Lead Pathway for Potential Coach (U9 - U14) in Birmingham

Business: Birmingham City Football Club.

Location: Knighthead Performance Centre.

Reports to: Academy Technical Director and Assistant Head of Coaching.

Department: Academy Coaching Department.

Purpose of the Post: To lead the day-to-day delivery of the player development programme within the 9-14 Pathway to Potential phase, managing the environment, driving the delivery of Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) within the Head of Coaching’s framework, and implementing progression and movement of players across the pathway. The role is to ensure players are supported, challenged and consistently progress within the phase. Ensures development is lived and supports movement across the pathway.

Key Accountabilities:

• To deliver and monitor the U9 - U14 Development Phase coaching programme within the Head of Coaching’s framework.
• Manage the daily coaching and learning environment for the Pathway to Potential phase.
• Ensure each player within the U9 - U14 Phase group has an active Individual Learning Plan (ILP) that is active, visible and informs daily practice.
• To ensure reviews and player reports are managed and taking place across the season for all U9 - U14 age groups.
• Support with alignment and transition from U9 - U14 Programme to the U15 - U21 Pathway to Professional phase.
• Ensure a high-quality player experience across all Academy settings.
• Support squad selection and player movement across the phase, ensuring appropriate challenge and player progression in collaboration with the Assistant Head of Coaching.
• To support the coaching across all U9 - U14 age groups when required for training and games programme.

Key Relationships:

• Academy Technical Director.
• Academy Manager.
• Head of Coaching.
• Assistant Head of Coaching.
• Academy Coaches.
• Multi-Disciplinary Academy Staff.
• Head of Academy Goalkeeping.

Scope of Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assisting with the successful completion of departmental CSFs/KPIs for U9-U14.
• Communicate and update Academy Technical Director, Academy Manager, Head of Coaching and Assistant Head of Coaching on a regular basis.
• Actively engage in a fully functioning coach development action plan (DAP), Expertise framework and integrated appraisal process.
• Monitor the wellbeing of Academy players at all times liaising with the Club Safeguarding Team.
• To continually drive and maintain good standards within the phase.
• Assist on the management and coordination of logistics within the programme to promote a self-sufficient culture.
• To manage access and promote use of the Football Intelligence Platform for players.
• To be aware of the PL/EFL Youth Development rules and requirements relating to the FP.
• Ensure compliance with all the Policies and Procedures contained within the Staff Handbook, paying particular regard to the Equal Opportunities Policy and Health and Safety Policy and procedures at all times.
• Any other duties commensurate with the grade and falling within the scope of the post, as requested by the Academy Technical Director, Academy Manager, and Head of Coaching.

Prepared by: Mike Rigg (Academy Technical Director)

Date: 8th April 2026

Person Specification:

Essential Requirements:

• UEFA A License.
• FA Advanced Youth Award.
• EFAiF.
• FA Safeguarding certification.

Desirable Requirements:

• Coaching related degree qualification.
• QTS.

Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to deliver high-quality coaching sessions.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships.
• Ability to design and implement a high-quality coaching programme for the age group.
• Experience developing professional football players.
• Experience working within academy football.

Desirable Skills & Abilities:

• Extensive experience developing professional football players.
• Previous experience working within the foundation and youth development phases.
• Previous experience working within senior football.

Personal Requirements:

• A hardworking, honest, and committed individual.
• An individual who puts the player at the centre of their decision making.
• An individual committed to the development of young people.
• An individual committed to enhancing growth and development of the Academy department and wider football club.

Terms of Appointment:

• 37.5 hours per week of which these are hours to suit the needs of the business.
• Employment benefits to include Pension Scheme and Life Assurance.
• Holiday entitlement.
• Probation period to successfully complete and pass.

Special Conditions:

• Applicants will be required to undertake a DBS check, (previously a CRB check).
• Employment offer will be subject to a medical clearance process.
• Employment offer subject to right to work.
• Employment offer subject to references.