At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop the Youth Development Phase for aspiring female footballers aged U12–U16.
- Company: Join Aston Villa Football Club, a leader in girls' youth football development.
- Benefits: Attractive remuneration package and amazing staff benefits.
- Other info: Flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of young female players in a supportive and professional environment.
- Qualifications: UEFA A Licence or FA Advanced Youth Award, plus experience coaching elite young female players.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Department: Football Division – Girls Academy Department
Hours of Work: Full-time, 35 hours per week (with flexibility to work during evenings and weekends, including matchdays)
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: Attractive Remuneration Package depending upon experience
Location: Bodymoor Heath Training Ground
Closing Date: Friday 26 June 2026
The Department
Our Girls Academy Department has established itself as a leader in girls youth football development, consistently delivering the highest standards in coaching, education and training across 10 teams with players aged U10 – U21. We are committed to nurturing talent and creating a supportive and professional environment and we are proud of the role we play in shaping the next generation of female footballers as demonstrated in our recent success with our U21s winning the Professional Game Academy Plate.
To support our continued growth and success of our programme, we have a new opportunity for an experienced Coach to join the team, leading the Youth Development Phase (YDP), covering the U12–U16 age groups.
The Role
Working as a Lead YDP Coach, you will be responsible for the management and direction of the Club’s YDP Phase as well as implementing, monitoring and developing the delivery of the Academy Coaching Programme into the YDP age groups in line with the High-Performance Plan. You will assist the Professional Development Phase (PDP) staff with planning, delivery and review of training and games to ensure that there is a strong player pathway from YDP to PDP and organise the movement of any YDP players across age groups. You will lead the staff working across the YDP phase and support their development alongside the Head of Coach Development as well as supervise, monitor and evaluate part-time coaches working within the phase. You will also supervise the YDP training and games programme to ensure it meets the needs of the players across the phase.
Working closely with the Youth Technical Director, Head of Coach Development and wider multidisciplinary team (MDT), you will ensure that the vision, mission and philosophy of the Academy are implemented across the YDP age groups and ensure that lines of communication are clear across the phase and wider MDT.
The Person
This is a great opportunity for a pro-active and forward-thinking Coach who is passionate about shaping the future of aspiring players.
- UEFA A Licence (or working towards) or the FA Advanced Youth Award (or working towards)
- FA Level 1 Emergency First Aid in Football (IFAiF)
- FA Safeguarding Children Course
You must have experience of planning, delivering and monitoring football programmes, as well as experience of coaching young female players at an elite level. You must be able to communicate in a clear and concise manner and be able to multitask and prioritise workload effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. You must be available to work flexibly as this role will require you to work evenings and weekends, and hold a full, UK driving licence with access to your own vehicle.
Why Join Us?
There has never been a better time to join Aston Villa Football Club. Our drive to succeed is visible on the global stage, we are building a family ethos and culture to be proud of, and realising our ambitious plans for the expansion and improvement of our world-class facilities. If you are already excited by this challenge and want to play your part in our historic Club, then you'll be pleased to hear about our amazing staff benefits you'll receive whilst working for us!
As part of your application, you will be asked to:
- Upload your CV
- Answer the following question: Please outline your key skills, qualities and experience which make you the ideal candidate for this role (400 words maximum)
Right to Close Vacancy Posting Early
The Club reserves the right to close any advertised vacancies earlier than the advertised closing date if sufficient applications have been received.
Equality Statement
Aston Villa Football Club celebrates the diversity of its Club and embraces equal opportunities for all. We welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, race, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, sex and religion or belief.
Safeguarding Statement
Aston Villa Football Club is fully committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk across our Club. As such, we adhere to Safer Recruitment processes and for some roles a satisfactory enhanced disclosure via the Disclosure & Barring Service may be required prior to starting in a role at the Club.
Lead Youth Development Phase Coach (Girls Academy) employer: Admin
Aston Villa Football Club is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and professional environment for its staff and players alike. With a strong commitment to employee development and a family-oriented culture, the club offers unique opportunities for growth within the dynamic world of girls' football. Located at the state-of-the-art Bodymoor Heath Training Ground, employees benefit from access to world-class facilities and a vibrant community passionate about shaping the future of female footballers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Youth Development Phase Coach (Girls Academy)
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
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We think you need these skills to ace Lead Youth Development Phase Coach (Girls Academy)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining Admin aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Admin
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Admin, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
