At a Glance
- Tasks: Coach aspiring footballers and develop the next generation of talent.
- Company: Brighton & Hove Albion FC, a leading club in professional football.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation allowance, and access to coaching qualifications.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a prestigious scheme and make a real impact in youth football development.
- Qualifications: PFA member with UEFA B Licence; coaching experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 31500 € per year.
Role: Academy Coach - Professional Player to Coach Scheme (PPCS).
Salary: £31,500 per annum (Relocation allowance available to those based outside of the Sussex area)
Hours: 35 hours per week to include evenings and weekends
Location: American Express Elite Football Performance Centre, Lancing
Contract Type: 23-month fixed term contract
Key dates to know:
- Deadline Day for application: 19th May 2026
- Assessment Activities: Interviews to take place w/c 25th May 2026
- Start date: From August 2026 (pending completion of safer recruitment checks)
- PPCS Induction: Lake District September 2026 (4 days)
Join the Professional Player to Coach Scheme (PPCS) Brighton & Hove Albion FC in partnership with the Premier League, PFA and EFL, is offering a 23-month, 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 groups amongst the coaching roles that exist across the professional game.
What’s Involved?
You’ll split your time between BHAFC and the Premier League’s accredited Coach Development Programme. You’ll gain experience across development phases and work with multi-disciplinary teams.
Your development journey will include:
- Mentoring and bespoke support
- Immersive learning experiences
- Peer learning
- Access to FA/UEFA qualifications (based on development need and subject to availability)
Upon successful completion of all programme elements, you’ll be awarded a Diploma in Professional Football Coaching from Leeds Beckett University.
The role will work with our U13-U14, Youth Development Phase group within the boys academy whilst in employment at BHAFC.
What we are looking for in an applicant:
- Professional Football Association (PFA) member.
- Registered on, or completed, the UEFA B Licence as a minimum
- No prior full-time first team or an academy coaching role at a Premier League or EFL club
- FA Safeguarding Certificate, FA Emergency First Aid, and an enhanced DBS (to be completed as part of safer recruitment checks).
- Desirable to have previous experience in a coaching role within a grassroots, community, education or development centre setting and experience of holistic youth development activities within or beyond sport.
- If you already hold a UEFA A or FA Advanced Youth Award, then that would be beneficial but not essential.
What you will bring to the role and how you will thrive:
- A drive to coach in the professional game
- Passion for player development & developmentally appropriate learning environments
- Commitment to fulfilling duty of care for children, young people, and adults in healthy, high-performance environments
- Resilience and commitment to high-performance environments
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- A desire to be a role model and ambassador for diversity in the game
How to make your application:
- Upload your up-to-date CV (Please ensure your PFA number is included on your application).
- Please submit a two-part cover letter alongside your 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.
Our commitment to EDI:
We take pride in being an equal opportunity workplace that reflects the diversity of our society and the world around us. Our core values foster a strong ethical culture, enabling us to meet the needs of our diverse audience, both on and off the pitch. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage or civil partnership. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application, please contact.
Safeguarding is part of everything we do:
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. We expect all colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment.
This position is UK-based and requires proof of the right to live and work in the UK. All job offers are conditional upon background checks, including a full 3-year reference history, DBS checks, and verification of your eligibility to work. Please note, we do not sponsor applicants without the right to work in the UK.
Academy Coach - Professional Player to Coach Scheme - Mash Barn Ln, BN15 employer: Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club
Brighton & Hove Albion FC is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for aspiring coaches to develop their skills through the Professional Player to Coach Scheme at the prestigious American Express Elite Football Performance Centre in Lancing. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, the club fosters a supportive work culture that prioritises personal growth, mentorship, and access to professional qualifications, ensuring that employees are well-equipped to thrive in high-performance environments while making a meaningful impact on the next generation of football talent.
Contact Detail:
Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Academy Coach - Professional Player to Coach Scheme - Mash Barn Ln, BN15
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the football coaching scene! Attend local events, workshops, or even online webinars. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Academy Coach role.
✨Show Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your passion for player development shine through. Share your experiences and how you can contribute to creating a positive learning environment for young players.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework on Brighton & Hove Albion FC and the Professional Player to Coach Scheme. Be ready to discuss how your background aligns with their values and how you can be a role model for diversity in the game.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at BHAFC.
We think you need these skills to ace Academy Coach - Professional Player to Coach Scheme - Mash Barn Ln, BN15
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your CV Spot On:Make sure your CV is up-to-date and includes your PFA number. Highlight any relevant coaching experience and qualifications, especially those that align with the role. We want to see what makes you stand out!
Nail That Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Split it into two parts as requested: show us how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the first part, and then share your motivations and unique experiences in the second. Keep it engaging and personal!
Show Your Passion for Diversity:We’re all about diversity here at StudySmarter, so make sure to express your commitment to being a role model and ambassador for diversity in your application. Share any experiences that highlight this passion!
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 your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the role of an Academy Coach and the specifics of the Professional Player to Coach Scheme. Brush up on your knowledge about youth development phases, coaching methodologies, and the importance of diversity in football. This will show that you’re not just interested in the job, but genuinely passionate about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous coaching experiences, especially in grassroots or community settings. Think of specific examples where you’ve successfully developed players or contributed to a team environment. This is your chance to highlight how your unique expertise aligns with the club's values and mission.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle certain situations, particularly those involving player development and safeguarding. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making skills in these scenarios, as it demonstrates your readiness to take on the responsibilities of the role.
✨Express Your Motivation
In your interview, clearly communicate why you want to be part of the PPCS and how it fits into your career ambitions. Share your passion for coaching and player development, and don’t forget to mention your commitment to being a role model for diversity in the game. This personal touch can really resonate with the interviewers.
