Lead YDP Coach & PDP Support Coach

Lead Youth Development Phase Coach (U13–U16) & PDP Support Coach

Club

Chippenham Town FC

Department

Academy

Reporting to

Academy Manager / Head of Coaching

Contract

Full-time, permanent
Salary: Competitive
Start date: August (or as agreed)

Working hours

A mixture of daytime, evening and weekend work, including training sessions, matchdays, meetings and fixtures. Flexibility is essential.

Role purpose

The Lead Youth Development Phase (YDP) Coach will be responsible for leading the delivery and ongoing development of the club’s Youth Development Phase programme (U13–U16), ensuring a high-quality, player-centred environment aligned with the Club’s playing philosophy and development principles.

In addition, the role will support the Professional Development Phase by working part-time with the U18 full-time scholarship programme, assisting PDP coaches in the on-pitch development of scholars and supporting effective transition from YDP to U18 football.

Key responsibilities

Youth Development Phase leadership (U13–U16)

• Lead the planning, delivery and review of the YDP coaching programme in line with the Club’s playing philosophy and long-term player development model.

• Set and maintain high standards of coaching practice, behaviour and professionalism across the YDP age groups.

• Coordinate YDP coaches to ensure clarity of roles, consistency of approach and high-quality session delivery.

• Lead the implementation of a structured plan–do–review process across training and matches.

• Support player recruitment, retention and progression in collaboration with academy staff.

Coaching delivery

• Take day-to-day responsibility for a designated YDP age group, including session planning, delivery and matchday leadership.

• Design and deliver engaging, challenging and age-appropriate learning environments that support technical, tactical, physical and psycho-social development.

• Work collaboratively with sports science, medical and player care staff to ensure an integrated approach to player development.

Coach development & CPD (YDP)

• Lead coach development within the Youth Development Phase, supporting the growth and progression of YDP coaching staff.

• Plan and deliver internal CPD sessions, workshops and practical coach development activity aligned to the Club’s coaching philosophy.

• Observe coaching sessions across the phase and provide constructive, developmental feedback.

• Support coaches with planning, reflection and continuous improvement practices.

• Work closely with the Academy Manager / Head of Coaching to identify individual coach development needs and succession planning opportunities.

U18 scholarship programme support

• Support PDP coaches within the full-time U18 scholarship programme during daytime training sessions.

• Deliver individual, unit and positional coaching sessions aligned to PDP priorities.

• Assist with the transition of players from YDP into the scholarship programme, ensuring continuity of coaching principles and expectations.

• Communicate effectively with PDP staff regarding player progress, training loads and development focus areas.

Individual development & administration

• Lead the creation, delivery and review of Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for players within scope.

• Contribute to player review meetings and development discussions with clear, evidence-based feedback.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records, including session plans, evaluations, attendance and reports using Hudl and TMA.

Communication & relationships

• Build strong, professional relationships with players, parents/guardians and staff.

• Communicate expectations, feedback and development priorities clearly and consistently.

• Support positive parental engagement in line with academy policy.

General responsibilities

• Comply with all Club policies and procedures, including health and safety, safeguarding and equality policies.

• Promote and uphold the Club’s values, behaviours and professional standards at all times.

• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with players and staff.

• Maintain confidentiality and act with integrity at all times.

• Undertake such other duties as may reasonably be required within the scope of the role.

Safeguarding & welfare

• This role carries a specific safeguarding responsibility.

• The post-holder must comply with all safeguarding policies and procedures.

• Any safeguarding concerns must be reported in line with Club policy.

• The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check.

Person specification

Essential

• UEFA B Licence (minimum requirement).

• Proven experience coaching within an academy or elite youth football environment.

• Strong understanding of Youth Development Phase coaching methodology and player development.

• Experience planning, delivering and reviewing high-quality coaching sessions.

• Ability to support and develop other coaches through observation, feedback and CPD activity.

• Strong organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.

• Competent using performance analysis and planning platforms (Hudl / TMA).

• A strong commitment to safeguarding, player welfare and professional standards.

• Must live within a commutable distance of no more than one hour from Chippenham. Applicants who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.

Desirable

• UEFA A Licence or actively working towards.

• Experience supporting U18 or scholarship-age players within a full-time programme.

• Experience leading or coordinating coaching staff within a development phase.

How to Apply

Closing date: Friday 17th April 2026

Applications are to be sent by email to Recruitment@chippenhamtown.com.. Applications should include a covering letter (max. 1 page) on the experience you have that makes you suitable for the role and should be accompanied by a current CV. . 

Due to the high volume of applicants we receive, if you have not been contacted one month after applying, please assume your application has been unsuccessful. We reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of any of our job vacancies if we receive a suitable number of quality applications from which to make a shortlist.