At a Glance
- Tasks: Coach young players and develop your skills in an elite football academy.
- Company: Join Stevenage FC, a proud club with a rich history in English football.
- Benefits: Gain access to coaching qualifications and tailored support for your development.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity with excellent career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in football while promoting inclusion and diversity.
- Qualifications: UEFA B licence and experience in coaching youth football.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Stevenage FC, in partnership with the Premier League, is proud to support the Coach Inclusion & Diversity Scheme (CIDS) for the 2026/27 season. This exciting full-time opportunity is designed to support the development of the next generation of elite football coaches through a combination of academy coaching experience and an industry-leading development programme. The scheme is open to all applicants. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and mixed heritage backgrounds, and women, who remain underrepresented within professional football coaching pathways.
The successful candidate will divide their time between:
- Working as an Academy Coach within the Stevenage FC Academy with opportunities to work across all phases of its programme
- Participating in the Premier League’s accredited Coach Development Programme
This role provides the opportunity to gain valuable experience across different development phases while collaborating with multidisciplinary staff within an elite academy environment.
As part of the programme, you will benefit from:
- Individual mentoring and tailored support
- Immersive learning experiences
- Peer-to-peer collaboration and networking
- Access to FA and UEFA coaching qualifications (subject to development needs and availability)
Successful completion of the programme will lead to the award of a Diploma in Professional Football Coaching from Leeds Beckett University.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: Monday 1st June 2026
- Enquiries: [email protected]
- Assessment Activities:
- Stage 1: Week Commencing 8th June 2026
- Stage 2: Week Commencing 22nd June 2026
- CIDS Induction: Lake District – September 2026 (4 Days)
About The Candidate
Qualifications
- UEFA B licence outfield award
- No prior full-time 1st Team or Academy coaching role at a EPPP Category 1-4 club
- Recognised First Aid Qualification (Emergency Aid)
- Experience of coaching in one, or more, of the following environments: grassroots, community, education, development centre or part-time academy football settings
- DBS check
Skills, Knowledge & Experience
- Extensive knowledge and experience of the role and the position
- Experience working with young players
- Experience of holistic youth development activities within, or beyond, sport
- IT skills, including the ability to use Performance Management Application (PMA) software and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word and Outlook)
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Attitude / Behaviours
- Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
- Genuine team player
- Reliable individual
Personal Qualities
- Personable with the ability to build individual relationships
- Hardworking and enthusiastic
- Empathetic to young players
- Ability to adapt to changing circumstances
About The Club
Founded in 1976 as Stevenage Borough Football Club, we dropped the 'Borough' from our name in 2010 when we won promotion to the English Football League for the first time in our history, although it has stuck as our nickname. We currently play in Sky Bet League One, the third tier of English football. Our home games are played at The Lamex Stadium, which has a capacity of 7,800 supporters. Over the years, we have achieved a huge amount in our relatively short history: including 2 FA Trophies, 2 Conference National titles, a League Two Play-Off Trophy & automatic promotion to League One in 2023.
Safeguarding Statement
Stevenage Football Club is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to endorse this commitment. This post requires Enhanced Criminal Records Checks and may include checks against the Barred Lists, as such it is exempt from Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). Therefore all convictions including spent convictions that have not been subject to filtering by the DBS should be declared. Relevant information and/or documents will be distributed as part of the recruitment process.
BAME Declaration
The English Football League has introduced positive action measures aimed at tackling the under-representation of coaches and managers from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds. New regulations require clubs to shortlist at least one suitably qualified BAME candidate (where an application has been received) for all roles in Academy football that require a UEFA A or UEFA B Licence. As part of the application process, you will therefore be asked to declare your ethnicity.
Equality and Diversity Statement
Stevenage Football Club is an equal opportunities employer and staff will be regarded equally and will be given equal opportunities irrespective of sex, age, race, religion or belief, marriage or civil partnership, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, ethnic or national origin. Further training on Anti-Discrimination and Inclusion is available to all.
Academy Coach - Coach Inclusion and Diversity Scheme in Stevenage employer: EFL
Stevenage FC is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse coaching environment through the Coach Inclusion & Diversity Scheme. With a strong commitment to employee development, the club offers tailored mentoring, access to prestigious coaching qualifications, and immersive learning experiences, all within a supportive academy culture that values collaboration and growth. Located at The Lamex Stadium, employees benefit from being part of a dynamic team that champions equality and provides meaningful opportunities for aspiring coaches from underrepresented backgrounds.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Academy Coach - Coach Inclusion and Diversity Scheme in Stevenage
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former coaches in the industry, especially those who've been through similar programmes. They can offer insights and might even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interviews by researching Stevenage FC and the Coach Inclusion & Diversity Scheme. Show us that you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to our academy's success!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your coaching philosophy and how it aligns with our values. Be ready to discuss your experiences with young players and how you can help them develop both on and off the pitch.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Academy Coach - Coach Inclusion and Diversity Scheme in Stevenage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for coaching and football shine through. We want to see your genuine interest in developing young talent and how you can contribute to our academy's success.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight relevant coaching experiences that align with the role. Whether it's grassroots or part-time academy settings, we want to know how your background prepares you for this opportunity.
Be Yourself:Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. We value authenticity and want to see how you connect with young players and your potential teammates at Stevenage FC.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to showcase your skills in the best light!
How to prepare for a job interview at EFL
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the Coach Inclusion & Diversity Scheme. Familiarise yourself with Stevenage FC’s values and their commitment to diversity in coaching. This will show that you’re genuinely interested and aligned with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your coaching experience, especially in grassroots or community settings. Highlight any relevant qualifications, like your UEFA B licence, and be ready to share specific examples of how you've contributed to youth development in your previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
As a coach, being a team player is crucial. Be prepared to talk about how you’ve collaborated with others in past roles. Share stories that illustrate your ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining a positive attitude.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the mentoring process within the Coach Development Programme or how they measure success in their academy. This shows your enthusiasm and eagerness to engage with the role.
