At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop the U15–U21 player pathway at Birmingham City FC.
- Company: Join Birmingham City FC during an exciting growth phase in sports.
- Benefits: Be part of a dynamic team with opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young athletes' careers and the future of football.
- Qualifications: UEFA A Licence and experience in elite football environments required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Birmingham City Football Club is on the rise. We are part of an exciting period of accelerated growth and modernisation, playing our part in a once-in-a-generation opportunity to support the transformation of England’s second city as part of the Sports Quarter project. With significant investment across our football, commercial, and community operations, we are rebuilding the Club for long-term success — on and off the pitch. The journey we’re on involves strengthening our structures, elevating our performance environments, growing our teams, and investing heavily in the people, processes, and culture that will define the next chapter of Birmingham City FC.
Application closing date: 29th May 2026 (Due to the urgency of filling this vacancy, suitable candidates will be interviewed as and when they apply and the role will be closed as soon as a suitable candidate has been sourced).
About the Role
Birmingham City FC is seeking an experienced and high-performing Senior Pathway to Professional & U21s Coach (U15–U21) to lead the delivery of our player development programme within the Pathway to Professional phase. This is a pivotal leadership role within the Academy, responsible for leading the Under-21 squad while providing strategic oversight across the U15–U21 programme. Working closely with the Academy Technical Director and Head of Coaching, you will drive the implementation of a high-performance environment that maximises player development, supports progression, and ensures alignment with First Team football.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the Under-21 squad, delivering high-quality coaching in both training and match environments.
- Lead the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) across the U16–U21 phase, ensuring alignment and collaboration.
- Design, deliver, and review coaching sessions in line with the Academy Performance Plan and Club philosophy.
- Drive the implementation and delivery of Individual Learning Plans (ILPs), ensuring they are active, visible, and embedded in daily practice.
- Lead on player succession planning and career development across the U15–U21 pathway.
- Oversee player progression, readiness, and transition into First Team football.
- Manage squad selection and player development across the games programme.
- Monitor Academy players involved in First Team training and match minutes.
- Ensure all player reviews and reporting processes are completed consistently across the season.
- Lead weekly MDT meetings and ensure best practice across all U15–U21 MDT activity.
- Collaborate with First Team staff on player integration, performance, and squad planning.
- Oversee trialists within the pathway, managing evaluation and feedback processes.
- Ensure alignment between Academy and First Team playing principles and methodology.
- Monitor and record training, fixture data, and player engagement through the Football Intelligence Platform.
- Support the achievement of departmental KPIs and critical success factors.
- Maintain a strong focus on player wellbeing, working closely with the Club Safeguarding Team.
What we’re looking for in you
Essential Requirements
- UEFA A Licence.
- FA Advanced Youth Award (or working towards).
- FA Youth Award.
- FA Safeguarding Certification.
- Proven experience working within elite Academy and/or First Team football environments.
- Demonstrable experience in developing professional football players.
- Strong leadership and people management skills across multi-disciplinary teams.
- Ability to design and deliver high-quality coaching programmes across development phases.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Strong understanding of player development, progression, and transition into professional football.
Desirable Requirements
- UEFA Pro Licence.
- Coaching-related degree qualification.
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
- Leadership qualification.
- Extensive experience in professional player development.
- Experience working across youth development and senior football.
- Previous professional playing experience.
Personal Attributes
- Hardworking, honesty, and commitment.
- Player-centred in decision making and approach.
- Passionate about developing both players and coaches.
- Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence and inspire.
- Committed to continuous improvement and high-performance standards.
- Flexible approach to working hours, including evenings and weekends.
Birmingham City FC is proud to be an Equal Opportunities and Disability Confident employer. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to ensuring a fair and inclusive recruitment process. Candidates are assessed solely on merit, regardless of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or caring responsibilities. We value diversity and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. If you require any adjustments to support you during the recruitment or interview process, please let us know when applying.
Senior Pathway to Professional & U21s Coach (U15–U21) in Birmingham employer: Birmingham City Football Club
Birmingham City Football Club is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment that prioritises player development and community engagement. With significant investment in modernising the club and a commitment to fostering a high-performance culture, employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth, collaboration with experienced teams, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the heart of Birmingham's Sports Quarter. Join us in shaping the future of football while enjoying a diverse and inclusive workplace that values every individual's contribution.
Contact Details:
Birmingham City Football Club Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Pathway to Professional & U21s Coach (U15–U21) in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the football world, whether it's coaches, players, or even club staff. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to chat with someone from Birmingham City FC, make sure to express your enthusiasm for player development and the club's vision. Let them see how you align with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching the club's recent developments and their approach to youth coaching. Being well-informed will help you stand out and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨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 FC family.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Pathway to Professional & U21s Coach (U15–U21) in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for football and player development shine through. We want to see how excited you are about the role and how you can contribute to our journey at Birmingham City FC.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in elite Academy or First Team environments. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've developed players and led teams, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details and can consider you for this exciting opportunity with us at Birmingham City FC.
How to prepare for a job interview at Birmingham City Football Club
✨Know Your Football Philosophy
Before the interview, make sure you understand Birmingham City FC's coaching philosophy and how it aligns with your own. Be ready to discuss how you would implement their Academy Performance Plan and contribute to the player development programme.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Coach, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led multi-disciplinary teams in the past, focusing on collaboration and achieving results. Highlight your ability to inspire and influence others.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making in high-pressure situations. Think about past experiences where you had to manage player progression or handle conflicts within a team, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Emphasise Player Development
Be prepared to discuss your approach to player development, including how you design and deliver coaching sessions. Share specific examples of Individual Learning Plans you've implemented and how they contributed to players' transitions into professional football.
