Pre-Academy Coach (U7-U8) in Cobham

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

In the event that we receive a large number of applications, the position may be filled before the listed closing date.

To avoid missing out, please submit your application at your earliest convenience.

Shape the Future of Chelsea's Youngest Talent

We are looking for an enthusiastic and player-focused Pre-Academy Coach to support the development of our U7 and U8 players.

Working within our Academy programme, you will help create a fun, challenging and nurturing environment that enables young players to reach their full potential, while supporting their transition into the Academy pathway.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in developing future talent, contributing to player recruitment, and delivering coaching aligned to the Chelsea Coaching Methodology and Academy Blueprint.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the planning, delivery and review of high-quality coaching sessions for U7/U8 players.
• Create engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences that maximise player development.
• Assist with player assessments, performance tracking and development reviews.
• Contribute to talent identification and recruitment activities, helping to identify and support promising young players.
• Build positive relationships with players, parents and Academy staff.
• Support player transitions into Academy programmes and wider development pathways.
• Maintain the highest standards of safeguarding, wellbeing and player care.
• Engage in continuous professional development and Academy CPD activities.
• Act as a positive ambassador for the Academy, demonstrating behaviours aligned to the Club's values.

Skills & Experience

• UEFA C Licence.
• Experience coaching children within an Academy or elite youth football environment.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with players, parents and colleagues.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Flexible approach to working evenings, weekends and travel commitments.
• Energetic, positive and player-centred in their approach.
• Open-minded, reflective and committed to learning.
• A strong team player who embraces collaboration and feedback.
• Dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive and high-performance environment for every young player.
• UEFA B Licence.
• FA Advanced Youth Award (or working towards).
• Degree in a sport-related discipline.
• Experience supporting player recruitment and talent identification programmes.
• To embody the club’s BLUE behaviours (Brave, Lead, Unity, Edge) in the approach to work and interaction with others.
• To adhere to the club’s policies and procedures, including Health & Safety, Financial Authorisation, Confidentiality and GDPR.
• To act as an ambassador for diversity, equality, and inclusion, and demonstrate a positive commitment by treating others fairly in line with our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy and reporting any acts of discrimination through appropriate channels.
• To create a safe environment and act to protect all young people and vulnerable adults that are either in your care or attending club premises, and report any concerns to the Safeguarding Lead.
• To report any misconduct or suspected misconduct to the HR Department.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Chelsea we recognise that the diversity of our people is one of our greatest strengths and we are taking positive action to ensure our existing colleagues and job applicants can fully be themselves and bring their own unique experiences and perspectives to Chelsea FC.

This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity.

If you need reasonable adjustments made to the recruitment process, please reach out to your recruiter, who will be able to advise and support you.

Chelsea FC is fully committed to ensuring the safety and well‑being of all children, young people and adults at risk (vulnerable groups).

We therefore require all successful applicants to complete a DBS Check prior to starting employment.

Depending on the role, successful applicants may also be required to undergo other child protection screening where appropriate.

This Job Description is not intended to be exhaustive; the duties and responsibilities may therefore vary over time according to the changing needs of the Club.

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