At a Glance
- Tasks: Coach the next generation of football talent and develop your skills in a professional 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: Dynamic role with excellent career growth and a commitment to safeguarding.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in youth development while pursuing your passion for football coaching.
- Qualifications: Must be a PFA member with UEFA B Licence; coaching experience is a plus.
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, BN15 9FP
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).
- Please submit a two-part cover letter alongside your CV details to be found on our site.
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 the team.
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 in Lancing employer: Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club
Contact Detail:
Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Academy Coach in Lancing
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former coaches in the industry, especially those who have been through the PPCS. They can offer insights and might even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by researching the club's coaching philosophy and recent developments. Show us that you're not just passionate about football but also about the specific values and goals of Brighton & Hove Albion FC.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As an Academy Coach, you'll need to build relationships with players and staff. Try mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your approach.
✨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 us you’re serious about joining the team at BHAFC.
We think you need these skills to ace Academy Coach in Lancing
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 should be a two-part masterpiece! Use it to showcase your passion for player development and your commitment to creating positive learning environments. Let us know why you're the perfect fit for this role!
Showcase Your Values: We value diversity and commitment to safeguarding. Make sure to reflect these values in your application. Share any experiences that demonstrate your dedication to inclusivity and the welfare of young people.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It's the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at Brighton & Hove Albion FC!
How to prepare for a job interview at Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club
✨Know Your Coaching Philosophy
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your coaching philosophy. Be ready to discuss how you approach player development and create learning environments that are both engaging and effective. This will show your passion for the role and your commitment to nurturing young talent.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Make sure to prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills in coaching, mentoring, and working with youth. Whether it's grassroots coaching or community engagement, specific anecdotes will help illustrate your suitability for the Academy Coach position.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As an Academy Coach, excellent communication is key. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you build relationships with players, parents, and colleagues, as well as how you handle feedback and conflict.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Diversity
Given the emphasis on diversity in the job description, be ready to discuss how you can contribute to creating an inclusive environment. Share any experiences you have that highlight your understanding of diversity and your commitment to being a role model in this area.