process,