At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop the Academy Goalkeeping Programme for aspiring footballers.
- Company: Join Blackpool Football Club, a historic team with a rich legacy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to shape future talent.
- Other info: Flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, in a vibrant football culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young goalkeepers' careers in a dynamic football environment.
- Qualifications: UEFA B Goalkeeping Licence and significant coaching experience required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Reports to: Academy Director
Location: Bloomfield Road, Blackpool (with travel to the training venue)
Hours: No less than 40 per week – to include evenings & weekends
Salary: Dependant on Experience
Who we are
Blackpool Football Club is an English Professional Association Football Club based in the seaside town of Blackpool, Lancashire. The Club was founded in 1887 and has a very storied history, from being a founding member of the Lancashire League in 1889, rising to the Top-Flight of the Football League (the old First Division) in 1930, to winning the FA Cup in 1953 and being promoted to the Premier League in 2010 (becoming the first Club to gain promotion from every division of the Football League via the play‑off system). The Club currently competes in League One, the third tier of the English Football League. The Club has played its home games at Bloomfield Road since 1901.
Job Purpose
The Head of Academy Goalkeeping is responsible for leading and developing the Academy Goalkeeping Programme across all phases of the Academy. The successful candidate will design, implement and oversee a progressive goalkeeper development pathway aligned with Blackpool Football Club's playing philosophy, Academy Performance Plan and long‑term player development objectives. Working closely with the Academy Director, Head of Coaching and multi‑disciplinary staff, the role will ensure that Academy goalkeepers receive a high‑quality, age‑appropriate development programme that maximises individual potential and supports progression through the Academy pathway and into senior football. The postholder will lead the Academy Goalkeeping Department, drive excellence in coaching practice and player development, and ensure compliance with all relevant EPPP, EFL and Club requirements.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
- Leadership and Department Management
- Lead and manage the Academy Goalkeeping Department across the Foundation Phase, Youth Development Phase and Professional Development Phase.
- Line manage Academy Goalkeeping Coaches, providing support, supervision, performance reviews and ongoing professional development.
- Organise and lead departmental meetings, CPD events and coach development activities.
- Manage departmental staffing, workloads and scheduling to ensure effective delivery across all age groups.
- Goalkeeper Development
- Design, implement and continually develop a progressive Academy Goalkeeping Curriculum aligned to the Club's playing philosophy, Academy Performance Plan and EPPP requirements.
- Plan, oversee and support the delivery of high‑quality goalkeeper coaching programmes across all Academy age groups.
- Ensure all Academy goalkeepers have Individual Development Plans (IDPs) that are regularly reviewed, monitored and updated.
- Monitor goalkeeper training and match performance, providing appropriate support and intervention to maximise player development.
- Support the progression of goalkeepers through the Academy pathway, identifying succession planning opportunities and preparing players for transition into senior football.
- Multi‑Disciplinary Collaboration
- Work collaboratively with coaching, sports science, medical, performance analysis, education, player care and recruitment staff to deliver a holistic player development programme.
- Attend and contribute to multidisciplinary meetings, player reviews and development discussions.
- Support Academy recruitment activities through the identification, assessment and recommendation of talented goalkeepers.
- Performance, Compliance and Administration
- Ensure all coaching activity, player reviews, reports and development records are accurately maintained on the Performance Management Application (PMA).
- Contribute to Academy Performance Plan objectives, departmental KPIs and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ensure the Academy maintains high standards during EPPP audits and inspections relating to goalkeeper provision.
- Keep abreast of current trends, innovations and best practice in goalkeeper coaching and player development.
- General Responsibilities
- Support Academy fixtures and attend matches as required.
- Represent the Club professionally at internal and external meetings, events and development opportunities.
- Promote and uphold the values, culture and behaviours of Blackpool Football Club.
- Adhere to all Club policies and procedures, including safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, and data protection requirements.
- Undertake any other duties reasonably requested by the Academy Director.
The above job description is not intended to be exhaustive; the duties and responsibilities may therefore vary over time according to the changing needs of the Club.
Person Specification
Essential Requirements
- Qualifications
- UEFA B Goalkeeping Licence.
- UEFA B Licence (or equivalent recognised coaching qualification).
- FA Safeguarding Children.
- Experience
- Significant experience coaching goalkeepers within a professional football academy environment.
- Proven experience designing and delivering goalkeeper development programmes.
- Experience managing and developing coaching staff.
- Experience working within safeguarding frameworks and promoting player welfare in youth football.
- Knowledge & Skills
- Strong understanding of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP).
- Excellent communication, leadership and organisational skills.
- Ability to design and implement long‑term player development programmes.
- Strong planning, reporting and administrative skills.
- Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Office and PMA systems.
- Personal Qualities
- Positive role model with high professional standards.
- Self‑motivated and capable of working independently and collaboratively.
- Organised, proactive and able to manage multiple priorities effectively.
- Committed to continuous professional development and lifelong learning.
- Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to perform effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships across departments.
- Flexible to meet the operational requirements of the Academy, including evenings and weekends.
Desirable Requirements
- Qualifications
- UEFA A Goalkeeping Licence (or working towards).
- FA Advanced Youth Award.
- Experience
- Experience working within a Category One, Two or Three Academy.
- Experience coaching goalkeepers across all Academy phases.
- Experience supporting goalkeepers transitioning into senior football.
- Experience contributing to Academy audits and inspections.
- Knowledge & Skills
- Knowledge of modern goalkeeping analysis tools and performance technology.
- Understanding of talent identification and recruitment processes within elite youth football.
Head of Academy Goalkeeping employer: Blackpool FC
Blackpool Football Club is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment for the Head of Academy Goalkeeping role. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from ongoing training opportunities and collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team, all while being part of a storied club that values excellence in player development. Located in the vibrant seaside town of Blackpool, the club fosters a culture of inclusivity and teamwork, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals to thrive in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Academy Goalkeeping
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Academy Goalkeeping
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 Blackpool FC 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 Blackpool FC
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Blackpool FC, 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.
