At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of U18 players and implement innovative coaching strategies.
- Company: Join Cardiff City Football Club, a dynamic and inclusive environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, club discounts, and 20 days annual leave.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to player development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young athletes' lives and careers.
- Qualifications: UEFA A Licence and experience in elite football environments required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
- Job Overview
- Organisation: Cardiff City Football Club Limited
- Title: Professional Development Phase Coach (U18s lead)
- Employer: Cardiff City Football Club
- Location: Cardiff City Academy, Cardiff City Stadium, Leckwith Stadium, The Vale Resort
- Contract: Full Time, Permanent
- Salary: Competitive and dependent on experience
- Hours: 40 hours per week on a flexible basis, including evening and weekend working
- Department: Academy
- Reporting to: Academy Manager, Academy Head of Coaching
- Benefits: Auto-enrolment into the club’s pension scheme (depending on eligibility), club discounts and offers, 20 days annual leave entitlement per annum
- Closing date: 24 July 2026
- Interview date: 31 July 2026
- Job Purpose
To support and deliver on the football and holistic development of players within the Professional Development Phase of the Academy.
To be responsible for planning and implementing the Academy Blueprint at the U18 age group, directly leading on the pitch‑based activities for the age group.
To lead and manage across the MDT including daily planning and reflection activities to ensure appropriate levels of challenge required in the search for constant improvement.
To liaise directly with U16s coaches to progress individual players through the pathway.
Main Duties
- Ensure a thorough working knowledge of the content and functions of the Academy performance plan.
- Collaborate with the Head of Academy and Academy Head of Coaching to contribute to the individual succession planning process from U16 to U21.
- Work as part of a multidisciplinary support team involving, but not restricted to, head of player development, performance analysts, sports scientists, physiotherapists, psychologists, operational and administrative staff.
- Develop IDPs for players within the U18s age group and execute, monitor, prioritise and review the delivery of such programmes, with the support of the HOC and other MDT staff.
- Monitor and evaluate progress of age group players, via the academy player audit tool.
- Provide 6‑weekly updates on player progression to the Head of Academy & Head of Coaching.
- Feedback to the coaching forum on progress against the phase specific key performance indicators.
- Ensure all weekly meetings are recorded and shared with key personnel.
- Take an active role in the induction process for trialists, providing a positive reflection of the Academy Blueprint to all parties involved (e. g. player, parents).
- Adhere to a strict code of confidentiality in respect of any information relating to Cardiff City Football Club and its operation.
- Be a exemplar role model for young players and promote the search for excellence in daily habits and behaviours.
- Maintain Cardiff City Football Club’s Safeguarding (Child Protection), Health, Safety and Equal Opportunity procedures and practice.
- Complete any other task deemed relevant and appropriate by the Academy Manager.
Qualifications
Essential Qualifications
- UEFA A Licence
- FA Youth Award (modules 1, 2 and 3)
- FA Advanced Youth Award (or working towards)
- Emergency Aid, Valid DBS Certificate, Valid Safeguarding certificate
- Post‑holder will be subject to a DBS check at the appropriate level & be cleared by Cardiff City FC
Desirable Qualifications
- UEFA Pro Licence
- BSc (Hons)/MSc in a relative subject
Experience
Essential Experience
- Experience of working in football elite environments.
- Experience working with young players in an Academy environment – preferably within the PDP age groups.
- Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Desirable Experience
- Experience working within a Category 1 Academy environment.
- High level of professional playing experience at club and/or international level.
- Experience working at senior/1st team professional level.
- Experience working with relevant age phase staff.
- Knowledge
Essential Knowledge
- Organised in planning, preparation and execution of a coaching syllabus (blueprint).
- Demonstrable competency in the effective and efficient review of coaching sessions and fixtures.
- Ability to deliver information to players and staff through a variety of means on and off the field.
- Ability to engage young players and stimulate a love of learning.
Desirable Knowledge
- Ability to utilise FIP for both reporting procedures and to enhance player development.
- Functional IT skills in relevant software (Microsoft Office, FIP, Wy Scout, Sports Code, Spiideo, HUDL).
Skills
Essential Skills
- Adaptability to be effective in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment.
- Strong communication skills in a variety of settings.
- Ability to work as part of a broader multidisciplinary team.
- Open‑minded approach to adopting best‑practice and current research‑backed principles.
Desirable Skills
- Self‑awareness and reflective skills as part of a professional development process.
- Attitude
- Passionate and hard working.
- Proactive ‘can‑do’ approach to work and those around them.
- Self‑motivated within a team and capable of motivating those around them.
- Working to our ‘We not Me’ ethos and culture.
- Equality and Care
Cardiff City Football Club promotes equal opportunities in employment and positively welcomes applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
Safer Recruitment Policy
Cardiff City Football Club operates a ‘safer recruitment policy’ and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
All appropriate reference checks and Enhanced Level Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks form a significant part of this recruitment process.
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Professional Development Phase Coach (U18S Lead) in Cardiff employer: Cardiff City Football Club Limited
Cardiff City Football Club is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment for those passionate about youth development in football. With a commitment to employee growth through continuous professional development opportunities and a collaborative culture that values teamwork, staff can thrive both personally and professionally. Located in the vibrant city of Cardiff, employees enjoy access to club discounts, a competitive pension scheme, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on young athletes' lives.
Contact Details:
Cardiff City Football Club Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Professional Development Phase Coach (U18S Lead) in Cardiff
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We think you need these skills to ace Professional Development Phase Coach (U18S Lead) in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining Cardiff City Football Club Limited aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cardiff City Football Club Limited
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Cardiff City Football Club Limited, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
