At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and coordinate youth development programmes for U15 footballers, ensuring effective training and match preparation.
- Company: Join the prestigious Aston Villa Football Club, a leader in youth football excellence.
- Benefits: Attractive remuneration, flexible working hours, and access to world-class facilities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young athletes' lives while developing your coaching career.
- Qualifications: UEFA A Licence, FA Advanced Youth Award, and proven coaching experience required.
The predicted salary is between 32040 - 39160 £ per year.
Department: Boys Academy Coaching and Development Team
Hours of Work: Full-Time (flexibility to work evenings and weekends is required)
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: Attractive Remuneration Package depending upon experience
Location: Bodymoor Heath Training Ground
Closing Date: Friday 25 September 2026
The Department
Our Boys Academy Department is proud to be a prestigious Category One Academy which reflects our commitment to delivering excellence across all areas of youth football including coaching, education, training, and facilities. We are dedicated to supporting and nurturing the next generation of elite footballers.
As we continue to build on our success, we are thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity for Youth Development Phase (YDP) Coach to join the team, working specifically with the U15 age group.
The Role
Working as YDP coach, you will lead, manage and coordinate the delivery of the Academy YDP development programs for the U15 age groups, as well as leading on preparing, coaching, managing training and matches. You will ensure all sessions are planned and delivered in line with the technical programme, Coach Code of Conduct and Academy Performance Plan.
You will collaborate and help manage the U15/U16 school release programme, coordinating closely with the Under 16 coaching staff, Education Department, parents, schools and transport to ensure smooth and effective delivery, whilst leading parent and player review meetings. You will also work closely with the wider multi-disciplinary team (MDT) to ensure a holistic approach towards player development including the Performance Analysis team and Medical and Sports Science Staff.
The Person
We are seeking an experienced and dedicated coach with a desire to help our players fulfil their full potential. You must hold the following:
- UEFA A Licence
- FA Advanced Youth Award or working towards
- Current Emergency First Aid in Football (EFAiF)
You must have a proven track record in the development of players and coaches, ideally within a similar role within a Category 1 – 2 Academy, as well as have demonstrable experience of planning, delivery and monitoring of elite football programmes. You must have strong people management skills and be dedicated to the continuous self-improvement and development.
You will have strong organisation skills and the ability to multi-task and prioritise workload effectively in a fast-paced environment. You must be available to work flexibly as this role will require you to work evenings and weekends, and you should ideally hold a full, UK driving licence.
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: a) Please outline your key skills, qualities and experience which make you the ideal candidate for this role (500 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 embrace 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.
Youth Development Phase Coach (Boys Academy) employer: Aston Villa Football Club
Joining the Aston Villa Foundation as a Youth Engagement Officer means becoming part of a passionate team dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of young people in Birmingham. With a strong focus on employee development, a supportive work culture, and the opportunity to work within world-class facilities, you will find a rewarding environment that values innovation and community engagement. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that every voice is heard, making this an exceptional place to grow your career while contributing to meaningful change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Development Phase Coach (Boys Academy)
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
Even though you’re after a full-time role, don’t underestimate internships or volunteering in sports organisations. These positions not only give you hands-on experience but can also lead to permanent openings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your face known in the industry!
✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for sports job fairs and career expos specific to the recreation management field. These events are goldmines for meeting hiring managers from organisations like Aston Villa Football Club. Bring your A-game and be ready to chat about how you can contribute to their team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
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We think you need these skills to ace Youth Development Phase Coach (Boys 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 Aston Villa Football Club 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 Aston Villa Football Club
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Aston Villa Football Club, 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.
