Job title: Head of Coach Development (HOCD)
Location: Pompey FC Academy Training Ground, Portsmouth and Various locations
Hours of work: Full time ; Permanent role: 37.5 hours per week
Department: Academy (Coaching)
Reports to: Academy Manager
Remuneration : £38,000 per annum
Role summary
Portsmouth FC are seeking to recruit a forward thinking and experienced player and coach developer to become the Head of Coach Development (HOCD). An individual whom would embody the values of Portsmouth – Stronger Together, Passionate, Proud and Honest.
The Head of Coach development will be responsible for the implementation, management and appraisal of the academy coaching staff. Manage the coaching pathway and the ensuring coaching delivery aligns with the academy’s playing and coaching philosophy. You will play a pivotal role in overseeing the delivery of an established coaching programme. Collaborating with the Head of Academy and Phase Leads to support the culture at Portsmouth football club. You will be expected to provide 1:1 coaching to develop the individual coach’s skills through completion and use of staff observations and appraisals, Training Needs Analysis (TNA), Development Action Plans and the coach competency framework (CCF) to ensure players and coaches are appropriately developed, challenged, and supported to maximise their potential.
Demonstrating exemplary behaviours, strong communication skills and extensive experience in an academy, you will lead; an innovative CPD programme, developing on a culture of curiosity. Striving to aid staff knowledge and support every aspect of player development from the Pre-Academy to the Professional Development Phase.
You will be adept in collaborating with staff and offering reasoned analysis of player, team and phase performance to support player recruitment and retention. As a senior member of the Academy Leadership Team, you will be expected to contribute to meaningful coaching discussions within the club’s Technical Board and help implement and review the Academy Performance Plan to ensure the Academies strategic goals are met.
Key Relationships and Requirements of the role:
Internal : Academy Leadership, Coaching, Operational and Multi-Disciplinary Staff.
External : Parents, Local clubs, Scouts, Regulatory bodies, Link organisations.
Requirements:
The appointed coach must have the:
Desirable Skills & Qualifications
Guidance to consider
Please consider the below before applying:
To apply send your CV and cover letter to Lina Small – HR@pompeyfc.co.uk, no later than 5 pm on 27th February 2026.
If you don’t hear from us within 7 days of your application submission, please consider that your application was unsuccessful.
At Portsmouth Football Club we are committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and we aim to build an accurate picture of the make-up for our talent pools. Therefore, we ask that you submit the information on the below link to ensure we are always attracting a broad and diverse range of exceptional talent from all areas of society. Responses are anonymous and the data gathered will be used to inform our future initiatives but filling in this form is voluntary
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We promote an equal, diverse, and inclusive workplace and weare committed to providing the best experience for our colleagues. As a business we aim to be as representative of as many sections of society as possible, and for each colleague to feel respected and able to give of their best every day. We ensure that we treat people the right way, promote respect and believe that making the most of our differences is the key to the success of our business.
We take a robust approach to modern slavery and human trafficking and our organisation is absolutely committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking in our corporate activities, and to ensuring that our supply chains are free from slavery and human trafficking.
Safeguarding
Portsmouth Football Club is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We are committed to ensuring that any club related activity will be in a safe environment where children, young people and adults at risk are protected from harm or abuse whilst under our care.
We acknowledge that every child, young person, or adult at risk who plays or participates in football should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from poor practice and abuse. Portsmouth Football Club recognises that this is the responsibility of every adult involved in our club.
We must always respect the dignity and spirit of all people, including children, young people and adults at risk. Treat everyone fairly, encourage a supportive and positive environment to promote healthy competition, skill development, fun and achievement. Avoid contact or conduct that may be interpreted or defined as inappropriate.
Health and Safety
Portsmouth Football Club is committed to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all employees, contractors, visitors, and others who may be affected by our operations.
As part of this commitment, you are expected to take reasonable care for your own health and safety, as well as that of others. You must comply with the company’s health and safety policies, procedures, and any legal requirements relevant to your role. Together, we aim to maintain a safe and supportive environment that promotes the welfare and security of everyone involved in our activities.
Data Protection
The Club process all personal data collected during the recruitment process in accordance with complies with Data Protection Act (2018) and GDPR. Data collected as part of the recruitment process is held securely and accessed by, and disclosed to, individuals only for the purposes of managing the recruitment exercise effectively. All data that is deemed unnecessary will be disposed off at the end of recruitment process in line with our GDPR procedure.
Portsmouth Football Club, also known as Pompey, are a professional football club located in Portsmouth, England.