At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire coaches, developing a world-class learning environment for all Academy phases.
- Company: Join Walsall FC, a club with a rich history and a commitment to community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to shape future talent.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values integrity, growth, and community connection.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on coach development and player success in a passionate environment.
- Qualifications: UEFA A Licence and experience in coaching development are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Walsall FC is seeking a Head of Academy Coach Development to lead and inspire our team of coaches, ensuring a world-class learning environment across all Academy phases. This is a key leadership role within our Academy, as you will be responsible for shaping, implementing and reviewing the Academy's coaching programme. Working closely with the Academy Manager, you will oversee the design and delivery of the Academy's coach development strategy and help mentor coaches to help them reach their full potential.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement a sustainable system for coach development across Foundation, Youth and Professional Development Phases.
- Design, deliver, and evaluate in-service education and CPD programmes for all Academy staff.
- Conduct individual Training Needs Analyses (TNAs) and create personalised Development Action Plans (DAPs) for all coaches.
- Develop a Club-specific Coach Competency Framework (CCF) to monitor and assess coaching standards.
- Provide one-to-one mentoring, feedback and behaviour analysis to enhance coach performance.
- Lead on succession planning, recruitment and induction of new coaching staff.
- Collaborate with Phase Leads to design individualised player development programmes.
- Ensure every player has an Individual Learning Plan and Performance Clock.
- Play an active role in player assessment, retention and release decisions.
- Build strong relationships with grassroots partner clubs and key external stakeholders.
- Represent the Academy in external coach development partnerships and initiatives.
- Uphold all Academy safeguarding, welfare and EDI standards at all times.
About The Candidate
Essential Qualifications & Experience:
- UEFA A Licence
- FA Advanced Youth Award
- FA Youth Award
- FA Level 2 Emergency First Aid in Football (EFAiF)
- FA Safeguarding Children Certificate
- Enhanced FA DBS Check
Desirable Qualifications:
- Premier League Elite Head of Coach Development Post Graduate Diploma or higher degree in Coaching, Coach Development or Leadership
- European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC) Foundation Award
- FA Talent Identification Level 2
Personal Qualities:
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Positive, approachable and solution-focused
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail
- Able to perform under pressure and meet deadlines
- Committed to continuous personal and professional development
- Honest, reliable and demonstrates high levels of integrity
Safeguarding & Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI):
To adhere to safeguarding and child protection policies, ensuring the welfare of children and young people. Behave inclusively and respectfully, reflecting the positive EDI values of the Club. All employees must undergo suitable DBS checks through the Club.
About The Club
Walsall Football Club, founded in 1888, is a place full of passion and pride, with a rich history having had exciting moments in both the lower divisions and the second tier of English football. Since moving to the Bescot Stadium in 1990, we've celebrated promotions, including two stints in the second tier in 1961 and 2001, and a memorable League Two title win in 2007. We’re committed to inspiring our community, offering a sense of belonging, pride, and aspiration. We are guided by our core values of Total Ownership, Process Discipline, Relentless Execution and Uncompromising Service creating opportunities for people to connect, grow, and achieve both on and off the pitch.
Head of Academy Coach Development in Walsall 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 Head of Academy Coach Development in Walsall
✨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
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Academy Coach Development in Walsall
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.
