At a Glance
- Tasks: Coach the next generation of football talent and develop your coaching skills.
- Company: Join Birmingham City Football Club, a leader in football development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, mentoring, and access to professional qualifications.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent growth opportunities in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in football while advancing your coaching career.
- Qualifications: UEFA B licence required; passion for diversity in coaching is essential.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 31500 £ per year.
Professional Player to Coach Scheme (PPCS) 2026-2027 Season
Contract Type: 23-month fixed-term
Location: Birmingham City Football Club PLC, Knighthead Performance Centre, Redhill Road, Kings Norton, Birmingham, B38 9EJ
Salary: £31,500 per annum, 37.5 hours
Closing Date: 5th June 2026
In partnership with the Premier League, PFA and EFL, Birmingham City are delighted to offer a 23-month fixed-term, full-time Academy coaching role to support the development of the next generation of football coaches as part of the Professional Player to Coach Scheme 2026/27. The scheme is open to all, and we particularly welcome applications from individuals from Black, Asian and mixed heritage backgrounds, as they are underrepresented amongst the coaching roles that exist across the professional game.
The development programme role will see the right candidate split their time between the Academy coaching programme at Birmingham City Football Club and the Premier League’s accredited Coach Development Programme. This will help gain experience across the coaching pathway and work with multi-disciplinary teams.
The development opportunity will include:
- Mentoring and tailored support within your coaching development.
- Immersive learning experiences.
- Workshops, peer learning and reflective practice.
- Access to FA/EUFA qualification (dependent on needs and subject to availability).
- A diploma in Professional Football Coaching from Leeds Beckett University (on completion of all programme elements).
The coaching role involves:
- Coaching players transitioning within the Professional Development Phase programme in line with the club’s playing philosophy and coaching programme.
- Helping the coaching team to maximise the development of our players progressing through the Birmingham City Football Club Academy and ensure alignment of player development across the phase.
Essential criteria:
- PFA member
- Registered on or completed the UEFA B licence as a minimum.
- No prior full-time 1st team or Academy coaching at a Premier League or EFL club.
- FA Safeguarding Certificated, Emergency First Aid and enhanced DBS (to be completed prior to role commencement).
- A role model and ambassador for diversity in the game.
Desirable criteria:
- Experience of coaching a team or group of players on a regular basis
- UEFA A Licence.
- FA Safeguarding Certification.
How to Apply:
Click this link and follow the application process - Professional Player to Coach Scheme. Reasonable adjustments are available for applicants with a disability; please contact Jay Henderson for further support in applying for this role.
Please submit a two-part cover letter along with a CV:
- Part 1 (max 500 words) to demonstrate how you fulfil the “What We’re Looking For” criteria.
- Part 2 (max 500 words) to answer all the following questions.
Key Dates:
- Application Deadline: Wednesday 10th June
- Email Applications and Queries to: Jay Henderson (jay.henderson@bcfc.com)
- Assessment Activities: Part 1 w/c 15th June 2026
- Assessment Activities Part 2 w/c 22nd June 2026
- PPCS Induction, Lake District September 2026 (4 days)
Birmingham City Football Club and the Premier League, PFA and EFL are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. Reasonable adjustments are available for applicants with a disability. Please contact Jay Henderson (jay.henderson@bcfc.com) if you would like to discuss this further.
Professional Player to Coach Scheme in Birmingham employer: Birmingham City Football Club
Birmingham City Football Club offers an exceptional opportunity for aspiring coaches through the Professional Player to Coach Scheme, located at the state-of-the-art Knighthead Performance Centre in Birmingham. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, the club provides tailored mentoring, immersive learning experiences, and access to prestigious coaching qualifications, ensuring that employees can grow both personally and professionally in a supportive and dynamic environment. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to developing the next generation of football talent.
Contact Details:
Birmingham City Football Club Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Professional Player to Coach Scheme in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get chatting with coaches, players, and anyone in the football scene. Attend local matches or coaching workshops to make connections that could lead to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, let your enthusiasm for coaching shine through. Share your vision for player development and how you can contribute to the club's philosophy.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the club’s history and coaching style. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals. We want to see that you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Birmingham City family.
We think you need these skills to ace Professional Player to Coach Scheme in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know the Criteria:Before you start writing, take a good look at the essential and desirable criteria. We want to see how you tick all the boxes, so make sure you highlight your qualifications and experiences that match what they're looking for.
Craft Your Cover Letter Wisely:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Split it into the two parts as requested, and be sure to structure your responses clearly. We recommend using headings to make it easy for the reviewers to find what they need.
Show Your Passion:In your application, let your enthusiasm for coaching and diversity in football come through. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about the role and can articulate their motivations for applying.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of everything. Plus, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Jay Henderson for support.
How to prepare for a job interview at Birmingham City Football Club
✨Know Your Coaching Philosophy
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your coaching philosophy and how it aligns with Birmingham City's playing style. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've implemented this in past experiences, even if they were informal.
✨Showcase Your Commitment to Diversity
As a role model for diversity in the game, it's crucial to articulate your understanding and commitment to inclusivity. Prepare examples of how you've promoted diversity in your previous roles or how you plan to do so in this position.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and coaching approach. Think about challenges you've faced in coaching and how you overcame them, particularly in developing players from diverse backgrounds.
✨Engage with the Club's Values
Research Birmingham City Football Club's values and recent initiatives. During the interview, reference these to demonstrate your genuine interest in the club and how you can contribute to their mission, especially in the context of the Professional Player to Coach Scheme.
