Lead Youth Development Phase Coach

About the role

The Lead Youth Development Phase Coach is responsible for the strategic and day‑to‑day leadership of coaching, player development and coach support across the Youth Development Phase (U13‑U16). This role blends hands‑on coaching with phase‑wide oversight to deliver a consistent, high‑quality programme aligned with the club’s playing philosophy.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, deliver and evaluate training sessions that reflect the Academy’s game principles and development philosophy for U13‑U16 groups.
• Act as the lead coach for a designated age group, handling matchday coaching, team selection and in‑game management.
• Ensure all YDP coaches deliver sessions consistent with best practice in long‑term player and athletic development.
• Coordinate weekly and seasonal training, fixture and tournament schedules, and manage staffing ratios for sessions and matches.
• Lead 6‑weekly player and parent reviews, and organise player progress meetings with the multidisciplinary team.
• Mentor and support YDP coaches through regular 1:1s, observations, feedback and CPD workshops.
• Assist coaches in obtaining UEFA coaching badges and identify further development opportunities.
• Oversee the planning and implementation of Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for all YDP players.
• Collaborate with Foundation and Professional Development Phase leads to ensure a coherent player pathway.

Required profile

• Proven experience coaching youth football players in the U13‑U16 age range.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor and manage a team of coaches.
• Strong understanding of long‑term player development principles and the club’s playing philosophy.
• Experience planning and delivering Individual Development Plans.
• Excellent communication skills for engaging with players, parents, and multidisciplinary staff.
• Relevant coaching qualifications (e.g., UEFA coaching badges) or a clear pathway to obtain them.

Required skills