Football Coach (Sessional vacancy for Sports College)

Full job description

JOB TITLE: Sports College Coach

REPORTING TO: Head of Football Operations

LOCATION: Heywood Sports Village (OL10 4TW), plus home and away fixture locations

HOURS: Sessional (circa 10 hours per week on average)

REMUNERATION: Sessional fee

ROLE DESCRIPTION:

Founded in 1907, Rochdale AFC is an established professional football club, who will compete in The National League for the 2025/26 season, alongside FA Cup and FA Trophy knockout competition commitments. We are involved in a broad range of sporting, commercial, and charitable activities, with a controlling stake in the club recently acquired by The Ogden Family.

To strengthen and further develop our technical staff, we are looking to recruit a Sports College Coach, who ideally will have previous experience in a similar role. The role will be sessional, covering both training and fixtures for our Sports College participants. This is a great opportunity to be part of a multi-disciplinary team.

The successful candidate must hold a minimum FA Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Football, although a strong preference will be given to those holding at least a UEFA B Licence qualification. Demonstrable experience in a similar environment would be advantageous, and with sessions taking place on weekday late mornings / early afternoons, the successful individual must be available at these times.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

o Play a leading role on matchday, including technical, tactical, and physical preparation.

o Play a key role alongside the wider technical staff in training session design / delivery.

o Work in close partnership with teaching staff to support educational development.

o Periodic communication with all staff to ensure quality and continuity of provision across all individuals.

o Commitment to undertaking continual professional development in order to maintain an up to date understanding of best practice.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

ESSENTIALS

FA coaching qualifications at an appropriate level.

Relevant emergency aid and safeguarding certificates.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Team player, with the ability to work independently.

‘NICE TO HAVE’S’

Experience in a professional football environment.

Able to cultivate positive relationships quickly with 16-19 year olds.

Ability to drive a minibus.

Based in or around Greater Manchester.

From time to time, the successful applicant may be asked to assist with activity essential to club operations that is not outlined in the above day to day duties. The successful applicant must carry out his/her duties with due regard for Rochdale Association Football Club Limited policies and procedures, and act in the best interest of Rochdale Association Football Club Limited at all times.

The successful applicant must ensure a positive commitment towards equality and diversity by treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation or harassment of any description and to promote positive working relations.

The Rochdale AFC family is wholly committed to safeguarding, and promoting the welfare and safety of young people. We fully expect our Board, employees, and volunteers to demonstrate and communicate this commitment at all times. As such, a DBS check will be required in order to undertake this post.