At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire youth coaches while developing young players in a dynamic football academy.
- Company: Join Swansea City AFC, a club committed to youth development and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with a focus on collaboration and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young athletes' lives and shape the future of football.
- Qualifications: UEFA A Licence, experience in coaching, and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Purpose of Role
To be responsible for the strategic and day-to-day leadership of coaching, player development and coach support across the Youth Development Phase (U13-U16). The role combines hands-on coaching with phase-wide leadership, ensuring a consistent, high-quality and age appropriate programme that aligns with the club’s playing philosophy and long-term player development plan.
ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Coaching
Plan, deliver and evaluate high-quality training sessions that align with the Academy’s game principles and player development philosophy to age groups across the YDP. Act as the lead coach for a designated YDP age group, taking responsibility for matchday coaching, team selection and in-game management. Ensure coaches within the YDP are delivering sessions that align with the Academy’s game principles and player development philosophy. Ensure all coaching content reflects current best practice in long-term player and athletic development. - Operations & Logistics
Coordinate the weekly and seasonal training, fixture and tournament schedule for the YDP, liaising with the operations department. Coordinate 6-weekly reviews for YDP players and parents/guardians and player progress meetings with YDP coaches and the wider multidisciplinary team. Ensure appropriate staffing ratios for all training sessions and matches in the YDP. - Coach Mentoring & Support
Line manage, mentor and support the ongoing development of YDP coaches, including regular 1:1s, observations and feedback. Design and deliver internal CPD sessions and workshops to upskill coaching staff. Work with the Head of Coaching to support coaches in their qualification pathway (e.g. UEFA coaching badges) and identify development opportunities. Foster a collaborative, reflective coaching culture, encouraging peer observation and shared best practice across the phase. Conduct performance reviews and contribute to the recruitment of new coaching staff within the YDP. - Player Development
Take overall responsibility for planning and implementation of players’ Individual Development Plans (IDPs) across the YDP, ensuring consistency of approach across all coaches within the YDP. Work closely with Foundation Phase and Professional Development Phase leads to ensure a coherent and aligned approach to player pathway and development. Lead player review meetings with parents/guardians and players, communicating progress, targets, action points and how we will support. Collaborate regularly with the wider multidisciplinary team to support the holistic development of each player. Monitor and report on player progress against club and phase benchmarks, delivering this information in succession planning and player progress meetings. Collaborate with the Head of Recruitment on talent identification and player recruitment/retention decisions within the YDP.
About The Candidate
- KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
- Essential
Minimum UEFA A Licence
Hold FA Advanced Youth Award
Minimum of 3 years working within an EPPP Academy environment
Experience mentoring, line managing and leading other coaches
Strong understanding of long-term player development principles and age-appropriate coaching methodology
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage players, parents and staff effectively
Up to date safeguarding certification and enhanced background check (e.g. DBS)
First Aid certification (e.g. EFAiF or FRS Level 2) - Desirable
Degree in Sports Coaching or Teaching.
Experience delivering workshops or CPD sessions to coaching staff and parents
Full UK Driving License
Knowledge of EPPP system and audit process
General Accountabilities
Continue to challenge, learn and set standards within the coaching department. Creative and open-minded. Being proactive in organization. Attentive to detail and driven to succeed. To always maintain a flexible approach to work. To build and maintain good working relationships both internally and externally.
CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK REQUIREMENT
This role will require an Enhanced DBS Check.
About The Club
GENERAL STATEMENT
Should an adequate number of applications be received prior to the closing date, Swansea City AFC reserve the right to remove this advert. Due to a high demand in applications the Club will be unable to respond to those applicants who have not been shortlisted for interview.
SAFEGUARDING & WELFARE
The Company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people involved in activities and event at the Company. As part of the Company’s recruitment and selection process any offers of work involving working in regulated activity with children are subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS Disclosure and barred list check (depending on the level of supervision, frequency, and nature of contact with children). The Company may also conduct online searches of candidates who have been shortlisted as part of its safer recruitment procedures. Appropriate references will be required.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT
Swansea City AFC strives to ensure it provides an environment where everyone's rights, dignity and individual worth is respected and takes a zero-tolerance approach to any form of discrimination. Equal Opportunity is an integral part of our recruitment and selection process, and we welcome applications from all individuals who feel they meet the core requirements of the role. We are particularly encouraging applications from women, disabled people and individuals from diverse ethnic communities who are currently under-represented within the organisation. All appointments will be made on merit of skill and experience relative to the role.
Lead Youth Development Phase Coach in Swansea employer: EFL
Portsmouth FC is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment at our state-of-the-art training ground in Portsmouth. We are dedicated to the professional growth of our staff, providing extensive development opportunities and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. Join us to be part of a passionate team that values strong relationships and is committed to nurturing talent both on and off the field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Youth Development Phase Coach in Swansea
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
Even though you’re after a full-time role, don’t underestimate internships or volunteering in sports organisations. These positions not only give you hands-on experience but can also lead to permanent openings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your face known in the industry!
✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
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We think you need these skills to ace Lead Youth Development Phase Coach in Swansea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining EFL aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at EFL
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with EFL, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
