Pre Academy Head Coach

Job Location Academy Training Ground, BR3 1NZ
Contract Type Full-time
Salary/ ROP Competitive
Deadline Monday 14th July 2025


Who we are:


We are Crystal Palace Football Club, a Premier League Football Club with more than 160 years of proud history. Spread across three different sites - our London office, Selhurst Park stadium, and our Training Ground/Academy, we offer the best atmosphere and culture for our fans and our employees
We strive for excellence in the workplace with a philosophy of high standards, professionalism, and a strong work ethic from our employees. We are constantly trying to grow, diversify and build with not only our team on the pitch, but also our team in the offices and on the ground.



About this role:


Crystal Palace Football club is seeking a passionate, skilled and forward-thinking Pre-Academy Lead Coach to support the holistic development of young players aged 6 -8. The successful candidate will demonstrate the club values and behaviours through a strong commitment to long term player development, safeguarding, inclusivity and coaching excellence. The role plays a key part in identifying and nurturing potential future academy players while creating an environment where every child feels valued and inspired.



Responsibilities:

• Deliver high quality, age-appropriate coaching sessions in line with Crystal Palace FC pre-academy syllabus and vision.

• Manage and coach the U7/8s Pre-academy age groups in terms of training and fixture scheduling.

• Maintain high standards of professionalism, integrity, and child welfare always.

• Foster a challenging, fun and positive environment that prioritizes learning over results.

• Build positive relationships with players, parents and guardians promoting transparency and trust.

• Support the LTAD via Technical, tactical, physical, psychological, and social development of young players.

• Collaborate with academy scouts, coaches, and support staff to monitor player progression and assist with transition into the Academy programme.

• Take part in and complete all required academy CPD as part of the role.

• Manage coaches within the U7 and U8 age groups including our emerging talent centres.

• Build, maintain and enhance relationships with South London grass roots clubs, private academies and local school football.

• Other duties and responsibilities as required by line manager.

• Upholding and promoting the Club policies and procedures, including Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities policies and procedures.

Experience, Skills and Qualifications:

Essential

• FA Level 2 / UEFA B License

• Extensive knowledge and a network of South London Grassroots football, including clubs, Private programmes, schools, players and private academies.

• FA Safeguarding Certificate

• FA Emergency First Aid

• Extensive experience and knowledge of age-appropriate Learning.

• Excellent communicator

• Enthusiastic and energetic personality

• Boundary pushing pre academy visionary.

Desirable

• UEFA A Licence

• FA Advanced Youth Award (5 - 11s)

• Experience of coaching the Foundation Phase (6 - 9 age groups especially) preferably in a professional club setting.

• Ideally from a south London location

• An existing network within South London grassroots football

Benefits:

• Complimentary match day ticket

• Reward and Discount Scheme through our Tech Scheme and Simple Health app

• Health and Wellbeing benefit scheme

• 20% Discount in our Retail Stores

• Discounts in various gyms through GymFlex

• Volunteering Day - 1 Workday off to support a charity of your choice.

• Travel Season Ticket loan

• Holiday allowance that increases every year of service

Our commitment to Equality

At Crystal Palace Football Club, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion is spirited and continues to grow due to the working environment, which makes all staff feel appreciated and welcomed. Crystal Palace Football Club do this by encouraging good relations and practices towards different groups and are committed to promoting employment opportunities that celebrate diversity.

We are committed to attracting, recruiting, and retaining the most talented candidates and the club intends to ensure that everyone who wishes to engage with the club, whether as matchday fans, staff, players, board members, participants in Foundation programmes and any other person engaged with the club's activities, has a real and equal opportunity to do so.


Reasonable Adjustment

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer. We guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role, ensuring equitable opportunities for everyone.

If you require disability-related adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact DLO@cpfc.co.uk (DLO inbox is for disability-related queries only, if you wish to gain further information regarding this vacancy, please contact cpfc.recruitment@cpfc.co.uk). We are here to help you through the whole recruitment process including trying to apply for a vacancy, getting in touch with us through the process, and/or helping with access in case you are required to come in for an interview.


Safeguarding

Crystal Palace Football Club is committed to safeguarding and ensuring the welfare and protection of children and vulnerable people and expects all staff to share this commitment. As such, the post holder will be required to undergo any relevant security checks, including a comprehensive background check, Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to ensure the safety and protection of children and vulnerable individuals.

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