Youth Development Phase Coach in Guildford

LOCATION: Cobham Training Ground

CONTRACT: Permanent – Hours across any 7 days

This role is available on either a full-time (40 hours per week) or part-time (26 hours per week) basis. If selected to progress, a member of our Talent Acquisition team will contact you by email to confirm your preferred working arrangement.

Closing date: 8th May. 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.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an outstanding Youth Development Phase Coach to take ownership of the on- and off-pitch delivery of our Academy Blueprint for a designated age group. This role sits at the heart of our player pathway, with responsibility for maximising individual and team development in line with our Chelsea Coaching Methodology and 4C’s framework. Beyond performance, you will set and model the highest standards of behaviour, discipline and professionalism, helping young players flourish both as footballers and people.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, delivery and review of an age-group coaching programme aligned to the Academy Blueprint and 4C’s.
• Manage talent across the age group, including squad selection, trials, transitions, and retain/release decisions.
• Design and deliver high-quality training and matchday programmes using a player-centred, multidisciplinary Plan-Do-Review approach.
• Track and evidence team and individual progress through performance systems and the Blue Review cycle.
• Work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to drive meaningful player reviews, goal setting and feedback.
• Communicate effectively with players, parents/guardians and internal stakeholders using club platforms and processes.
• Contribute to wider coaching and pathway delivery through additional Coaching & Leadership Responsibilities (CLRs).
• Uphold safeguarding, conduct and behaviours that reflect the highest standards of the Academy and Football Club values.

What You’ll Bring

• Proven experience coaching within a professional academy or elite youth development environment.
• UEFA B Licence (essential), with FA Advanced Youth Award (or working towards).
• Strong understanding of long-term player development and multidisciplinary coaching practice.
• Ability to lead, influence and collaborate with players, parents and colleagues in a high-performance setting.
• Excellent organisation, communication and IT skills, with confidence using data to inform coaching practice.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends and travel domestically and internationally as required.
• A reflective, open-minded coaching approach with a clear commitment to ongoing professional development.
• UEFA A Licence and a sports-related degree (desirable).

Our Expectations:

• 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.