Talent Pathway Coach (U8-U12) - Women's Academy

LOCATION: Cobham | Barnet | Barking | Croydon – plus travel to games programmes

CONTRACT: Sessional Contract

JOB FUNCTION: The role of our sessional coaches is to create a positive learning environment where you will support and develop all players within the group to attain the highest levels of performance possible in a safe, secure, and supportive environment. You will work with the Centre Manager and Player Development Lead to drive and nurture a positive culture within the training group and be a coach who makes the centre a place where players learn, have fun, and develop a love for the game. Coaches will plan and deliver high-quality technical and tactical football sessions in line with the FA and Chelsea FC curriculum, creating an environment that supports individual player development and long‑term progression.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To create a safe, secure and supportive learning environment that enables players to maximise their development potential.
• To connect with our young people and support and challenge them.
• To plan and deliver engaging, age-appropriate sessions aligned to the Academy's Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model.
• To review, reflect upon and evaluate sessions to support continuous improvement.
• To support the ongoing assessment and monitoring of players, contributing to player reviews, Individual Action Plans (IAPs), and recommendations.
• Ensure the focus of every session is always on the individual progression of the player.
• To act professionally when representing Chelsea FC at all times and ensure sessions are fully prepared, with all equipment and resources set up prior to player arrival.
• To be a positive role model to all players, parents and work colleagues.
• Ensure all equipment is maintained and facilities are respected, to give our players the best experience.
• In line with our safeguarding policies, the coach needs to ensure that all relevant documentation is kept up to date and is accessible on request.
• To be committed to ensuring the welfare and safeguarding of elite Emerging Talent Centre players, maintaining professional boundaries and promoting their well‑being needs.
• To comply with the Chelsea FC and ETC ‘Code of Conduct’ regulations.

MEASURES OF PERFORMANCE:

• Excellent timekeeping and attendance
• Excellent communication skills with other parties, colleagues and players
• Excellent team player

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Qualifications:

• Degree in related field – BSc in Sports Science / BA in Physical Education (Desirable)
• UEFA C Licence (or working towards)
• FA Safeguarding Qualification
• FA First Aid Qualification

Experience:

• UEFA C Licence (or working towards)
• FA Safeguarding Qualification
• FA Emergency First Aid in Football Qualification
• Degree in Sport, Coaching, Physical Education or related field

Skills and Behaviours:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to engage and inspire young players
• Strong organisational and planning skills
• Positive and professional attitude
• Ability to work collaboratively
• Creative and player-centred coaching approach
• Good ICT and administrative skills

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

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. 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.