Pre-Academy Coach (Part-Time)

Job Location: Academy Training Ground, BR3 1NZ

Contract Type: Fixed-Term Contract (Part-Time)

Deadline: 30th July 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

Crystal Palace Football Club is seeking passionate, enthusiastic and player-centred Part-Time Pre-Academy Coaches to support the development of players aged 6–8 within the Pre-Academy programme. Coaches will deliver engaging, age-appropriate sessions aligned to the Club’s coaching philosophy, creating an enjoyable, challenging and safe environment that supports every player's long-term development.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, deliver and evaluate high-quality coaching sessions aligned to the Club’s coaching philosophy.
• Support the delivery of the Pre-Academy games programme, including fixtures, festivals and tournaments.
• Attend evening training sessions and weekend fixtures as required.
• Contribute to Individual Development Plans (IDPs) and player review meetings.
• Support the technical, tactical, physical, psychological and social development of young players.
• Implement Club coaching standards and game principles consistently.
• Build positive relationships with players, parents and colleagues.
• Complete all mandatory CPD, safeguarding and compliance requirements.
• Other duties and responsibilities as required by line manager.
• Uphold and promote the Club’s policies and procedures, including Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities policies and procedures.

Essential Experience, Skills and Qualifications

• UEFA B Licence (or working towards).
• FA Safeguarding Children qualification.
• FA Emergency First Aid qualification.
• Experience coaching within a Pre-Academy, Foundation Phase or grassroots environment.
• Strong understanding of how young players (ages 6–8) learn and develop.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Reliable, enthusiastic and professional approach.
• Full UK driving licence and access to transport (desirable for travel between).

Desirable

• FA Advanced Youth Award (5–11).
• Experience working within a Professional Game Academy.
• Knowledge of small-sided games and Foundation Phase player development.
• Existing understanding of the South London grassroots football landscape.

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.

As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we collect demographic data to monitor our recruitment trends. This information is processed independently of your application and has no influence on selection decisions. You may select ‘prefer not to say’ if you do not wish to disclose this information.