Academy Coach- Professional Player to Coach Scheme

Job Title

Academy Coach – Professional Player to Coach Scheme

Department

Academy

Reports to

Head of Coach and Player Development

Location

Cambridge United Training Grounds

Salary

£27,500 per annum

Hours

40 hours per week

Role Summary

Cambridge United, in partnership with the Premier League, PFA and EFL, is offering a 23-month, full-time Academy coaching role, to support the development of the next generation of football coaches as part of the Professional Player to Coach Scheme 2026/27.

The scheme is open to all, and we particularly welcome applications from individuals from Black, Asian and mixed heritage backgrounds, as they are underrepresented groups amongst the coaching roles that exist across the professional game.

You’ll split your time between Academy coaching at Cambridge United and the Premier League’s accredited Coach Development Programme. You’ll gain experience across development phases and work with multi-disciplinary teams.

Your development journey will include:

Mentoring and bespoke support

Immersive learning experiences

Peer learning

Access to FA/UEFA qualifications (based on development need and subject to availability)

On successful completion of all programme elements, you’ll be awarded a Diploma in Professional Football Coaching from Leeds Beckett University.

You’ll split your time between Academy coaching at Cambridge United and the Premier League’s accredited Coach Development Programme. You’ll gain experience across development phases and work with multi-disciplinary teams.

Your development journey will include:

·        Mentoring and bespoke support

·        Immersive learning experiences

·        Peer learning

·        Access to FA/UEFA qualifications (based on development need and subject to availability)

Key Job Outcomes

·        Plan and deliver training sessions aligned to the coaching curriculum and playing philosophy of Cambridge United FC

·        Support Individual Development Plans (IDPs) by contributing to and attending player and parent review meetings (every 6–12 weeks), providing clear and constructive feedback

·        Work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team (MDT), contributing to collaborative planning, consistent communication, and the holistic development of players across all phases.

·        Manage matchdays in line with the academy development approach, including:

·        Player selection

·        Allocation of game time

·        Positional decisions to support development

·        Attend staff training and in house club CPD

Maintain accurate and up to date records by: Support and training provided in the role

·        Completing Kitman Labs, registers, training activities and player selection

·        Uploading session plans

·        Uploading matchday plans and reviews

Skills, Knowledge, Qualifications & Experience

Required

Desirable

PFA member

x

Registered on, or completed, the UEFA B Licence as a minimum

x

No prior full-time 1st Team or Academy coaching role at a Premier League or EFL club

x

FA Safeguarding Certificate, Emergency First Aid, and Enhanced DBS (to be completed prior to role commencement)

x

Experience of coaching in one, or more, of the following environments: grassroots, community, education, development centre or part-time academy football settings

x

Experience of coaching a team or group of players on a regular basis

x

Experience of holistic youth development activities within, or beyond, sport

x

UEFA A Licence or FA Advanced Youth Award

x

Personal Qualities/Attributes

A drive to coach in the professional game

x

Passion for player development & developmentally appropriate learning environments

x

Commitment to fulfilling duty of care for children, young people, and adults in healthy, high-performance environments

x

Resilience and commitment to high-performance environments

x

Excellent communication and relationship-building skills

x

A desire to be a role model and ambassador for diversity in the game

x

Application Instructions

Interested applicants should apply by submitting their application form, CV and Cover Letter on Breathe HR, link provided on the club website.  Please upload your PFA membership number as part of application. Applications which do not include all documents will not be reviewed.

Application Closing Date

Thursday 21st May 2026

Interview Date(s)

First stage interviews: Thursday 28th May 2026

Second stage interviews: Monday 1st June and Tuesday 2nd June 2026  

Start Date

1st July 2026

Mission, Vision & Values

Mission

Cambridge United aspires to compete at the highest level of the English Football League, whilst operating a financially sustainable football club embedded within the heart of its community.

We are custodians with a collective responsibility to protect and enhance the Club for future generations.

Vision

Creating Memories 

We engage current and future generations of supporters by creating memorable moments.

Driving Standards & Performance

We will evolve by driving standards and performance through self-reflection and education.

Enhancing Lives

We are an inclusive Club that is United in Endeavour to enhance lives through the power of sport. 

Values

We engage positive and inspiring characters who are committed to serving and strengthening our community, by adopting our 3 keys values.

Teamwork  We achieve more through working together than alone and are United in Endeavour.

Hard Work We are committed to learning and working towards our pursuit of excellence in everything we do.

Humility  We will celebrate each other’s successes and recognise that no individual is greater than the collective.

Employability Statement

Cambridge United FC is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff.  We aim to create a supportive and inclusive working environment in which all individuals can make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit.

Safeguarding Statement

Cambridge United FC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.

For those positions where a criminal record check (DBS) is identified as necessary, this will be carried out in line with other safer recruitment checks.

The post holder will be required to undergo Safeguarding training periodically.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Cambridge United FC is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from disabled candidates. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

We aim to create a supportive and inclusive working environment in which all individuals can make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit. We do not discriminate based on age, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religious or political belief or affiliation, trade union membership, gender, gender reassignment, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, sexual orientation, disability, socio-economic background or any other inappropriate distinction or characteristic covered by the Equality Act 2010.

EDI Form – Voluntary

https://forms.office.com/e/WkrhMHMzzL [CJ1]