Academy Youth Development Phase Coach

⚒️ Academy Youth Development Phase Coach

(Age group to be determined upon appointment: U14s – U16s)

⚽ Department: Football

👤 Responsible to: Head of Coaching and Player Development

📍 Location: Chadwell Heath, Little Heath & Rush Green Training Grounds

⏱ Hours: 37.5 hours per week

📄 Contract: Full-Time

💬 Salary: To Be Discussed at Interview

⚒️ Join Our Academy

West Ham United is committed to building a high-performance Academy environment that supports the development of young players both on and off the pitch.

We are currently seeking an Academy Youth Development Phase Coach to lead the development programme for one of our Youth Development Phase teams (U14–U16).

The specific age group will be determined upon appointment based on the needs of the Academy.

🎯 Job Purpose

The Academy Youth Development Phase Coach will lead the coaching and development of players within the Youth Development Phase, ensuring the highest standards of training, match preparation and holistic player development in alignment with the Academy philosophy.

The successful candidate will:

⚽ Lead the development programme for an allocated age group

📈 Support the progression of players toward the Professional Development Phase

🤝 Work collaboratively with the multi-disciplinary team (MDT)

🏟 Contribute to creating a high-performance development environment

📋 Key Responsibilities

⚽ Player Development & Coaching

• Plan, deliver and review high-quality training sessions, matches and tournaments for the assigned age group

• Lead and oversee Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for all players

• Provide regular feedback and guidance to support player development

• Design and deliver individual and small-group programmes addressing technical, tactical, physical and psychological needs

🤝 Collaboration & Alignment

• Work closely with MDT staff including sports science, medical, psychology, education and player care

• Support alignment across the Youth Development Phase and wider Academy pathway

• Maintain strong links with Foundation Phase and Professional Development Phase staff to support player transitions

📊 Performance Monitoring

• Analyse match performances and identify development priorities

• Maintain accurate training records, match reports and player data within the Club’s performance systems

• Contribute to player retain/release discussions supported by evidence-based feedback

🏆 Academy Culture

• Contribute to the Academy’s learning culture through CPD, staff meetings and reflective practice

• Support Academy projects and development initiatives

• Model the Club’s values and professional standards in all environments

📈 Key Performance Indicators

✔ Deliver consistently high-quality training sessions aligned with the Academy coaching philosophy

✔ Ensure measurable progression of players through the Individual Development Plan (IDP) process

✔ Demonstrate effective collaboration with MDT staff to support player outcomes

✔ Align the age group programme with the Academy curriculum and 11v11 game model

✔ Maintain compliance with Premier League and FA operational standards

✔ Contribute to staff development and the Academy learning culture

🎓 Qualifications

• UEFA A Licence

• Advanced Youth Award

• EFAiF Certification (in-date)

📑 Compliance Responsibilities

• Engage in ongoing CPD and maintain relevant coaching qualifications

• Operate in line with Club policies, Premier League regulations and FA standards

• Ensure compliance with data protection and GDPR requirements

• Ensure performance and player data are recorded accurately and in a timely manner

Safeguarding Commitment

We’re committed to safer recruitment and safeguarding children and adults at risk. This role is subject to enhanced DBS checks.

Benefits on offer (may vary based on contract type and location)

• 25 days annual leave plus your birthday off
• Pension and life insurance
• Healthcare cash scheme
• Travel season ticket loan
• Cycle to work scheme
• Priority access to apply for match tickets
• Discounted season tickets
• Staff discounts in the club store, café and our official partners products and services
• Discounted gym membership and onsite fitness room facilities
• Family friendly leave policies
• Company Social events

EDI Statement

• The successful candidate must demonstrate a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, aligning with the organisation’s business and tactical approach to eliminating barriers and addressing inequity. You agree to actively contribute to creating a discrimination-free and inclusive environment, ensuring equitable access to opportunities and benefits, while fostering a culture of dignity and respect that enables everyone to perform and achieve their potential.

• Candidates must demonstrate their capability and willingness to uphold best practices and procedures, promoting lasting positive change while eliminating biases and barriers to attracting, achieving, and supporting talent from all communities, regardless of background, circumstances, or protected characteristics.

Safeguarding

• The successful candidate must demonstrate a commitment to the safety and welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk of harm across all stakeholders. Everyone, including third parties who work with the Club or the West Ham Foundation, is responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals. Successful candidates must undergo essential background checks before starting their employment, which may include screening of social media. The type of DBS check required will depend on the responsibilities of the position and may be basic, standard, or enhanced.

• The successful candidate agrees to proactively identify and respond appropriately to any concerns, and follow the Club's Safeguarding reporting procedures to report allegations of abuse, poor practice, or anything that may impact the welfare of a child, young person, or adult at risk without delay, within 24 hours, or as otherwise directed by the Club’s or the West Ham Foundation Safeguarding Team.