At a Glance
- Tasks: Coach aspiring footballers and develop your skills in a professional environment.
- Company: Join Brighton & Hove Albion FC, a leader in football development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation allowance, and access to FA/UEFA qualifications.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the next generation of football coaches.
- 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. To find out more about the role and what the day-to-day will entail, please follow the link to the job description.
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).
- It would be 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 in Bletchingley employer: Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club
Brighton & Hove Albion FC offers an exceptional opportunity for aspiring coaches through the Professional Player to Coach Scheme, located at the state-of-the-art 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 professional development, providing access to FA/UEFA qualifications and immersive learning experiences. Employees benefit from a collaborative environment, mentoring, and the chance to make 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 in Bletchingley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the football community, attend coaching workshops, and engage with local clubs. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Academy Coach role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by researching the club's values and recent developments. Show them you’re not just passionate about coaching but also about their mission and how you can contribute to it.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your coaching philosophy! Be ready to discuss your approach to player development and how you plan to create a positive learning environment. This is your chance to shine and show what makes you unique.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to follow the process.
We think you need these skills to ace Academy Coach - Professional Player to Coach Scheme - Mash Barn Ln, BN15 in Bletchingley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is up-to-date and tailored to the Academy Coach role. Highlight your coaching experience, especially any relevant qualifications like the UEFA B Licence, and don’t forget to include your PFA number!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Split it into two parts as requested: first, show how you meet the essential and desirable criteria, and then share your motivations for applying and how your unique experiences will benefit the club.
Be Authentic:When writing about your motivations and experiences, be genuine. We want to see your passion for player development and how you can be a role model for diversity in the game. Let your personality come through!
Combine and Submit:Once you’ve polished your CV and cover letter, combine them into one document as instructed. Remember to double-check everything before submitting through our website – we can’t wait to see your application!
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 assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle various coaching scenarios. Practice articulating how you would approach challenges related to player development, safeguarding, and creating inclusive environments. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨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. Authenticity goes a long way!
