Player Development Coach (Lead U13) in Newcastle upon Tyne

Be part of something bigger. Turn potential into performance — helping young players thrive on and off the pitch. We are the heartbeat of the city. A club with bold ambitions on a global stage and deep roots in our community. If you’re driven to raise the bar and make an impact, you’ll find the platform, the people and the pride to do your best work here.

We’re looking for a passionate and knowledgeable football professional to help us nurture talent and support performance on and off the pitch. This role plays an important part in delivering high standards, supporting player development, and helping us create the best possible environment for success across the Club.

About the role

Reporting to the Head of Technical Development, you will have day‑to‑day responsibility for the supervision, coaching and progression of your designated squad. You will act as lead coach, ensuring our Academy philosophy, values and behaviours are embedded consistently across training, games and reviews. You will work closely with coaching, performance, medical, analysis and education colleagues to ensure each player is supported holistically and challenged appropriately, with a clear focus on long‑term development rather than short‑term outcomes.

What you’ll do

• Lead the planning, delivery and review of the coaching programme for your assigned squad in line with the Academy playing and coaching philosophy.
• Manage and prepare squads for the games programme, including collaboration on team and squad selection.
• Work collaboratively with the inter‑disciplinary team to deliver integrated player development across macro, meso and micro cycles.
• Chair and contribute to regular player review and progression meetings, providing clear feedback and development plans.
• Ensure accurate recording of coaching time, game time and player reviews in line with EPPP requirements.
• Contribute to player succession planning alongside Academy leadership and recruitment colleagues.
• Supervise, mentor and develop part‑time coaches within your phase, supporting individual development plans and CPD activity.
• Uphold the highest standards of safeguarding, welfare, equality and professionalism at all times.

Essential criteria

• Experience of coaching players within the professional game, esp. YDP age groups.
• UEFA ‘A’ Licence.
• FA Advanced Youth Award (or currently enrolled).
• FA Safeguarding Certificate and FA Basic First Aid for Sport.
• Strong communication, presentation and relationship‑building skills.
• A sound understanding of EPPP, safeguarding, welfare and equality principles.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a high‑performance, multi‑disciplinary environment.
• GCSE (or equivalent) in Maths and English (Grade C / 4 or above).
• Driving licence.

The team

You’ll join a committed football department working collaboratively across coaching, performance, analysis, medical and player care teams. Together, we aim to create an environment where every player can thrive United As One. We’re committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and believe in equal opportunities for all. We recognise that the diversity of our people is one of our greatest strengths. We work together to reflect the communities we serve and to maintain an inclusive environment in which everyone can be their authentic self and is enabled to achieve their full potential.

Safeguarding

We’re committed to being a place where everyone is safe, heard, valued and able to thrive so we place high value on the safeguarding and welfare of everyone we engage with. This position is UK based and requires proof of the right to live and work in the UK. All job offers are conditional upon background checks, including reference history, DBS checks, and verification of your eligibility to work. Please note, we do not sponsor applicants without the right to work in the UK.