U15 Assistant Coach - Women's Academy

About the Role

The role supports the Head Coach in the planning and delivery of high-quality sessions within the Women's Academy U15 squad. It contributes to the long-term player development of all players in the U15 squad. The coach assists with training, matchday planning and player transitions, working closely with multidisciplinary staff, players, parents and other stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the planning and delivery of high-quality training sessions for the U15 squad, following the club's Game model, practice methodology and player development framework.
• Provide individual support for all players to aid their development.
• Assist with matchday planning and delivery, including player selection, match preparation and post-game analysis.
• Maintain high professional standards and ensure a positive training and matchday environment.
• Work with the MDT, such as medical, performance, education and safeguarding, to ensure a joined-up approach is carried out for all players.
• Provide up-to-date and timely IAP documentation to the Head Coach and Coaching Lead on request.
• Support the implementation of Individual Action Plans (IAPs) across the U15 age groups.
• Support and manage the transition of players to and from the U15 squad.
• Maintain regular communication with players, parents and other stakeholders.
• Perform any other duties as required for the Senior Team and Academy.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• FA Safeguarding Qualification (Essential).
• FA First Aid Qualification (Essential).
• Coaching experience in a youth football environment.
• Strong understanding of age-specific development principles and player profiling.
• Knowledge of grassroots, school and academy level football.
• Excellent observation, evaluation, and communication skills.
• Player-centred coaching.
• Professionalism and integrity.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Adaptability and professionalism.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work successfully across a range of stakeholders (e.g. age group coaches, parents, Senior Team staff).
• Passion for youth development and understanding of the process of managing and developing talent.
• Good reflection skills to review individual and departmental performance and make necessary changes where and when necessary.
• Great attention to detail and delivery of the highest standards regardless of the task.
• Keenness to learn and experience new things to develop as a practitioner.

Preferred Skills

• UEFA B Licence (Desirable).
• UEFA A Licence (Desirable).
• FA Youth Award (Desirable).
• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject (e.g. Sport Science/Coaching) (Desirable).
• Experience working with elite youth female athletes (Desirable).
• Previous professional playing experience (Desirable).

Workplace

• Cobham Training Ground, with travel to and from away fixtures.
• Fixed-term, part-time contract: 14 hours per week across 4 days from 7, as required by the team schedule.

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