Head Coach - Youth Soccer Academy

Placements24; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus

Medical aid

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Head Coach for a renowned youth soccer academy in Gauteng. The role focuses on developing a high-performance youth program, implementing a coaching philosophy, and overseeing age-group teams to drive competitive success while prioritizing player growth.

The successful candidate will design training, mentor staff, and work closely with management, staff, and parents to ensure holistic player development across technical, tactical, physical, and personal

Qualifications

• Proven experience as youth soccer coach.
• Coaching certifications relevant to youth development.
• In-depth knowledge of soccer tactics and training for various ages.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to motivate and inspire young athletes.
• Experience in talent identification and recruitment.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement age-appropriate training programs aligned with the academy’s philosophy.
• Lead and mentor assistant coaches, providing guidance and development opportunities.
• Oversee all on-field training sessions to develop technical and tactical proficiency.
• Manage team logistics including scheduling matches, travel, and equipment.
• Scout and recruit talented young players to join the academy.
• Conduct player evaluations and provide constructive feedback for development.
• Foster a positive culture emphasizing discipline, sportsmanship, and teamwork.
• Communicate progress with players, parents, and academy stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Youth development

Talent identification

Recruitment

Child psychology

Soccer knowledge

Flexibility

Education

SAFA Pro License or equivalent

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned youth soccer academy located in Tembisa, Gauteng, is seeking an experienced and dedicated Head Coach to lead their elite youth development program. This crucial position requires a passionate individual committed to nurturing young talent and fostering a positive, high-performance environment. The Head Coach will be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive coaching philosophy, overseeing all training sessions, and managing age-group teams to achieve competitive success while prioritizing player development. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of aspiring young athletes and contribute significantly to the growth of soccer in the region. The successful candidate will work closely with academy management, support staff, and parents to ensure a holistic approach to player growth, encompassing technical skills, tactical understanding, physical conditioning, and personal development.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement age-appropriate training programs that align with the academy's coaching philosophy.
• Lead and mentor assistant coaches, providing guidance and professional development opportunities.
• Oversee all on-field training sessions, ensuring technical and tactical proficiency is developed.
• Manage team logistics, including scheduling matches, travel arrangements, and equipment.
• Scout and recruit talented young players to join the academy.
• Conduct player performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback for development.
• Foster a positive team culture that emphasizes discipline, sportsmanship, and teamwork.
• Communicate effectively with players, parents, and academy stakeholders regarding player progress and team activities.
• Stay abreast of the latest coaching methodologies and trends in youth soccer development.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a youth soccer coach, with a strong background in player development.
• Relevant coaching certifications (e.g., SAFA Pro License or equivalent).
• In-depth knowledge of soccer tactics, techniques, and training methodologies for various age groups.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate and inspire young athletes.
• Experience in talent identification and recruitment.
• Understanding of child psychology and effective youth development strategies.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required for training and matches in Tembisa.
• A genuine passion for youth development and the game of soccer.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive remuneration package, including a performance-based bonus structure, comprehensive medical aid, and opportunities for continuous professional growth through advanced coaching courses. Employees also benefit from a supportive and collaborative work environment, access to state-of-the-art training facilities, and the immense satisfaction of contributing to the development of future sporting stars within the Leisure & Sports domain. The academy provides a strong community feel and encourages a healthy work-life balance for its dedicated staff.