Boys Development Centre & Advanced Development Centre - U11's Head Coach (2026/2027 Season) in Colchester

Colchester United Community Foundation (CUCF) is pleased to offer an exciting opportunity to join our Boys Development Centre Programme. CUCF delivers high-quality participation, health and inclusion, and education programmes to over 10,000 children, young people, and adults across the region each week. The Boys Development Centre (U6 U16) plays a key role in supporting the Colchester United Academy, one of only two League Two clubs in England to hold Category 2 status, by providing a structured talent pathway for players within the local community.

We are seeking experienced, passionate, and committed Lead Foundation Phase Coaches to join our Community Coaching Team on a part-time basis. This is a head coach level role focused on leading, developing, and delivering high-quality coaching within the programme. The successful candidates will commence in August, in preparation for the 2026/2027 season.

Training days are outlined below:

• Wednesday (5pm-8pm) Colchester
• Friday (5pm-8pm) Witham

Age Group Lead Coaches are critical to the performance and potential outcomes prioritising player development within the Boys Development programmes. This role demands high standards, resilience, and the ability to work with a high-level standard of player.

As a lead coach, you will drive the technical, tactical, physical, and psychological development of players, ensuring sessions align with an academy-style philosophy and performance framework. You will play a key role in creating a high-performance culture that supports individual progression and prepares players for potential transition into the Colchester United Academy pathway. Strong leadership is essential. You will be expected to set standards, lead by example, and consistently inspire and motivate players and staff to maximise performance levels, both on and off the pitch.

Essential Qualifications & Experience:

• UFEA C Coaching Award
• FA Introduction to First Aid in Football
• FA Safeguarding Children
• Enhanced DBS check willing to complete a CUFC Enhanced DBS Check
• Full Clean UK Driving License

Desirable Qualifications & Experience:

• UFEA B Coaching Award (Or enrolled on a course)
• Advanced Youth Award
• FA Level 2 Emergency Aid (EFAiF) (Or willing to complete)
• Previous experience working with Football Development/Community Development/Academy Coaching environments

Roles & Responsibilities

Player Development & High-Performance Environment:

• Create and sustain a positive, high-performance learning environment aligned with Colchester United’s player development framework, ensuring appropriate challenge, support, and individualisation for all players.
• Build professional relationships with players, parents/guardians, and staff, setting clear expectations around behaviours, standards, and development outcomes in line with academy culture.

Coaching & Session Delivery:

• Plan, deliver, and review high-quality, game-based training sessions aligned with the Colchester United Academy Framework.
• Design practices that reflect a clear game model and playing philosophy.
• Deliver the golden thread of safeguarding throughout every session, creating safe environments, safe people, and safe behaviours.

Talent Identification & Player Pathway:

• Identify and develop players in line with Colchester United pathway, supporting their progression through the talent pathway towards academy opportunities.
• Contribute to recruitment, retention, and ongoing assessment processes, ensuring players are appropriately challenged and supported at each stage of development.
• Implement and monitor Individual Learning Plans (ILPs), ensuring each player has clear, measurable development targets.

Performance Monitoring, Review & Reflection:

• Track and evaluate player development through ongoing assessment, ILPs, and formal review processes.
• Analyse individual and team performance to inform future planning and coaching interventions.
• Reflect on coaching practice, using feedback, observation, and FA frameworks to drive continuous improvement and maintain high coaching standards.

All CUCF positions adhere to safeguarding. Colchester United Community Foundation is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We aim to create a safe and supportive environment for all, and we expect all employees and volunteers to actively contribute to this commitment. Our safeguarding culture is built upon training, policies, and a shared responsibility for the safety and well-being of those we work with.

In accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975, as this role involves working with vulnerable groups, all candidates will be required to undergo a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check as part of the pre-employment process. Additional safeguarding training or qualifications may be required for the role.

As part of the recruitment process, successful candidates will need to provide proof of their right to work in the UK, in compliance with immigration law. In some cases, we may be required to refer concerns about an individual's suitability to work with vulnerable groups to the appropriate authorities, such as the Disclosure and Barring Service or local safeguarding boards, in line with our safeguarding policies.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and dynamic working environment by building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within the workplace. We will ensure that all candidates are treated fairly and without discrimination, in line with the Equality Act 2010.

Health & Safety:

• Fully endorse, demonstrate, and carry out the company’s health and safety policy.
• Comply with all company policies and statutory regulations.
• Have a full knowledge of procedures for evacuation regarding fire safety.

CUCF Employee Benefits:

• Free staff onsite parking
• A pension scheme is available for eligible applicants
• Free Staff Macron Uniform in line with Academy & 1st Team departments
• Opportunities to work Colchester United 1st team home fixtures
• Opportunities to work alongside the Colchester United Academy (Category 2)
• Allocated weekly Workforce Performance & Self Development time
• Access to monthly internal Staff Training (Average 60 hours per year)
• External training opportunities through national partners (Premier League Charitable Fund & EFL in the Community).
• CUFC Club Shop Discount

Please note that the job will be subject to satisfactory references and enhanced DBS checks.

Closing Date: Monday 1st June 2026 (Please note this may be sooner if a suitable candidate is found).

If you would like further details, please contact / (FAO: Joe Hart)