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- Tasks: Coach young athletes and develop their performance on the pitch.
- Company: Join Crystal Palace FC, a historic Premier League club with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy match tickets, health perks, discounts, and a volunteering day off.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on youth athletes' development in a dynamic sports environment.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate education and experience in professional sports coaching required.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equality and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Location: Academy Training Ground, BR3 1NZ
Contract Type: Full-time
Deadline: 11th December 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 Junior Performance Coach oversees the pitch-based athletic development of players in the YDP and FP. The role is player-facing while also contributing to system design across both FP and YDP phases, guiding player development from U9 – U16. Collaboration with the wider MDT especially around sensitive periods of growth and development is essential for success in the role. You will also contribute to the wider performance team strategy, managing the studentship program and ensure full compliance with Premier League standards.
Responsibilities
- Programming & Delivery
- Plan and deliver pitch based athletic development sessions to the Youth and Foundation Phases.
- Deliver gym based athletic development sessions to the Youth and Foundation Phases.
- Organise and lead match-day protocols where required.
- Assist PDP gym and pitch based sessions occasionally.
- Monitoring & Analysis
- Conduct physical testing, monitoring, and collection of growth and maturation data for the Youth and Foundation Phases.
- Monitor player workload, optimise data collection, and present key insights to MDT and technical staff.
- Complete daily records such as attendance, RPE, wellness, medical status.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Present to and collaborate with the medical and coaching departments regarding player loading, screening, performance testing, and growth and maturation.
- Work effectively within a multidisciplinary team to provide a holistic development pathway for all players.
- Management, Education & Development
- Assist the Head of Performance in managing the studentship program.
- Assist the Athletic Development Coach in scheduling and creating working week templates.
- Participate in and contribute to internal and external CPD (Continuing Professional Development) with the aim of evolving the current program.
- 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
- Educated to Postgraduate level or equivalent.
- Professional accreditation through BASES (or ability to achieve in 6 months).
- Experience working in a professional sport setting.
- Experience as a player or coach in football.
- Experience in delivering fitness testing protocols.
- Experience in delivery at both senior and youth levels.
- Passionate about the development of youth athletes.
- Ability to build strong relationships with players and staff.
- Advanced computer literacy, including proficiency in Power BI and RStudio.
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 matchday 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 (DLO inbox is for disability-related queries only, if you wish to gain further information regarding this vacancy, please contact cpfc.recruitment@cpfc.co.uk). We are here to help you through the whole recruitment process including trying to apply for a vacancy, getting in touch with us through the process, and/or helping with access in case you are required to come in for an interview.
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.
Academy Junior Performance Coach employer: Crystal Palace FC
Contact Detail:
Crystal Palace FC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Academy Junior Performance Coach
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the club! Research Crystal Palace Football Club's history, values, and recent performances. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show your genuine interest in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a role at the club. Personal connections can make a big difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the pitch! Think about how you can demonstrate your coaching philosophy and approach to player development during the interview. Be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences that align with the club's goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Academy Junior Performance Coach
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Junior Performance Coach role. Highlight your relevant experience in youth athletic development and any coaching qualifications you have. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for developing young athletes shine through in your application. Share any personal experiences or stories that demonstrate your commitment to youth sports. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about what they do!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Crystal Palace family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Crystal Palace FC
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Junior Performance Coach inside out. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, especially around pitch-based athletic development and collaboration with the multidisciplinary team. Being able to discuss specific training methods or player development strategies will show your passion and expertise.
✨Show Your Passion for Youth Development
Crystal Palace is all about nurturing young talent, so be ready to share your experiences working with youth athletes. Talk about how you've contributed to their growth and development in previous roles, and highlight any innovative ideas you have for enhancing their performance.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure. Think of examples where you've had to adapt your coaching style or manage a challenging situation with players. This will demonstrate your flexibility and commitment to player welfare.
✨Be Ready to Collaborate
Since the role involves working closely with medical and coaching departments, prepare to discuss how you approach teamwork. Share examples of successful collaborations from your past, and emphasise your communication skills and ability to build strong relationships with both players and staff.