Lead Football Coach – 5–7 Beginners

Full job description

Location: Horsforth School
Contract: Part-Time / Paid
Pay: Above National Minimum Wage, dependent on experience and qualifications

About THA

At THA Football Centres, we believe football should be fun, engaging and purposeful.

Our sessions are designed to develop players technically, physically, socially and psychologically while creating an environment where children enjoy football and want to keep coming back.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Lead Football Coach to lead our 5–7 Beginners programme.

This role is particularly suited to a coach who combines good football knowledge with personality, energy and the ability to engage and manage larger groups of children.

For this age group, delivering a technically good session isn't enough. You need to be able to command a group, build relationships, create energy and make football exciting.

The Role

As Lead Coach, you will take responsibility for planning and delivering high-quality sessions for beginner players aged 5–7.

You will lead larger groups of children, creating a structured but enjoyable environment where players feel confident to participate, make mistakes and develop.

You will work within THA's coaching curriculum while bringing your own personality and coaching style to every session.

Key Responsibilities

Session Delivery

• Lead engaging, energetic and age-appropriate sessions for children aged 5–7.
• Deliver sessions in line with THA's coaching curriculum.
• Develop fundamental football skills including ball mastery, dribbling, passing, receiving and finishing.
• Introduce basic principles of the game through age-appropriate activities.
• Adapt activities to different abilities and confidence levels.
• Keep players active and involved throughout the session.
• Maintain a strong balance between learning and enjoyment.

Group Engagement & Personality

This is a key part of the role.

You must be confident leading larger groups of children and able to capture and maintain their attention.

We're looking for a coach who can:

• Bring genuine personality and enthusiasm to every session.
• Command a group positively and confidently.
• Use humour, energy and creativity appropriately.
• Build quick relationships with players.
• Make every child feel involved.
• Keep children engaged and active.
• Adapt communication to different personalities and needs.
• Create memorable football experiences.

We want coaches who can walk onto a pitch and own the room.

Player Development

• Develop technical football skills and confidence.
• Encourage decision-making and problem-solving.
• Introduce players to basic game understanding.
• Provide positive and constructive feedback.
• Recognise individual differences in ability.
• Help players develop independence and confidence.

Group & Behaviour Management

• Maintain structure and discipline within larger groups.
• Set clear expectations and boundaries.
• Use positive behaviour management strategies.
• Keep sessions moving and minimise downtime.
• Deal confidently and appropriately with challenging behaviours.
• Ensure every player receives attention and opportunities to participate.

Session Organisation

• Arrive prepared and ready to coach.
• Set up and pack away equipment.
• Ensure sessions run on time.
• Maintain high standards of organisation and professionalism.
• Complete any required session reviews or feedback.

Coaching Development

At THA, we believe great coaches are developed, not simply recruited.

You will receive:

• Structured coach training.
• Regular Coach CPD.
• Coach observations and feedback.
• Coach metrics to monitor your development.
• Mentoring from experienced THA coaches.
• Opportunities to take on additional responsibility and progress within THA.

We expect our coaches to take ownership of their development, respond positively to feedback and continually improve.

Safeguarding & Safety

• Maintain a safe environment for all players.
• Follow THA safeguarding and health & safety procedures.
• Ensure equipment is safe and appropriate.
• Follow THA policies and operational standards.
• Report any safeguarding or welfare concerns appropriately.

Essential Requirements

• Full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle – essential.
• Previous experience working with children aged 5–7 or similar age groups.
• Experience leading and managing groups of children.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Confident and engaging personality.
• Ability to maintain children's attention and engagement.
• Reliable and punctual.
• Professional attitude and strong work ethic.
• Passion for football and developing young players.
• Willingness to engage in THA training, CPD and coach development.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience

• FA Introduction to Coaching Football / FA Level 1 or higher.
• Previous football coaching experience.
• Experience coaching beginner or foundation-phase players.
• First Aid qualification.
• Safeguarding qualification or relevant experience.
• Experience managing larger groups of children.

We value coaching qualifications, but personality, presence and the ability to engage children are equally important to us.

What THA Offers

Competitive Pay

We aim to pay above National Minimum Wage, with rates dependent on experience, qualifications and coaching ability.

Coach Development

Structured training and ongoing CPD to develop your coaching knowledge and delivery.

Coach Metrics

Clear coaching metrics, observations and feedback to help you understand and improve your performance.

Mentoring & Support

Work alongside experienced coaches who will support your development.

Career Progression

Opportunities to progress into additional coaching responsibilities, Lead Coach positions and wider roles within THA.

THA Coaching Curriculum

Work within a structured curriculum designed to provide consistency and quality across THA Football Centres.

The Person We're Looking For

If you're someone who can stand in front of a group of 5–7-year-olds and immediately get them listening, smiling, moving and wanting to play, this could be the role for you.

We don't want robotic coaching.

We want coaches with personality, energy and presence who can deliver quality football while making children excited to come back next week.

You should be confident, organised and able to take responsibility for a session while still being open to feedback and development.

Pay: £12.71-£15.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Company events
• Employee mentoring programme
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person