Job Description
About The Role
Job Role: Lead Youth Development Phase Coach (u13-u16)
Hours: Full-Time
Salary: Competitive
Walsall FC is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Lead Youth Development Phase Coach to join our Academy Coaching Department.
This is a key role within our coaching team, responsible for implementing, monitoring and developing the Academy coaching programme in the Youth Development Phase age groups. You’ll work closely with the Academy Manager, Head of Coach Development, coaching colleagues and performance team to optimise player development and create a bespoke pathway for the players at the Academy. We're looking for someone with a proactive and organised approach, who thrives in high-pressure environments and is passionate about coaching in Youth Development.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities:
- To work closely with the Academy Manager/Head of Coach Development to ensure that the vision and philosophy of the Academy are implemented.
- To be responsible for the management and direction of the club's Youth Development Phase Programme.
- To ensure that players graduating to the Professional Development phase do so with a high degree of technical and tactical ability.
- Assist the Professional Development Phase lead with planning, delivery and review of training (where required) and games (when available depending on YDP games schedule) to ensure a strong player pathway from Youth Development Phase to Professional Development Phase.
- Supervise the Youth Development training, day release and games programme.
- To organise the promotion of any youth phase players to older age groups.
- Responsible for reporting and monitoring of performance, recording, reporting and evaluation of Academy Players in the phase.
- Supervise, monitor and evaluate part-time coaches working with the phase.
- To attend any meetings with fellow coaches, parents and children where appropriate.
- To attend fortnightly Youth Phase & Foundation Phase meetings.
- To assume responsibility for care of materials, equipment and facilities.
- To develop your own skills by attending CPD coach education courses and any in-service training that is organised by the club.
- Be aware of and follow the procedures for recording accidents.
- Complete all work / tasks to deadline in a timely manner.
- All other duties that may be reasonably required to support the effective delivery of the Academy programme.
- Demonstrate the Academy & wider club values and behaviours at all times.
- To abide by and promote sound ethics and club policy, child protection, fair play and equal opportunities at all times.
- Ensure that you are well briefed about any special needs of the participants involved i.e. medical condition/disabilities etc.
- Be aware of the club’s Child Protection policy, Health and Safety policy and Emergency procedures and take responsibility for Health and Safety aspects during training/games.
About The Candidate
Person Specification:
Qualifications & Experience:
- UEFA A Licence Qualification
- FA Advanced Youth Award
- FA Level 2 Emergency First Aid in Football (EFAiF)
- FA Safeguarding Children Course
- Must satisfactorily pass an FA DBS Enhanced check
- FA Talent Identification Level 2
Personal Qualities & Skills
- Interpersonal skills - must be a consistent team performer and able to forge excellent working relationships.
- Have a polite and courteous manner and personable approach.
- Enthusiastic and forward thinking.
- Can offer solutions to problems, using initiative and common sense.
- Willing to work in high pressure situations.
- Confident, positive and happy speaking / interacting with people.
- Be organised and have good time management skills.
- Highly numerate with good attention to detail.
- Honest, reliable and trustworthy at all times.
- A willingness to learn and develop through CPD opportunities.
Safeguarding & Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI):
- To adhere to safeguarding and child protection policies, ensuring the welfare of children and young people.
- Behave inclusively and respectfully, reflecting the positive EDI values of the Club.
- All employees must undergo suitable DBS checks through the Club.
About The Club
Walsall Football Club, founded in 1888, is a place full of passion and pride, with a rich history having had exciting moments in both the lower divisions and the second tier of English football. Since moving to the Bescot Stadium in 1990, we've celebrated promotions, including two stints in the second tier in 1961 and 2001, and a memorable League Two title win in 2007.
We’re committed to inspiring our community, offering a sense of belonging, pride, and aspiration. We are guided by our core values of Excellence, Service, Discipline, and Ambition, creating opportunities for people to connect, grow, and achieve both on and off the pitch—making WFC an exciting and welcoming place for volunteers to get involved and make a difference.
