Lead Youth Development Phase Coach in Portsmouth

An exciting opportunity arises at Portsmouth Football Club. We are looking for an experienced and inspiring coach to lead our Academy Youth Development Phase and play a key role in developing our young academy players. If you’re passionate about player development, committed to high-quality coaching, and thrive in a collaborative, high-performance environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Purpose of the role

The Lead Academy Youth development coach is responsible for the overall coordination, administration, development and coaching within the Youth Development phase, in line with the Playing and Coaching philosophies, vision and values of the Academy and the Club. To work closely with the Academy Manager, Operations Manager, Head of Academy Coaching and Learning, other phase leads, and other multi-disciplinary staff to ensure that the needs of all players are fully catered for in the same manner.

Key Duties and responsibilities:

• Coaching & Match Delivery
  • Plan, deliver, and evaluate technical, tactical, psychological, social, and behavioural coaching programmes in line with the Academy’s coaching philosophy.
  • Lead the U15/U16 age group across training, matches, tournaments, and tours (home and abroad).
  • Support, mentor, and develop Academy coaches through observation, feedback, and CPD opportunities.
  • Coordinate with Sports Science, Medical, Recruitment, Education, and other Academy departments to ensure integrated player support.
  • Deliver group, unit, individual, and video-analysis sessions, using performance and behavioural examples to support development.
  • Ensure all coaching activity is accurately recorded on FIP to support the performance clock of each player.
  • Maintain responsibility for player safety, welfare, supervision, and safeguarding at all Academy activities.
  • Provide coaching support to other age groups when required.
• Player Development & Performance Management
  • Create, monitor, and review Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for all players.
  • Lead player and parent inductions, meetings, performance reviews, and feedback sessions in accordance with EPPP requirements.
  • Record development outcomes, action plans, and reports on the FIP.
  • Maintain accurate player registration, compliance documentation, and EFL records, including Form 30 and CPS updates.
  • Work collaboratively with Academy staff to support holistic player development through a multidisciplinary approach.
  • Produce regular reports, player audits, appraisals, and operational updates for Academy leadership.
• Safeguarding & Welfare
  • Promote a safe, inclusive, and positive environment for all players.
  • Identify and report safeguarding concerns in line with Club policies and procedures.
  • Work closely with the Academy Safeguarding Officer to ensure best practice and compliance.
  • Support anti-bullying initiatives and safer working practices throughout the Academy.
• Academy & Operational Responsibilities
  • Maintain effective communication with the Academy Manager, Head of Coaching, Operations Manager, and relevant departments.
  • Attend staff meetings, Academy fixtures, scouting assignments, and recruitment activities as required.
  • Manage administrative duties, including team sheets, referee reports, equipment, and kit requirements.
  • Stay informed on EPPP regulations, youth development trends, and coaching best practice.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of coaching programmes and departmental services.
  • Complete all mandatory CPD, FA training, safeguarding, and first-aid requirements.
• Professional Standards & Club Responsibilities
  • Uphold the values, standards, and reputation of Portsmouth Football Club at all times.
  • Promote equality, diversity, inclusion, and respect throughout the Academy.
  • Ensure compliance with Health & Safety policies and procedures.
  • Deliver high standards of professionalism, customer service, teamwork, and communication.
  • Take responsibility for personal development and contribute positively to employee relations and organisational culture.

About The Candidate

Qualifications required:

• FA Coaching Level 4 (UEFA A Licence)
• FA Youth Award
• FA Advanced Youth Award
• Membership of the FA Coaches Club
• Emergency First Aid Certificate
• FA Safeguarding Children Certificate

Competencies required:

Knowledge & Experience:

• Experience of working with and supporting players in the youth development and professional development phase group during coaching sessions.
• Experience of co-ordinating activities for a large number of people.
• Evidence based experience of supporting and mentoring coaches.
• Experience of working within the football industry, within the youth and professional development phase.

Personal attributes:

• Enthusiastic and hard working.
• Enjoys interacting with a wide variety of people daily.
• Motivated, creative and innovative with a strong work ethic.
• Good team player who can work on own initiative.
• Willingness to experience and manage change, self-evaluate and work towards continuous improvement.
• Proactive “can-do” approach to work.
• Willingness to work weekends and in the evening.
• Self-motivated and able to initiate routine and non-routine work as necessary.
• A passion, interest and specialism towards the youth and professional development.

About The Club

We promote an equal, diverse, and inclusive workplace and we are committed to providing the best experience for our colleagues. As a business we aim to be as representative of as many sections of society as possible, and for each colleague to feel respected and able to give of their best every day. We ensure that we treat people the right way, promote respect and believe that making the most of our differences is the key to the success of our business.

Portsmouth Football Club is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We acknowledge that every child, young person, or adult at risk who plays or participates in football should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from poor practice and abuse.

Portsmouth Football Club is committed to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all employees, contractors, visitors, and others who may be affected by our operations. As part of this commitment, you are expected to take reasonable care for your own health and safety, as well as that of others.

The Club processes all personal data collected during the recruitment process in accordance with the Data Protection Act (2018) and GDPR.