Job Description
Full job description
Overview
CPS Football Academy is one of the North West's leading technical football development academies, delivering high-quality coaching to players aged 3–15 across multiple venues in Bolton.
As we continue to grow, we are looking for an experienced and ambitious Lead Coach to help drive standards across our coaching programme. This is a leadership role for someone who is passionate about player development, takes ownership of sessions, and can lead and support other coaches while delivering an outstanding experience for every player and family.
We are looking for someone who leads by example, communicates confidently, and is committed to maintaining the high standards that define CPS Football Academy.
Hours
This is currently an evening-based coaching position, with opportunities for additional hours through camps, events, and future academy growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver high-quality football coaching sessions.
- Take overall responsibility for the smooth delivery and organisation of sessions.
- Lead, support and manage other coaches during sessions.
- Ensure CPS coaching standards and session expectations are consistently implemented.
- Monitor player development, engagement and progression.
- Welcome new players and parents, providing a professional first impression.
- Help convert trial players into long-term academy members through excellent coaching and communication.
- Build positive relationships with players and parents, acting as the main point of contact during sessions.
- Track attendance and report player numbers accurately.
- Take responsibility for academy equipment and, where required, transport equipment using the academy van.
- Assist with coach mentoring, feedback and maintaining a positive coaching culture.
- Contribute to the continued growth and development of the academy.
What We're Looking For
Essential:
- UEFA C Licence (minimum requirement).
- Experience coaching youth football players.
- Experience leading coaching sessions independently.
- Strong leadership and communication skills.
- Confident managing other coaches within a session environment.
- Professional, reliable and organised.
- Passion for developing young players and maintaining high coaching standards.
Desirable:
- UEFA B Licence.
- Experience working within an academy or player development environment.
- Experience managing or mentoring coaching staff.
- Full UK driving licence and confidence driving a van.
- Ambition to continue progressing within football coaching.
What We Offer
- Competitive hourly rate based on experience and qualifications.
- Leadership role within one of the region's leading technical football academies.
- Regular CPD and coach development opportunities.
- Supportive, ambitious and professional coaching environment.
- Opportunities for additional coaching hours through camps, events and academy expansion.
- The chance to play a key role in shaping the future of a growing football academy.
At CPS Football Academy, we believe great coaching goes far beyond delivering sessions. We're looking for leaders who can inspire players, support fellow coaches, uphold high standards, and help create an environment where every player can reach their potential.
To apply, please send your CV along with a brief summary of your coaching experience, qualifications, and why you believe you'd be a great fit for the Lead Coach role.
Pay: £25.00-£35.00 per hour
Experience:
- Football coaching: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:
- DBS Certificate (required)
Work Location: In person
CPS Football Academy is a leading technical football development academy based in Bolton, providing professional football coaching for children of all abilities across Greater Manchester. We specialise in technical player development, helping young footballers improve their confidence, ball mastery, decision-making, movement, and overall understanding of the game within a positive and professional environment. Our sessions are designed to bridge the gap often seen in grassroots football by delivering high-quality coaching focused on individual development, attention to detail, and long-term progression.
Founded by coaches with experience working within professional football environments, including academy football, CPS Football Academy has built a strong reputation for delivering engaging, high-energy football training sessions that challenge and inspire players. We offer weekly outfield and goalkeeper coaching sessions, football camps, girls football sessions, and age-specific development programmes for children ranging from foundation phase beginners through to advanced academy-level players. Every session is built around creating “The Football Environment” — a culture that promotes hard work, professionalism, respect, discipline, confidence, and enjoyment of the game.
At CPS Football Academy, we believe every player deserves access to elite-level football coaching in a supportive setting where they can develop at their own pace. Our mission is to empower young players through professional coaching, expert guidance, and a genuine passion for player development. Whether a child is taking their first steps into football or striving to reach academy level, our goal is to help every player unlock their potential both on and off the pitch.