At a Glance
- Tasks: Coach aspiring footballers and develop your skills in a professional environment.
- Company: Join Brighton & Hove Albion FC, a leading club in the Premier League.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation allowance, and access to FA/UEFA qualifications.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young players' development while advancing your coaching career.
- Qualifications: Must be a 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 in Boxgrove 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 Boxgrove
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the football community, attend coaching workshops, and engage with local clubs. You never know who might have a lead on the perfect opportunity for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your game face on for interviews! Research the club's values and coaching philosophy, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you're not just a coach, but a passionate advocate for player development.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. The more comfortable you are talking about your coaching journey, the better you'll come across.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team. Don’t forget to highlight your unique experiences and passion for diversity in your cover letter!
We think you need these skills to ace Academy Coach - Professional Player to Coach Scheme - Mash Barn Ln, BN15 in Boxgrove
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 that align with what we're looking for in the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be split into two parts. In the first part, show us how you meet the essential and desirable criteria. In the second part, share your motivations for applying and how your unique experiences will benefit our club.
Be Authentic:We want to hear your genuine voice! Don’t just list qualifications; tell us your story and how your passion for coaching and player development drives you. This is your chance to shine!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates.
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 Professional Player to Coach Scheme. Brush up on your knowledge about youth development, coaching methodologies, and the specific requirements of the role. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your passion for player development.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous coaching experiences, especially in grassroots or community settings. Highlight any relevant qualifications like your UEFA B Licence and how they’ve shaped your coaching philosophy. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've positively impacted players' development.
✨Emphasise Diversity and Inclusion
Since the club values diversity, be prepared to talk about how you can be a role model and ambassador for inclusivity in football. Share personal experiences that demonstrate your commitment to fostering a diverse environment and how you plan to support underrepresented groups in the game.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have some insightful questions ready. Inquire about the club's approach to coach development, the support available during the PPCS, or how they measure success in their academy. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
