Elite Player Development Coach – Under 21s Lead in Bristol

Club vision: to play football at the highest level. Bristol City is a widely respected institution within English football, defined by its stability, rich heritage, and a proven track record of elite player development. Looking ahead, we aren’t simply aiming for a place in the top flight; we are committed to being “Premier League Ready” in every sense. This means building the sporting, commercial and operational foundations necessary to compete at the highest level and sustain that status over the long term. When we achieve our goal of playing in the Premier League for the first time, it will be transformative not just for the club, but for the city of Bristol itself.

Job mission: to develop and prepare young players to excel, leading the Under-21s programme and ensuring Academy players are ready for a smooth transition into First Team football at Bristol City or another club.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead, manage and deliver the club’s U21 training and matchday programme.
• Collaborate with First Team coaching staff to manage the transition of players into the First Team.
• Design and implement Individual Development Plans for all players, considering well-managed exposure to First Team training, games and loans to other clubs relevant to their progress.
• Lead match preparation and in‑game management, ensuring the club’s playing style and game model has clarity and is consistently applied to help transition between age groups and into the First Team.
• Lead the connection with PDP players when on loan, including evaluating and reporting on progress.
• Work collaboratively with the Under‑18s Lead on squad selection, ensuring each player‘s development is consistently and logically applied relative to their development and progression.
• Strive for continuous improvement through post‑match reviews, 360 feedback and 6 weekly player reviews, ensuring they are delivered with purpose and impact, aligning with EPPP and LFE standards.
• Support the growth of players as rounded human beings, understanding and accommodating the demands of apprenticeships and education on U18 players.
• Contribute to the talent identification process, including assessment of trialists where required.
• Ensure all standards consistently meet requirements for PGAAC audit compliance within the EPPP.
• Ensure coaches within the U21 cell meet delivery standards in the following areas (non‑exhaustive): planning, preparation and review, dress, behaviour, referees, spectators, opposition, collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, autonomy, use of appropriate learning aids to elevate coaching messages, appropriate application of safeguarding practice, take part in regular review of coaching principles.
• Complete and maintain your own individual coach development plan in collaboration with the Head of Coach Development, showing an open and growth mindset and a desire for personal development.
• Maintain CPD and mandatory qualifications as per requirements of the club and EPPP compliance.
• FA Advanced Youth Award with age specific specialist element relevant to the Professional Development Phase or National relevant equivalent.
• Experience of managing player transitions from PDP to First Team.
• Experience overseeing the development of players while on loans at other clubs.
• Experience of a Category 2 Academy.

Desired experience:

• Experience within a Professional First Team Environment.
• Degree/MA/MSc in a related subject.
• Experience of developing & mentoring Coaching staff.
• Experience in Category 1 Academy.
• Understanding of the requirements to play professional football at all levels.
• Influencing skills – to “sell” Academy players to colleagues in the First Team coaching set up.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, and lead with own initiative.
• Be empathetic, supporting and encouraging to help develop others.
• Planning and organisation.
• Ability to create and maintain a development environment.
• Ability to communicate with a variety of stakeholders.

Safeguarding Statement: Bristol City Football Club is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to endorse this commitment.

Equality Statement: The successful candidate must ensure a positive commitment towards equality and diversity by treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation or harassment of any description and to promote positive working relationships between all internal and external stakeholders.