London FC Lead Coach

We are Girls United: an organisation that stands for a world with a level playing field, on and off the pitch. We establish grassroots football clubs for girls in multiple locations and use football as a tool to empower individuals. Being part of the Girls United team means believing in the cause and being invested in the progress of the organisation. Founded on values of equality, inclusion and empowerment, the organisation is a space for innovation, action and growth with positive social impact at its roots. We are growing quickly and undertaking a series of exciting projects.

Reports to: London Programme Lead (FC)

Hours: Two weekday evening training sessions per week and one Sunday fixture (during term time).

Training: Monday to Thursday evenings, 60 or 90 minutes between 5:00pm and 8:30pm depending on age group, evening and venue.

Fixtures: Sundays, kick‑off times between 9:30am and 3:00pm. Duration depends on age group.

Admin: Up to 5 hours of additional admin per month (assorted tasks, more details available during interview process). Must be able to commit to training and match days.

Salary: Lead Coach £17.50 p/h (for training we pay an extra 15 minutes for session set‑up, plus session delivery time. Match days are 2‑3 hours of work for lead coach, 1.75‑2.75 hours for assistant coach). The additional 5 hours of admin are billed at £13.50 per hour of pre‑agreed, itemised work.

Location: South London – Lambeth, Southwark and other surrounding areas.

Lead Coach (FC) will be responsible for delivering structured, age‑appropriate training sessions and match‑day experiences across the range of competitive Girls United FC teams (U9 to U16) that play in the Tandridge Youth Football League. The position includes delivery of practical sessions, supporting/developing players and working alongside our existing workforce. The role requires a coach already possessing experience working with youth, female players, who wants to contribute positively to our community.

Girls United offers a growing player pathway through our Play Like a Girl and Love The Game programmes for new girls to take part in football, through our social play sessions during the week to our FC teams who train and take part in league fixtures. Our player pathway also extends onwards from Girls United into local ETC and PGA programmes.

Responsibilities

• Attend sessions, events and fixtures agreed in advance with the FC Programme Lead.
• Oversee and support assistant coaches who deliver parts or whole sessions.
• Build rapport and trust with players, parents and guardians to ensure continued engagement with Girls United.
• Develop the technical, tactical, social, psychological and physical aspects of players to foster learning and create positive outcomes.
• Work collaboratively with other team members, including volunteers, sessional staff and contracted staff within Girls United London.
• Support in creating and maintaining positive relationships with community groups and partner organisations such as venues to deliver programmes.
• Oversee safeguarding and ensure player wellbeing and safety are paramount, creating a safe, nurturing, positive and supportive environment.
• Support the wider team in developing new ideas, programmes and opportunities for growth and delivery.
• Be involved in fixture programmes/days – support league administration on the day (using the League App), assist with officiating matches, and support the team of players.
• Deliver periodic player development reflections and interventions including weekly training review and match‑day analysis, player review nights (two times in a season) and scheduled 1:1 meetings with the Programme Lead.

Essential and Desirable Qualities

• Experience – at least one season of experience leading a youth team in grassroots football in the girls’/women’s space, including delivering sessions and a fixture programme.
• Qualifications – FA Level 2 in Football Coaching (or working towards) including an up‑to‑date qualification for Safeguarding Children and First Aid in Football.
• Experience of league administration such as match cards, player cards and match reports.
• Working with an assistant coach – desirable.
• Communication – confident in speaking and building positive rapport with various people within the community (players, parents, venues, schools and funders).
• Organisation skills – able to manage time effectively and complete administration tasks punctually alongside attending sessions.
• Adaptability and flexibility – able to work in a fluid, fast‑paced, exciting environment of football, with hours often across unsocial times such as weekends and evenings.

Application Process

• Submit CV and cover letter.
• 45‑minute phone interview with the London Programme Lead.
• Practical interview consisting of a pre‑set task and a coaching session, helping us assign your skill set to the most suitable coaching level and age groups.
• Final conversation to address remaining questions and ensure compatibility with the organisation.