At a Glance
- Tasks: Coach aspiring footballers and develop the next generation of talent in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Brighton & Hove Albion FC, a leading club committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation allowance, and access to FA/UEFA qualifications.
- Other info: Embrace a vibrant culture focused on player development and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in football while advancing your coaching career with expert support.
- Qualifications: Must be a PFA member and hold a UEFA B Licence or higher.
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 Peacehaven employer: Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club
Brighton & Hove Albion FC is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to develop as an Academy Coach within the prestigious Professional Player to Coach Scheme at the 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 through mentoring, immersive learning experiences, and access to FA/UEFA qualifications, making it an ideal environment for aspiring coaches to thrive and make a meaningful impact in the world of football.
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 Peacehaven
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the football community, whether it's coaches, players, or even friends. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities like the Academy Coach role. You never know who might have the inside scoop!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the club and its values, especially around diversity and player development. Think about how your experiences align with their mission and be ready to share specific examples that showcase your passion and skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Set up mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable talking about your coaching philosophy and experiences. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine in front of the interview panel.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, keep an eye on any upcoming events or workshops we host – they’re great for networking and learning more about the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Academy Coach - Professional Player to Coach Scheme - Mash Barn Ln, BN15 in Peacehaven
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 Part 1, and share your motivations and unique experiences in Part 2. Keep it clear and engaging!
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 in the game. Share your thoughts on how you can contribute to a more inclusive environment in your application.
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. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 phases, coaching methodologies, and the importance of diversity in football. This will show that you’re not just passionate but also informed.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous coaching experiences, especially in grassroots or community settings. Highlight any specific instances where you’ve contributed to player development or created a positive learning environment. Real-life examples will make your application stand out.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle various coaching scenarios. Think about how you would approach challenges related to player welfare, team dynamics, and fostering inclusivity. Practising these responses can help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Express Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for coaching and player development shine through. Talk about why you want to be a role model and ambassador for diversity in the game. Your genuine passion can resonate with the interviewers and set you apart from other candidates.
