At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and coach young players, delivering high-quality training sessions.
- Company: Join Crystal Palace FC, a historic Premier League club with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy match-day tickets, health benefits, discounts, and a volunteering day off.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to excellence and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young athletes' development in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in player development are essential.
Job Location: Academy Training Ground, BR3 1NZ
Contract Type: Full-time
Deadline: July 9th 2026
Who we are: We are Crystal Palace Football Club, a Premier League Football Club with more than 160 years of proud history. Spread across three different sites - brand new main offices at Selhurst Park Stadium, our London office, and our Training Ground/Academy, we offer the best atmosphere and culture for our fans and our employees. We strive for excellence in the workplace with a philosophy of high standards, professionalism, and a strong work ethic from our employees. We are constantly trying to grow, diversify and build with not only our team on the pitch, but also our team in the offices and on the ground.
About this role: The Foundation Phase Coach will lead and coach an Academy age group within the Foundation Phase (U9–U12), delivering high‑quality training that supports individual player development in line with the club’s philosophy, values and long‑term player pathway.
Responsibilities:
- Lead the coaching programme for an Academy Foundation Phase age group.
- Design and deliver high‑quality coaching sessions that reflect the Academy Playing Philosophy, Coaching Methodology, and Foundation Phase curriculum.
- Develop and maintain Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for every player, with clear technical, tactical, physical, psychological and social objectives.
- Lead Individual Development Reviews and contribute to formal player review meetings, using observations to inform planning and player progression.
- Create a positive, inclusive and challenging environment where every player feels valued, supported and motivated to achieve their potential.
- Learn and implement both the Academies playing philosophy and coaching culture.
- Support player transitions within the Foundation Phase and into the Youth Development Phase.
- Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary staff to provide an integrated approach to player development.
- Build effective relationships with Sports Science, Medical, Psychology, Education, Player Care and Recruitment departments.
- Attend and actively contribute to weekly multidisciplinary meetings.
- Ensure consistency of coaching standards and behaviours across all Foundation Phase age groups, both during training and matchdays.
- Mentor, observe and provide constructive feedback to assistant coaches to support their ongoing development.
- Maintain accurate records on the club's management system, including session plans, evaluations, attendance and player reviews.
- Contribute to long‑term curriculum planning and seasonal programme design.
- Support talent identification through recruitment events, trial activities, player profiling and succession planning.
- Build positive and professional relationships with parents and guardians, promoting effective communication and Academy values.
- Promote and uphold the Academy's values, culture, professionalism and integrity in all interactions.
- Support Academy‑wide initiatives, projects, events and other duties as requested by the Academy Director or Head of Coaching.
- Promote and safeguard the welfare of all children and young people in accordance with safeguarding policies.
- Ensure all coaching activities comply with the Academy Performance Plan, Premier League standards and club policies.
- Complete all mandatory safeguarding, compliance and continuous professional development requirements.
- Demonstrate leadership by setting high standards, fostering a culture of excellence and contributing to the continuous improvement of the Academy programme.
- Other duties and responsibilities as required by line manager.
- Upholding and promoting the Club’s policies and procedures, including Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities policies and procedures.
Experience, Skills and Qualifications:
- Outstanding leadership, interpersonal and relationship‑building skills.
- A player‑centred approach with high standards, attention to detail and the ability to inspire players to achieve their potential.
- A collaborative working style, building effective relationships across multidisciplinary teams and with stakeholders.
- Strong organisational, planning and strategic thinking skills.
- Adaptability, resilience and sound decision‑making within a high‑performance environment.
- A growth mindset with a commitment to continuous professional development and reflective practice.
- A commitment to creating an inclusive environment where every player is valued, challenged, supported and able to thrive.
- Professionalism, integrity and behaviours that consistently reflect Crystal Palace Academy values.
- UEFA B Licence (working towards UEFA A desirable).
- FA Advanced Youth Award (working towards).
- FA Safeguarding Children Qualification.
- FA Emergency First Aid in Football.
- Experience working within an Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) Academy.
- Excellent understanding of Foundation Phase player development.
- Experience designing and delivering individual player development programmes.
- Strong understanding of contemporary coaching methodology and learning theory.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Experience mentoring or developing coaches.
- Strong organisational and planning skills.
Benefits:
- Complimentary match‑day ticket.
- Reward and discount scheme through our Tech Scheme and Simple Health app.
- Health and wellbeing benefit scheme.
- 20% discount in our retail stores.
- Discounts in various gyms through GymFlex.
- Volunteering Day – 1 workday off to support a charity of your choice.
- Travel season ticket loan.
- Holiday allowance: 25 days.
Our commitment to Equality: At Crystal Palace Football Club, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion is spirited and continues to grow due to the working environment, which makes all staff feel appreciated and welcomed. Crystal Palace Football Club do this by encouraging good relations and practices towards different groups and are committed to promoting employment opportunities that celebrate diversity. We are committed to attracting, recruiting and retaining the most talented candidates and the club intends to ensure that everyone who wishes to engage with the club, whether as match‑day fans, staff, players, board members, participants in Foundation programmes and any other person engaged with the club's activities, has a real and equal opportunity to do so.
Reasonable Adjustment: We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role, ensuring equitable opportunities for everyone. If you require disability‑related adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact DLO@cpfc.co.uk.
Safeguarding: Crystal Palace Football Club is committed to safeguarding and ensuring the welfare and protection of children and vulnerable people and expects all staff to share this commitment. As such, the post holder will be required to undergo any relevant security checks, including a comprehensive background check, Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to ensure the safety and protection of children and vulnerable individuals.
Foundation Phase Coach employer: Cpfc Limited
Crystal Palace Football Club is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture at our Academy Training Ground in BR3 1NZ. With a commitment to employee growth through continuous professional development and a range of benefits including complimentary match-day tickets and a health and wellbeing scheme, we foster an environment where every team member feels valued and motivated to excel. Join us in shaping the future of football while being part of a historic Premier League club that prioritises excellence and diversity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Foundation Phase Coach
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
Even though you’re after a full-time role, don’t underestimate internships or volunteering in sports organisations. These positions not only give you hands-on experience but can also lead to permanent openings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your face known in the industry!
✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for sports job fairs and career expos specific to the recreation management field. These events are goldmines for meeting hiring managers from organisations like Cpfc Limited. Bring your A-game and be ready to chat about how you can contribute to their team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out openings on our site! Our listings will often include positions at excellent organisations in sports recreation management, including Cpfc Limited. Applying directly through our platform increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Let's get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Foundation Phase Coach
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining Cpfc Limited aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cpfc Limited
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Cpfc Limited, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
