Arsenal Community Coach Development

Arsenal in the Community is dedicated to improving the lives of our local community through the delivery of various programmes across sports, education, health and social inclusion. These programmes embrace a wide variety of community involvement, and they are delivered and received with the same energy and commitment today as when they started over 30 years ago.

The Arsenal Community Coach Development Programme offers a unique opportunity to gain qualifications and experience in coaching football whilst contributing to Arsenal Football Club's community projects in the UK and around the world. Participating coaches will undergo football and education courses alongside practical coaching and teaching experience to reinforce the delivery of learning materials.

The programme is a yearlong and is split up into two stages...

Stage 1

Starting in September and Based at the Arsenal Hub right next to the Emirates Stadium, coaches will gain qualifications and experience with Arsenal in the Community, predominantly in football coaching but also classroom-based projects. During this time our coaches will also undertake a timetable of activities working within local schools and community projects, as well as gaining insight into other areas of the club. This will provide the main bulk of their practical training.

Please note that Stage 1 is unpaid and requires travel to the Arsenal Hub and the surrounding area (namely Islington, Hackney and Camden) 5 days a week for seven months, often during peak hours. It is essential that volunteers are able to cover their own expenses, including accommodation and travel, as Arsenal will not be able to contribute towards these costs.

Stage 2

Upon successful completion of Stage 1 and after an individual review, Coaches can be offered a placement with one of our community projects overseas. Each placement will be for a period of up to 3 months.

Placements will depend on the coach fulfilling the necessary visa requirements of the intended destination country. If a coach does not want to travel abroad, they can choose to stay in London for a further period of 3 months, to undertake a bespoke work programme that allows them to continue their development and supports them towards achieving their next step beyond the programme.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with the planning and delivery of first-class coaching at designated projects using the Arsenal in the Community philosophies and training methods.
• Support the Session Lead of the group you are allocated to, ensuring all appropriate policies and procedures from the Club or those of any host organisation are adhered to.
• Liaise with teachers and parents/guardians in a professional manner, directing questions to an appropriate person of authority at Arsenal in the Community and/or any host organisation.
• Lead and assist with session delivery across our range of Arsenal in the Community projects.
• Completing and submitting any necessary documentation following a session or event, including registers and the recording of incidents or information that Arsenal in the Community and/or the host organisation should be made aware of.
• Ensure the health and safety of all sessions.
• Commit to a programme of Coach Education training sessions and Development Reviews with the Project Coordinator(s) when requested.
• Ensure all documentation is provided in a timely manner for enrolment onto the programme, as well as for all UK and overseas placements, courses or other needs as requested by the Project Coordinator(s).
• Complete any additional tasks set by the Project Coordinator(s).

Education/Qualifications/Training:

The Arsenal Community Coach Development Programme is open to everyone from school leavers to those wanting a career break or seeking to take the first steps to a career in football coaching.

Desired Experience:

• Some experience of community/youth focused projects.
• Experience of or willingness to adapt to new, unfamiliar surroundings.
• Some experience of volunteering and/or working with children and youth.

Skills/Knowledge/Interests:

• Interest in coaching children and youth of all abilities of various ages.
• Knowledge of the Arsenal in the Community methods and philosophies and Club Vision and Values (training to be provided).
• Good organisational skills.
• Good communication skills with adults and children.
• Ability to respond to unforeseen challenges effectively, with a calm, considered approach.
• Committed and 'can-do' attitude.
• Flexible approach to work within a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work within a team and take responsibility as an individual.
• Good literacy and numeracy skills.
• Language skills are an advantage.

Please note, this is a voluntary role and there is a £600 programme fee to cover the expenses for your training in London.

Arsenal FC believes that diversity of background, skills and experience drives our success on and off the pitch. We encourage applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and mixed-heritage candidates. We are committed to the principle of equal opportunity for applicants and employees and aim to appoint on merit from a diverse talent pool.