Head Academy and U21s Goalkeeping Coach

About the Coaching Team: 

Our Coaching Team are passionate about developing talent at all levels, from our youngest Academy members to the first team. Our holistic coaching philosophy emphasises technical skills, tactical awareness, mental resilience, and sportsmanship.  

We prioritise open communication with players and their families, providing regular updates on training progress and development opportunities. Join us in elevating the standard of coaching at Sunderland AFC, where every player is encouraged to grow, excel, and love the game! 

The Opportunity: 

The Head of Academy and U21 Goalkeeping Coach is a pivotal leadership role responsible for shaping and driving the club’s goalkeeping vision across the Academy and U21 programme. This individual will lead the strategic development of goalkeepers and goalkeeping coaches, creating a clear pathway that supports player progression from youth football to the professional game.

Working closely with senior football staff, the successful candidate will implement a unified coaching philosophy that aligns with the club’s overall football strategy, ensuring excellence in technical, tactical, physical and psychological development. They will take direct responsibility for the development of the U21 goalkeepers, preparing them for the demands of senior football and supporting their transition into the first team environment.

The role also encompasses talent identification and recruitment, performance analysis, innovation in coaching practice, and the effective use of technology and sports science to enhance player development. As the leader of the goalkeeping department, they will inspire and mentor coaching staff, foster a high-performance culture, and ensure safeguarding and player welfare remain at the heart of everything they do.

Through collaboration with recruitment, medical, sports science and first team staff, the Head of Academy and U21 Goalkeeping Coach will play a key role in building a sustainable pipeline of elite goalkeeping talent while positioning the club as a leader in goalkeeper development.

What We Ask For: 

The successful candidate will hold a UEFA Goalkeeping A License (or equivalent advanced coaching qualification) and have extensive experience coaching goalkeepers within elite youth and/or professional football environments, ideally in a Premier League or Category One Academy setting. They will demonstrate strong leadership and people management skills, alongside a proven understanding of long-term player development and talent progression.

Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills are essential, as is the ability to build positive relationships across multidisciplinary teams. Candidates should possess a strong understanding of safeguarding and player welfare, be confident using performance analysis and data systems to inform development, and have good proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

We are seeking an innovative and forward-thinking coach with a commitment to continuous improvement, professional development and excellence in goalkeeper development.

An Enhanced DBS from Sunderland AFC is required.