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- Tasks: Lead and develop high-quality coaching for young footballers in a supportive environment.
- Company: Join Colchester United Community Foundation, a leader in youth sports development.
- Benefits: Enjoy free parking, staff uniform, training opportunities, and discounts at the club shop.
- Other info: Part-time role with flexible training hours and excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young players' development while working with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: UEFA C Coaching Award and experience in football coaching required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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
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
- 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.
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 wellbeing of those we work with. In accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975, 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. 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 an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within the workplace and 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 CUFC’s health and safety policy. Comply with all company policies and statutory regulations. Have 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.
Boys Development Centre & Advanced Development Centre – U11’s Head Coach (2026/2027 Season) in Colchester employer: Colchester United
Contact Detail:
Colchester United Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Boys Development Centre & Advanced Development Centre – U11’s Head Coach (2026/2027 Season) in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get chatting with people in the football community, whether it's at local matches or coaching events. You never know who might have a lead on a coaching role or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a coaching session coming up, make sure to invite potential employers or colleagues to watch. It’s a great way to demonstrate your coaching style and passion in action.
✨Tip Number 3
Keep your online presence sharp! Share your coaching experiences, insights, and achievements on social media or professional platforms. This not only showcases your expertise but also helps you connect with others in the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate coaches like you. Make sure your application stands out by highlighting your unique coaching philosophy and how it aligns with our values.
We think you need these skills to ace Boys Development Centre & Advanced Development Centre – U11’s Head Coach (2026/2027 Season) in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for coaching and player development shine through. We want to see how passionate you are about nurturing young talent and creating a positive environment for players.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant qualifications and experience that align with the role. Whether it’s your UEFA C Coaching Award or your time spent in community coaching, we want to know how your background makes you a great fit for our team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your coaching philosophy and how you plan to implement it within our framework. We appreciate clarity and directness!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with Colchester United Community Foundation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Colchester United
✨Know Your Coaching Philosophy
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your coaching philosophy and how it aligns with Colchester United's player development framework. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've created a positive learning environment in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to highlight your relevant qualifications and experience, especially your UFEA C Coaching Award and any work you've done in football development or community coaching. Use concrete examples to demonstrate how you've successfully developed players and contributed to their progression.
✨Understand Safeguarding Practices
Since safeguarding is a key aspect of this role, brush up on your knowledge of safeguarding policies and practices. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure a safe environment for players and how you've implemented safeguarding measures in past coaching experiences.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
During the interview, make sure to engage with the interviewers by asking insightful questions about the Boys Development Centre Programme. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to the team's success.