Women’s Development Team Head Coach

Stoke City Football Club; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 46,000; Part time

Job summary

A professional football club is seeking a Women’s Development Team Head Coach to lead coaching efforts at the Clayton Wood Training Ground. This role involves spearheading player development, planning training sessions, and collaborating closely with the Women’s First Team coaching staff. Applicants should have significant experience working with elite players, coupled with a strong understanding of women's football pathways. The position requires availability for evenings and weekends, along with a commitment to safeguarding and well-being. Applications are due by January 12th, 2026.

Qualifications

• Track record of high development in players and teams.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends during matches.
• Commitment to safeguarding and welfare of participants.
• Inspirational coaching with a passion for player development.
• Expert knowledge of talent identification processes and methodologies.
• Outstanding leadership and strategic planning skills.
• Previous playing and/or coaching experience within the women’s game.

Responsibilities

• Lead coaching for the Women’s Development Team.
• Plan training and match days for operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with the Women’s First Team Head Coach.
• Build strong working relationships with staff and key stakeholders across the Club.
• Attend media briefings and manage media interactions within boundaries.

Skills

Experience with elite players

Understanding of women's football pathways

Relationship-building skills

Inspirational coaching attributes

Talent identification expertise

Leadership skills

Coaching experience in women's game

Job description

About the Role

Stoke City Football Club of the English Football League is looking for a Women’s Development Team Head Coach to support operations at the Clayton Wood Training Ground. Reporting into the Women’s and Girls’ Performance Director, the applicant will lead the Women’s Development Team and provide players with the best coaching programme and opportunities to progress into the Women’s First Team. The role works in collaboration with the Women’s multi‑disciplinary team and maintains a close working relationship with the Women’s First Team Head Coach.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead the coaching of the Stoke City Women’s Development Team in alignment with the Women’s First Team, supporting player development and establishing a clear pathway to the First Team.
• Create a strong team identity where every player understands expectations, maximising on‑field and off‑field opportunities to build confidence, cohesion and a positive spirit and energy.
• Collaborate closely with the Women’s First Team Head Coach on player recommendations and squad selection, effectively communicating decisions to the coaching team and players.
• Build strong working relationships with Stoke City Women’s staff and key stakeholders across the Club.
• Plan effective training weeks and match days while ensuring operational efficiency.
• Operate to best practice principles to ensure successful campaign outcomes.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the Club and support the delivery of strategic milestones and goals for the Women’s programme.
• Attend media briefings and manage media interactions within agreed boundaries to enhance the reputation of the Club.
• Execute additional tasks as required by the Women’s and Girls’ Performance Director to meet evolving priorities of Stoke City Women’s Team and Stoke City Football Club.

Key Skills, Qualifications and Experience

• Experience working with elite players and coaches, with a track record of high development.
• A strong understanding of the Women’s football pathway and league structures.
• Ability to build effective relationships with coaches and players.
• Inspirational coaching attributes with a passion for player development.
• Expert knowledge of talent identification processes and methodologies.
• Outstanding leadership and strategic planning skills.
• Previous playing and/or coaching experience within the women’s game.

Other Requirements

• Availability to work evenings and weekends to cover matchday fixtures and other ad‑hoc events.
• Positions will be offered on a casual and intermittent basis. All relevant training will be provided.
• The 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.

How to Apply

To apply, please complete and return the application form and equality and diversity monitoring form along with your CV and a covering letter to Human Resources, SCFC Jobs, bet365 Stadium, Stanley Matthews Way, Stoke‑on‑Trent, ST4 4EG or email to [e-mail] quoting ‘WDVFTHC2912SCFCW’ in the subject line. Alternatively, email [e-mail] for an application form.

Closing Date

Closing date for applications is Monday 12th January 2026.

Equality and Diversity Statement

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 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.