Head of Academy Goalkeeping

Job Title:                     Head of Academy Goalkeeping  

Reports to:                  First Team Goalkeeping Coach 

Location:                     Training Ground – Jersey Road                      

Department:                On Field

Sub-department:        Academy

The Club

Brentford FC is a bit different from other Premier League football clubs. We put our fans first, we are a true community club and while we are financially sustainable, we are not afraid to take calculated risks. We take huge pride in our environment and culture within the Club which focuses on development, inclusion and not being afraid to think differently. 

Being progressive, humble and respectful while sticking together as one team across the

Club guides how we work and the decisions we make each day. 

We also firmly believe that a diverse workforce is a better workforce which will help us develop ideas, solve problems and ultimately grow Brentford FC. 

We play in a new stadium, 15 minutes from Heathrow in vibrant west London.

We will never forget where we have come from, but we are excited about the future that lies ahead. 

Job Overview

The Role of Head of Academy Goalkeeping 

The successful candidate will lead the Academy Goalkeeping Department, being responsible for designing and implementing the Academy Goalkeeping strategy, coaching curriculum, training programme and provision for all age groups. The Head of Academy Goalkeeping will be responsible for the management of all Academy goalkeeping coaching staff and is required to work as part of an inter-disciplinary team to support the development of all Academy goalkeepers.

Key Responsibilities

• To lead the design and implementation of Academy Goalkeeping strategy, curriculum, training programme and provision for all Academy age groups (Pre-Academy-B Team) working closely with the 1st Team Goalkeeping Coach to ensure an aligned methodology

• To work as part of an interdisciplinary team to holistically develop all Academy goalkeepers and make decisions in the best interest of player development and the club to ensure an aligned way of working

• To work in line with Academy strategy and purpose

• To lead the implementation of IDP and feedback processes for all Academy goalkeepers working in line with club IDP model

• To create analysis processes to support off field development of all Academy goalkeepers

• To assist with the implementation of player assessment and pathway planning processes working alongside Head of Academy Football Development and Assistant Head of Academy Football Development

• Line manage all Academy goalkeeping staff supporting them to be effective and successful in their roles

• To create processes for organising training programmes and match selections for all Academy goalkeepers to ensure decisions are made in the best interest of player development and in line Academy pathway plans

• To track, monitor and utilise key data to support goalkeeper development on club and EPPP systems as directed by senior Academy and club staff

• Be a key stakeholder and to have input into retain and release decisions for all Academy goalkeepers

• To work with the recruitment department to support the identification, recruitment and retention of potential talent

• To be part of feedback processes for Academy goalkeepers with parents and stakeholders as required

• To develop a culture amongst Academy goalkeeping staff to support an interdisciplinary way of working with each age group

• To work with the Head of Academy Football Development and Assistant Head of Academy Football Development to create a coach competency framework specifically for goalkeeper coaches and support the development of Academy goalkeeping coaches with their DAP’s

• To create a CPD programme for Academy goalkeeping staff working alongside Head of Academy Football Development and Assistant Head of Academy Football Development

• To assist with the management of coaching standards within the Academy ensuring coaches adhere to training and playing methodologies

• To build relationships and work closely with 1st team Goalkeeping staff adhering to requests to support an aligned way of working

• To create a weekly staffing schedule to ensure there is appropriate goalkeeping provision for each Academy age group (Pre-Academy-B Team) for both training and games

• To provide on field coaching cover for Academy goalkeeping sessions as required

• To complete any additional tasks as requested by the 1st Team Goalkeeping Coach

• To complete any additional tasks as requested by senior Academy staff

• To contribute to the evolution of Academy and ensure youth development rules and EPPP requirement are met

• To ensure that any concerns you observe, or are raised with you in your role, are shared with the Safeguarding Team through appropriate channels.

Knowledge

• Goalkeeping UEFA B License, (UEFA A License Desirable)

• FA Advanced Youth Award

• Emergency First Aid in Football (EFAiF)

• FA Safeguarding

• Experience of coaching goalkeepers across a variety of age groups across Academy age groups

• Understanding of how to work as part of an interdisciplinary team

• Understanding of how to lead and manage a programme and staff

• Understanding of youth development rules and EPPP standards

Specialist Skills

• Expertise of how to deliver age-appropriate goalkeeper coaching sessions

• Expertise of Talent ID for goalkeepers

• Understanding of how to design training programmes and coaching curriculums

• Understanding of player assessment and pathway planning processes

• Understanding of how to support coaches’ development and create CPD programmes

• Understanding of how to build relationships to get the best out of staff and perform in their roles

People Skills

• Report into Head of Academy Football Development

• Line manage all Academy goalkeeping staff building relationships and creating an environment where they can thrive challenging them to perform and develop in their roles

• Work collaboratively with age group coaching staff to best support long term player development

• Work closely with Academy Leadership Team playing a key role culturally in shaping the environment to reflect the Academy purpose

• Work closely with 1st Team goalkeeping coaching staff to ensure an aligned approach completing any tasks as requested

• Work closely with recruitment staff completing tasks as requested

• Complete all tasks as directed by Head of Academy Football Development and Assistant Head of Academy Football Development

External Impact  

• Represent the club and self positively with a professional image ensuring the values of Brentford FC and Academy purpose is delivered at all times

• Represent a process driven and club aligned approach to long term player development.

• Act in the clubs best interests at all times

Decision Making  

• Make decisions that support the Academy in achieving its strategy and purpose

• Make decisions in the best interest of the club and long-term player development

• Make decisions that nurture players potential and improves their performance

• Make decisions that support an interdisciplinary approach and the holistic development and wellbeing of players

• Make decisions in line with club pathway and recruitment plans

Innovation.  

• Lead the design and implementation of Academy goalkeeping strategy, coaching curriculum, training programme and provision looking for best ways to affect long term development

• Look for ways in which to develop as a coach and explore new methodologies

• Look for ways in which to gain a competitive advantage on other Academies with regards to player development 

General Club Accountabilities

• To comply with all Club policies, including health and safety, data regulations and other legal, ethical and social requirements

• To build and maintain good working relationships while maintaining a professional image 

• To keep confidential any information gained regarding the Club and its personnel 

• To always maintain a flexible approach to work 

Inclusion Statement  

Brentford FC is proud to be an organisation that values equity, diversity and inclusion. We strive to create a culture that celebrates difference and ensures fairness, safety, representation, and belonging.

We recognise that some groups remain underrepresented in our workforce and are actively working to change this. As part of that commitment, we strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds — particularly those from ethnically diverse communities, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and disabled people.

We’re committed to a fair and inclusive recruitment process, with all decisions made based on merit and suitability — regardless of background or protected characteristic. Should you be selected for interview, we welcome the opportunity to discuss any specific arrangements, accommodations or reasonable adjustments you may require to be made. 

Safeguarding Statement  

Brentford FC is fully committed to promoting equality, and to safeguarding the welfare of all children and adults at risk. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and is a core part of the Club’s culture. All staff and volunteers share a collective duty to create and maintain a safe and supportive environment, both on and off the field.

To ensure this, all staff are required to complete regular safeguarding training appropriate to their role. This training supports a proactive and informed approach to safeguarding practice.

The successful candidate will be expected to understand, adhere to, and actively uphold all relevant safeguarding policies and procedures. This includes recognising signs of abuse or harm, responding appropriately, and reporting any concerns in a timely manner to the Club’s Safeguarding Team.

Brentford FC operates safer recruitment practices. We remind individuals that it is a criminal offence for a person barred from engaging in regulated activity to apply for a role that involves such activity.