Youth Pathway Lead - Women's Football

Sheffield United Football Club is seeking a driven and experienced Youth Pathway Lead to provide strategic oversight and drive the development of both players and coaches. This role is crucial in ensuring seamless alignment across our youth pathway, including the Emerging Talent Centre (ETC), with the Club's overarching Game Model.

The successful candidate will be instrumental in cultivating a high-performance environment where players are not only technically and tactically proficient, but also possess the character and adaptability required to thrive in the modern game.

Key Role Responsibilities:

Youth Pathway / Emerging Talent Centre:

• Lead all aspects of the ETC programme
• Lead and manage all youth academy staff and ETC staff, Identifying appropriate continuous professional coach development opportunities for the group and individuals.
• Work with the Academy Operations Manager to ensure appropriate communication of schedule (times/dates) at which specific elements of the coaching programme and match day programme will be delivered (and any amendments to this schedule), in relation to the Youth Pathway and ETC
• Support the Academy Manager in creating IDPs for both Youth Academy and ETC players
• Plan, develop and co-ordinate a suitable games programme in relation to the Youth Academy and ETC.
• Develop good relationships with local grassroots teams and the local community and county FA.

Under 21's:

• Work in close collaboration with Academy Manager & Under 21's Head Coach to support the progression of players through the pathway to the senior team.
• Support the U21's Head Coach with the delivery of coaching and training sessions

Academy Wide:

• Work in collaboration with the Academy Manager to develop a coaching framework which aligns with the Club Game Model.
• Provide leadership, in conjunction with the Academy Manager to the academy's MDT staff.
• Attend fixtures for other clubs in our region to be able scout players from other clubs
• Implement and maintain the Club appropriate standards, practices and procedures, referred to as 'The Blades Way', for the safe and effective operation of the Academy's Squad. Creating a high-performance environment and values-based culture that maximizes the potential of players and staff.
• Work in collaboration with the Academy Manager to plan a season long Academy curriculum which includes an on-pitch training curriculum that is aligned with the Club's Game Model.
• Work with the Academy Manager to implement a robust talent identification and recruitment strategy, to ensure we consistently have the highest caliber of local talent within our player development.
• Attend training sessions across all age groups and fixtures as required.
• Develop an Academy wide CDP programme

Club Wide Responsibilities:

• To adhere to all Sheffield United Football Club's Safeguarding Policies and Procedures to foster an environment which protects from harm those defined as children and adults at risk.
• To report any concerns of a Safeguarding nature to the relevant parties and remain fully compliant with any applicable Safeguarding checks and due diligence and recognise your responsibility to the Club's Safeguarding agenda.
• To report any concerns of discrimination to the relevant parties and promote a welcoming and inclusive club environment for all.
• To adhere to the Club's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies, supporting the Club to create an environment which is inclusive and all-encompassing.
• To carry out/take part in training requests as directed by the Club.

Closing Date: Friday 21st March 2024.
Please note that in the instance of high volumes of applications we may close this vacancy earlier than the closing date noted above.