Head of Player Development

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About The Role

Doncaster Rovers academy are looking for a Head of Academy Player Development to start from July 1st 2025, to lead to manage the development of players through the academy in line with the club’s playing philosophy to create players of value for the first team. This role is a pivotal position in the academy ensuring alignment across the phases.

• The Head of Academy Player Development is primarily responsible for the technical and tactical development of all players into the U18 and transitions into the first team alongside the Head of Academy and 1st team staff.
• To ensure there is clear alignment throughout the club by refining the Academy playing philosophy alongside the Lead Phases, Head of Academy Coach Development and Head of Academy.
• To ensure that all annual coaching and pathway KPI’s as part of the APP (Academy Performance Plan) are actioned successfully alongside the Head of Coach Development.
• To line manage the Lead Phase Coaches, Head of Academy Goalkeeping Coach and Lead Academy Analyst ensuring collaboration and alignment across the academy aimed at maximising player development opportunities.
• To drive and manage the day release programme to maximise player development opportunities.
• To work closely with YDP staff to ensure suitable transitions into the PDP to ensure we are maximising players development into the 1st team.
• To manage, drive and deliver the academy top talent programme alongside the MDT, phase leads and the Head of Academy to ensure the programme stretches our high potential players within the academy.
• Work proactively within the academy MDT programme to ensure all players ILPs are being monitored alongside the phase leads and heads of departments alongside the Head of academy through bi weekly player review meetings alongside the MDT staff.
• To drive the analysis provision across the academy with the coaches to ensure we are using technology and data to enhance player development across the academy, integrating them into the ILPs within the rovers playbook and wider game model.
• Ensure all staff are fully aware of the player’s individual objectives (technical, tactical, physical and psychological) and liaise closely with the relevant staff on the review and adjustment of these objectives every 6 weeks.
• Take responsibility for ensuring players have challenging and appropriate practices in line with their technical/tactical needs aligning to the 1st team.
• To support the PDP staff across training and match days ensuring a positive environment for players and staff.
• To be a key decision maker towards the retention and release of players across the academy.
• Monitor the progression of the U18 loan players alongside the Head of Academy, Lead PDP Coach, Head of Recruitment and Loans.
• To be an active member of the AMT (Academy Management Team) as well as being a member of the Clubs Technical Board.
• To work alongside the Head of Coach Development to support the development of coaches in the academy to ensure alignment of knowledge across the phases.
• To support the Head of Coach Development to deliver the Club 1879 coach development programme in partnership with Sheffield and Hallamshire CFA.
• To ensure monthly 1 2 1s occur with all FT staff in the department.
• Work alongside the phase leads and head of academy recruitment, and academy scouts to help identify players for the academy and monitor trialists within the building.
• To ensure player profiles match the wider club philosophy to ensure alignment of players transitioning into the first team using data to support.
• To ensure all football staff have uploaded their sessions to Kitman labs and all documentation is up to date.
• To ensure that all players in your charge, also act in an appropriate fashion and in accordance with Doncaster Rovers Football Clubs Academy Codes of Conduct.
• Ensure safeguarding standards are met and maintained on My Concern.
• Encourage good practice by promoting and championing the safeguarding policy and procedures.
• Ensure all policies and procedures are adhered to.
• Active participation in continuing professional development.
• Promote the brand identity and increase Club Doncaster fan base through positive service delivery.
• Support the whole of Club Doncaster group to promote the events and the business as a whole, including additional support at Club Doncaster events such as the Big Bang.
• Act at all times with utmost good faith to the Club(s) and the Company.
• Devote full attention and ability to fulfilment of the duties required by the role.
• To work closely with, maintain good relationships, and collaborative working practices.
• To work with colleagues throughout Club Doncaster to extend knowledge and skills in order to identify and develop best practice.
• To undertake such other duties, training and/or hours of work as may be reasonably required and which are consistent with the general level of responsibility of this job.
• To maintain the quality of service provision, regularly evaluating work and seeking to make improvement.
• Present a professional image when dealing with both internal and external contacts and partners, acting in professional manner at all times.
• To cover as and when required at other departments within the Club Doncaster Group.
• To undertake such other duties, events delivered by the club, training and/or hours of work confirmed from the Head of Academy as may be reasonably required and which are consistent with the general level of responsibility of this job.

About The Candidate

Essential Qualifications:

• FA UEFA A Licence
• FA Advanced Youth Award
• EFIAF
• DBS
• FA Safeguarding

Desirable Qualifications:

• A BSc / MSc in Sport Coaching or equivalent
• Talent ID Level 2

About The Club

The above mentioned duties and responsibilities should be regarded as neither exclusive nor exhaustive as the post holder may be required to undertake other reasonably determined duties and responsibilities, commensurate with the grading of the post, without changing the general character of the post.

Applicants must hold a full driving licence with access to a suitable vehicle and have in date MOT, Road tax and relevant insurance if they are intending to do business mileage for Club Doncaster. It is the employee’s responsibility to ensure up to date documentation is provided to Club Doncaster.

Club Doncaster is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and employees to share this commitment. This role involves work with young people and is may be subject to Enhanced DBS check. DBS Clearance through is required. As such this post is exempt for the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and the applicant must disclose all previous convictions including spent convictions.

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