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 FA/UEFA qualifications.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a prestigious coaching scheme and make a real impact in youth football.
- 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: 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.
- Beneficial but not essential: UEFA A or FA Advanced Youth Award.
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).
- 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.
- The essential criteria stated above earlier in the advert
- The desirable criteria stated above earlier in the advert
- My desire to be a role model and ambassador for diversity in the game.
Part 2 (max 500 words) to answer all the following questions:
- My motivations for applying for the PPCS academy coach role and Premier League Coach Development Programme
- How the PPCS academy coach role and development programme fits with my career ambitions
- How my unique expertise, and lived experience, will benefit the club and players
We ask that you combine your application questions and CV into one document.
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 Friston 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 Friston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the football coaching world, attend events, and engage with others on social media. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the club and its coaching philosophy. Show that you’re not just passionate about football but also understand their values and how you can contribute to their mission. Tailor your responses to reflect this!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your coaching demonstrations! If you're asked to showcase your coaching style during the interview, be ready to impress. Use real-life examples from your experience to illustrate your approach to player development.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Brighton & Hove Albion FC and the Professional Player to Coach Scheme.
We think you need these skills to ace Academy Coach - Professional Player to Coach Scheme - Mash Barn Ln, BN15 in Friston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is up-to-date and tailored to the Academy Coach role. Highlight relevant coaching experiences, qualifications, and your PFA number. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling 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, and share your motivations for applying. Be genuine and let your passion for coaching come through!
Be Specific in Your Responses:When answering the application questions, be specific about your unique expertise and lived experiences. We’re keen to know how you can contribute to our club and the players. Use examples to illustrate your points!
Submit Through Our Website:Don’t forget to combine your CV and cover letter into one document and submit it through our website. This helps us keep everything organised and makes sure your application gets the attention it deserves!
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 mentoring opportunities available, 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.
