At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and coach young players aged U8-U12 at MK Dons Academy.
- Company: Join a dynamic football academy focused on player development.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, professional growth, and a chance to impact young athletes.
- Other info: Opportunity for career advancement and involvement in exciting academy events.
- Why this job: Shape the future of football by nurturing young talent in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: UEFA ‘B’ Licence and experience in coaching or managing youth teams.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job purpose: The Foundation Phase Lead is responsible for facilitating Recruitment, Coaching and Managing the players and staff at MK Dons Academy ages U8-U12. They will also support the transition of players from the Pre-Academy into the Foundation Phase alongside the Academy multi-disciplinary staff.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the pathway (Training, Fixtures, Reviews, Development Plans and Feedback) for all players across the Academy age groups of U8-U12
- Ensure the Coaching syllabus and Coaching Methodology is implemented daily to prepare players for the Foundation Phase and transition to the Youth Development Phase.
- Plan, deliver & review coaching of Academy players through Individual Development Plans and formal reviews
- Plan, deliver & review the games programme for Foundation Phase players
Decision Making
- Evaluation of player progress using internal auditing system and player depth charting (including reporting on trialists)
- Recruitment of new players using the internal auditing system evaluating the performances of all players across the Academy Principles and Competency Framework
Impact & Influence
- To deliver and support delivery of Academy coaching sessions to the highest standards with a sharp focus on technical core skills
- To implement and lead Individual Development Plans for all players across age groups U9-U12
- Complete other tasks for the benefit of the organisation when required
Skill Level
- To facilitate part-time coach delivery of Academy coaching sessions to a high standard.
- To assist with the practical delivery of the schoolboy programme
Communication
- To work closely with the coaching staff to ensure knowledge of all Academy players is communicated up and down the age groups
- Work closely with the Head of Coaching and regularly feedback from training and matches on individual progress / performance
- Accurate and Prompt communication of schedules
Budget Management
- Be responsible for the condition and cleanliness of Academy equipment and report any faulty or broken equipment to Lead Phase Coach.
- Ensure the facility and equipment is left in a tidy and safe state for the next user.
Lead & Develop
- To support the progression of players into and through the pathway with relevant members of staff. (working closely with other Lead Phase Coaches and the Multi-Disciplinary Team)
- To line manage and provide clear direction for part-time coaches working with players in the U8-U12 age groups. Including implementation of the appraisals (PDR’s) of all relevant staff
- Facilitate weekly multi-disciplinary meetings for the Foundation Phase
Operating Parameters
- To attend and contribute to club CPD events
- To ensure that all relevant Football Intelligent Platform (FIP) administration is kept up to date for the Foundation Phase
- To monitor the use of video analysis ensuring best practice sessions/clips are available for FP coaches and players
- IT literate with a willingness to learn how to use all internal systems including the PMA effectively
- Have a personable approach
- Excellent communication and interpersonal service skills
- Have a flexible attitude to work
- Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
- Have a polite and courteous manner
- Be organised, have good time management skills
- The ability to meet deadlines
- Be able to adapt to changing circumstances
- Have the drive and enthusiasm to set high standards and achieve company objectives
- Be prepared to work evenings and weekends
- Compliant to company policies/procedures and regulations relating to your role in the Academy
- Motivated to develop professionally and keeps accurate records that support the CCF and Coaching DAP
- Experience of working in an Academy environment
- Previous experience line managing and delegating tasks effectively
- UEFA ‘B’ Licence Coaching Certificate
- FA EFAiF (Fist Aid Certificate)
- FA Youth Award
- Full Driving Licence
- D1 Category (Minibus) Driving Licence
- UEFA ‘A’ Licence
- FA Advanced Youth Award (FP)
Safeguarding - We are committed to safeguarding and protecting children and young people(CYP) and at-risk Adults (ARA) Our expectation is that you will fully accept your responsibility for the safety and welfare of all CYP and ARA by being fully conversant with all our safeguarding policies and reporting anything that does not appear to be correct. The post maybe subject to an enhanced DBS check and yearly self-declarations.
Equality & Diversity – must be able to demonstrate that equality, diversity and inclusion will be maintained and developed across all programmes and areas of the business.
Foundation Phase Lead Coach in Milton Keynes employer: Kick it Out
MK Dons Academy is an exceptional employer for those passionate about youth development in football, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises coaching excellence and player progression. With a strong commitment to professional growth, employees benefit from ongoing training opportunities, collaborative team culture, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on young athletes' lives. Located in Milton Keynes, the academy provides a supportive atmosphere where innovation and dedication are celebrated, making it an ideal place for aspiring coaches to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Foundation Phase Lead Coach in Milton Keynes
✨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 Foundation Phase Lead Coach in Milton Keynes
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 Kick it Out 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 Kick it Out
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Kick it Out, 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.
