Youth Development Phase Assistant Coach (U15-U16)

Club Vacancy - Youth Development Phase Assistant Coach (U15-U16)

Derby County are seeking to recruit a Youth Development Phase Assistant Coach (U15-U16) to join Academy Coaching at Moor Farm Training Centre.

Working for Derby County Football Club offers a unique opportunity to be part of one of England’s most historic and passionately supported clubs. With a proud legacy, a dedicated fan base, and an exciting vision for the future, Derby County offers a dynamic and rewarding work environment both on and off the pitch. Whether you're joining the team in coaching, administration, marketing, or operations, you'll be contributing to a culture rooted in ambition, community, and progress. Employees benefit from a collaborative work environment and opportunities for professional development.

The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting the Lead U16 Coach in the planning, delivery, and review of the age-specific coaching and games programme, ensuring a high-performance environment that maximises player development. The role will support within the Senior Youth Development Phase (U15-U16) and take a lead role for the U15 age group on match days, ensuring continuity within the player pathway and alignment with the Academy’s long-term development strategy.

Key Role Responsibilities:

• Support the Lead U16 Coach in the delivery of all training sessions, match preparation, and match day delivery, ensuring high standards in line with the Academy methodology.
• Assist in implementing and reinforcing the Club’s Game Craft Model in an age-appropriate and detailed manner.
• Work closely with the Lead U16 Coach and MDT to contribute to the design, delivery, and review of Individual Development Plans (IDPs), ensuring player development remains central.
• Provide a lead coaching role on U15 match days, including team organisation, match delivery, and post-match review.
• Support the transition of players between U15 and U16, ensuring alignment of playing philosophy, expectations, and individual development priorities.
• Contribute to a consistent and aligned games programme across U15 and U16 age groups.
• Maintain strong communication with MDT staff to ensure a holistic approach to player development.
• Assist with player monitoring, feedback, and reporting processes, including the use of relevant platforms (e.g. Kitman Labs).
• Attend and contribute to MDT meetings, player audit meetings, and team selection discussions.
• Support cross-phase delivery where required, including additional sessions, tours, and tournaments.
• Contribute to parent/player communication where appropriate, supporting a transparent and professional environment.
• Work collaboratively with all Academy departments to ensure alignment and best practice across the programme.
• Support CPD opportunities and engage in the Club’s coaching competency framework.
• Assist with operational tasks relating to sessions, match days, and equipment as required.

General Responsibilities

• Ensure the health, safety, and welfare of all players and staff.
• Adhere to safeguarding policies and promote best practice at all times.
• Uphold Club policies relating to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Represent the Club in a professional manner at all times.
• Undertake any additional duties appropriate to the role.

Personal characteristics and experience:

• Experience working with players who have progressed through the Academy system
• Experience of football coaching in a professional environment
• Experience of coaching 11v11 format (3 Years or Over)
• Experience in implementing policies and procedures and reviewing practices to ensure continuous improvement
• Strong understanding of Youth Development and EPPP frameworks
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team
• Excellent communication and listening skills with the ability to communicate effectively across all levels.
• Ability to organise, schedule and adapt work tasks to meet conflicting deadlines and respond to changing situations
• Ability to support and deliver high quality coaching sessions
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team as well as independently.
• Ability to enter data efficiently and effectively on Kitman Labs and other suitable platforms.

Qualifications:

• UEFA B Coaching License
• FA Advanced Youth Awards
• Level 2 Emergency First Aid in Football

Salary is competitive, dependent on experience.

Excellent spoken and written English is essential for this role, as it involves clear, accurate communication in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

This is a full-time role, and due to the demands of professional football, there is a requirement for weekend and evening work.

Derby County Football Club is an Inclusive Club for all and is committed to Equality and Diversity.

Derby County Football Club’s Job Applicant Privacy Policy can be found at dcfc.co.uk.

Derby County employee benefits include:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Two complimentary staff season tickets
• Two complimentary staff away memberships, subject to availability
• Company Pension with Aviva
• Discounts with select Club partners and sponsors
• Healthshield Cash Health Plan to support employee health and well-being and Perks for great deals and discounts
• Participating in our employee forum, ‘The Herd’ and Staff Events!
• Training and development opportunities
• Access to programmes and volunteering opportunities with Derby County Community Trust
• Subsidised lunchtime meals at Moor Farm