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.
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.
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 Plaistow 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 Plaistow
✨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 vision. 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 seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Brighton & Hove Albion FC.
We think you need these skills to ace Academy Coach - Professional Player to Coach Scheme - Mash Barn Ln, BN15 in Plaistow
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, and then share your motivations for applying. Keep it clear and concise, and don’t forget to express your passion for diversity in the game.
Combine Everything into One Document:When you’re ready to submit, make sure to combine your CV and cover letter into one document. This makes it easier for us to review your application, so no need to complicate things!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right place, and 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 specifics of the Professional Player to Coach Scheme. Brush up on your knowledge about youth development phases, coaching methodologies, and the importance of safeguarding 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 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 contributed to player development.
✨Emphasise Diversity and Inclusion
Since the club values diversity, be prepared to talk about your commitment to being a role model and ambassador for inclusivity in football. Share personal experiences or initiatives you’ve been involved in that promote diversity within the sport.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready. Ask about the club’s approach to coach development or how they support their coaches in creating developmentally appropriate learning environments. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
