Job Description
Location: Croydon, South London (and surrounding boroughs)
Basis: Freelance / Self-Employed
Hours: Primarily weekday evenings and Sundays
About SMART SPORT
SMART SPORT is a family-focused grassroots football club based in Croydon, committed to developing young people through football.
Our philosophy is simple:
“Better players, even better people.”
We want our players to improve technically and tactically, but just as importantly to develop confidence, discipline, teamwork, resilience and a genuine love of the game.
We are looking for enthusiastic and dependable coaches who share that philosophy and want to make a positive difference in the lives of young people.
The Role
As a SMART SPORT Football Coach, you will deliver engaging, structured and enjoyable football sessions for children and young people.
We are looking for coaches who can bring energy, enthusiasm and positivity to every session while maintaining high standards of organisation, professionalism and player welfare.
You will primarily coach at venues across the London Borough of Croydon, with sessions taking place on weekday evenings and Sundays.
Depending on experience and availability, opportunities may include weekly training, matchday coaching and involvement in wider SMART SPORT development programmes.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and deliver structured, engaging football sessions appropriate to the age and ability of the players.
- Develop players technically, tactically, physically and socially.
- Create a positive environment where young people feel encouraged to learn, compete and enjoy football.
- Promote the SMART SPORT values of teamwork, discipline, respect and personal development.
- Provide constructive feedback and support individual player development.
- Be punctual, organised and diligent in preparing for training and matches.
- Communicate professionally with fellow coaches, players, parents and club officials.
- Maintain appropriate standards of safeguarding, player welfare and safety.
- Support the club's wider objective of developing better players and even better people.
Qualifications & Experience
Ideally, applicants will hold:
- FA Level 1 / Introduction to Coaching Football or an equivalent recognised coaching qualification.
- FA Level 2 / UEFA C Licence is preferred and particularly welcomed.
- A recognised first-aid certificate
- Previous experience coaching children or young people in grassroots football is desirable.
- Priority will be given to candidates who hold an existing DBS certificate
Above all, we are looking for the right character.
You should be reliable, punctual and well organised, with the ability to bring energy and enthusiasm to sessions and build positive relationships with young people.
Successful applicants will also need to meet the club's appropriate safeguarding and background-check requirements before commencing coaching duties.
Coach Development
SMART SPORT wants its coaches to develop alongside its players.
We will support coaches through ongoing CPD, mentoring and development opportunities, including membership of the Surrey Football Coaches Association, providing access to additional coach education, CPD and mentoring opportunities, including events hosted at professional football clubs.
We particularly welcome ambitious coaches who want to continue developing their qualifications, knowledge and experience while contributing to a growing community football club.
What We Offer
This is a paid freelance / self-employed coaching opportunity with the potential for regular coaching hours across SMART SPORT programmes.
More importantly, you will be joining a supportive, family-focused club where coaches are encouraged to have a genuine influence on the young people they work with.
If you are passionate about football, dependable in your approach and believe coaching should be about developing the person as well as the player, we would be pleased to hear from you.
SMART SPORT COACHING LTD
Better players, even better people.
Pay: £10.00-£15.00 per hour
Expected hours: 1.0 – 6.0 per week
Work Location: In person
