BCWFC U21 Head Coach

Please note, this role involves weekend work and requires flexible working hours in line with the team training schedule. Bristol City WFC is the only professional women’s football team in the South West of England. The club operates an Emerging Talent Centre for girls aged 10-16, a Category 1 Professional Game Academy and a fully professional first team who are based at the Robins High Performance Centre. At BCWFC, we are committed to growing our team with top-quality staff who share our passion for excellence and innovation. Joining our dynamic team means becoming part of a supportive and forward-thinking environment where your skills and expertise will be valued and nurtured. We believe in continuous improvement and professional development, ensuring that our staff are equipped with the latest knowledge and techniques in the field. If you are driven, enthusiastic, and ready to make a significant impact in women's football, Bristol City WFC is the perfect place for you to thrive and contribute to our ongoing success.

ROLE SUMMARY

Bristol City Women’s Professional Game Academy is seeking a dedicated and experienced U21 Coach to join our team on a full-time basis. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in developing our young athletes, focusing on their technical, tactical, physical, and psychological growth. As the U21 Coach, you will lead and manage the team during training sessions, matches, and tournaments, fostering a positive and disciplined team culture. In this role, you will collaborate closely with coaches of lower age groups to ensure a consistent coaching philosophy across the academy. Additionally, you will align with the senior first team’s ways of working, creating a seamless transition for players moving up the ranks. The ideal candidate will hold a UEFA A Licence (or be working towards it) and possess strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of women’s football at Bristol City.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Player Development: Develop and implement training programs tailored to the needs of U21 players. Focus on technical, tactical, physical, and psychological aspects of player development. Monitor and assess player progress, providing constructive feedback and individual development plans.
• Team Management: Lead and manage the U21 team during training sessions, matches, and tournaments. Foster a positive team culture, promoting teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. Coordinate with other coaches and staff to ensure a cohesive approach to player development.
• Match Preparation and Strategy: Analyse opponents and develop match strategies to optimize team performance. Prepare players for matches through tactical drills and game simulations. Make in-game decisions to adapt strategies based on match dynamics.
• Mentorship and Support: Provide mentorship and guidance to players, helping them navigate challenges both on and off the field. Support players in their academic and personal development, ensuring a balanced approach to their growth.
• Collaboration and Management of Colleagues: Manage and mentor the U21 assistant coach, providing guidance and support to ensure effective collaboration and development. Work closely with other academy staff, volunteers and interns to foster a collaborative and supportive coaching environment. Participate in regular meetings and discussions to align on coaching strategies and player development plans.
• Administrative Duties: Maintain accurate records of player performance, attendance, and progress, working closely with the Operations Coordinator. Communicate effectively with parents, guardians, and other stakeholders. Ensure compliance with all academy policies and procedures. Stay updated with the latest coaching methodologies and best practices. Attend coaching courses, workshops, and seminars to enhance coaching skills. Implement innovative training techniques to keep the program dynamic and effective.
• Knowledge Sharing and Club Alignment: Collaborate with coaches of lower age groups to share knowledge and best practices. Ensure a consistent coaching philosophy and methodology across all age groups. Align closely with the senior first team’s ways of working to create a seamless transition for players moving up the ranks.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• UEFA A Licence (or currently working towards it)
• Proven experience in coaching youth football teams, preferably at the women’s U21 level
• Strong leadership and motivational skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• In-depth understanding of football tactics, strategies, and player development
• Ability to analyse match performance and provide constructive feedback
• Ability to adjust coaching methods to suit different players and situations
• Familiarity with sports analysis software and tools for performance tracking
• Experience in mentoring young athletes and supporting their holistic development
• Proficiency in maintaining accurate records and managing administrative tasks
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to collaborate easily and effectively with colleagues and stakeholders
• Valid driving license

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

Bristol City Football Club is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to endorse this commitment. Note: Due to the nature of the role, any job offer is dependent on a DBS check. All information will be kept by the Safeguarding Officer in strictest confidence.

EQUALITY STATEMENT

The successful candidate must ensure a positive commitment towards equality and diversity by treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation or harassment of any description and to promote positive working relationships between all internal and external stakeholders.