At a Glance
- Tasks: Coach the next generation of football talent while gaining invaluable experience.
- Company: Join Notts County FC, a leader in promoting diversity in coaching.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, mentoring, and access to FA/UEFA qualifications.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity with excellent career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in football and champion inclusion and diversity.
- Qualifications: UEFA B Licence and a passion for player development required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Notts County Football Club, in partnership with the Premier League, is proud to support the Coach Inclusion & Diversity Scheme for the 2026/27 season. We're offering a 23-month, full-time academy coaching role to the successful candidate to support the development of the next generation of football coaches. The scheme is open to all, and we particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and mixed heritage backgrounds, and women, as they are underrepresented groups amongst the coaching roles that exist across the professional game.
What’s Involved?
You’ll split your time between Academy coaching at Notts County Football Club and the Premier League’s accredited Coach Development Programme. You’ll gain experience across development phases and work with multi-disciplinary teams. Your development journey will include:
- Mentoring and bespoke support
- Immersive learning experiences
- Peer learning
- Access to FA/UEFA qualifications (based on development need and subject to availability)
On successful completion of all programme elements, you’ll be awarded a Diploma in Professional Football Coaching from Leeds Beckett University.
Role Purpose
This role combines practical coaching experience within the Academy alongside a structured Coach Development Programme. The successful candidate will contribute to the delivery of the Academy’s Player Development Strategy, while undertaking a comprehensive learning journey designed to support progression into the professional game.
Key Responsibilities
Coaching & Player Development
- Support the planning, delivery and review of coaching sessions aligned to the club’s Game Model and Coaching Philosophy
- Create engaging, developmentally appropriate learning environments for players
- Contribute to the delivery of individual player development through ILPs and ongoing feedback
- Support matchday delivery and player exposure across positions and challenges
Learning & Development (CIDS Programme)
- Fully engage in the Premier League Coach Development Programme
- Attend all workshops, mentoring sessions and learning events
- Engage in reflective practice and applied learning within the Academy environment
- Work towards agreed individual development goals
Collaboration & Environment
- Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary staff (coaching, medical, education, player care)
- Build positive relationships with players, parents and staff
- Contribute to an inclusive, safe and high-performance environment
- Act as a positive role model within the Academy
Operations & Professional Standards
- Maintain accurate records in line with EPPP requirements (e.g. FIP)
- Support player reviews, feedback processes and ILP tracking
- Adhere to all safeguarding, equality and club policies
- Demonstrate professionalism in all aspects of the role
Development Opportunity
As part of the CIDS programme, the successful candidate will receive:
- Dedicated mentoring and coach developer support
- Access to immersive learning experiences and peer learning
- Opportunities to work across development phases
- Access to FA/UEFA qualifications (subject to availability)
- The opportunity to achieve a Diploma in Professional Football Coaching
Person Specification
Essential
- UEFA B Licence (minimum)
- Experience coaching in grassroots, education, community or academy settings
- Commitment to player development and learning
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Willingness to engage fully in a high-performance development programme
- FA Safeguarding & First Aid (or willingness to obtain)
Desirable
- UEFA A Licence (or working towards)
- Experience supporting holistic player development
- Experience working within structured development environments
Personal Attributes
- Highly motivated to work in the professional game
- Passion for inclusive coaching and player development
- Resilient and adaptable within a high-performance environment
- Desire to be a positive role model and ambassador for diversity in football
How to Apply
Reasonable adjustments are available for applicants with a disability, please contact the (club lead) for further support in applying for this role. Please submit a two-part cover letter:
- Part 1 (max 500 words) demonstrating how you fulfil the “What We’re Looking For” criteria. Please structure your responses under the following headings: a) The essential criteria I fulfil b) The desirable criteria I fulfil c) My desire to be a role model and ambassador for diversity in the game
- Part 2 (max 500 words) to answer all the following questions. Please structure your responses under the following headings: a) My motivations for applying for the CIDS academy coach role and Premier League Coach Development Programme b) How the CIDS academy coach role and development programme fits with my career ambitions c) How my unique expertise, and lived experience, will benefit the club and players
Complete the Club’s Application Form by clicking on this link: CAREERS - Notts County FC
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 1st June 2026
- Application Queries To:
- Assessment Activities: Stage 1 w/c 8th June & Stage 2 w/c 15th June
- CIDS Induction, Lake District September 2026 (4 days)
Safeguarding & Equality
The Club is fully committed to safeguarding children and young people. All staff must adhere to safeguarding policies and safer recruitment practices. The Club and the Premier League are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups within coaching, including individuals from Black, Asian and mixed heritage backgrounds, and women.
CIDS Academy Coach in Derby employer: Notts County Football Club
Notts County Football Club is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to develop as a coach within a supportive and inclusive environment. With access to the Premier League's accredited Coach Development Programme, employees benefit from dedicated mentoring, immersive learning experiences, and the chance to earn a Diploma in Professional Football Coaching, all while contributing to a diverse and high-performance culture at Meadow Lane Stadium.
Contact Details:
Notts County Football Club Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CIDS Academy Coach in Derby
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the football coaching scene. Attend workshops, seminars, or local matches to meet potential employers and fellow coaches. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a chance, volunteer to coach at local clubs or schools. This not only builds your experience but also gives you something tangible to discuss during interviews. Plus, it’s a great way to demonstrate your commitment to player development.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for interviews! Research Notts County FC and the CIDS programme thoroughly. Understand their coaching philosophy and be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs. This shows you’re genuinely interested and invested in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you can keep track of your application status easily. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to kickstart your coaching career!
We think you need these skills to ace CIDS Academy Coach in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Personal with Your Cover Letter:When writing your cover letter, make it personal! Share your journey and experiences that led you to apply for the CIDS Academy Coach role. We want to see your passion for coaching and how you connect with our values of inclusion and diversity.
Structure is Key:Follow the structure outlined in the job description for your cover letter. Break it down into the required sections and make sure you address each point clearly. This helps us see how you meet the essential and desirable criteria without any fuss!
Showcase Your Unique Expertise:Don’t shy away from highlighting your unique skills and lived experiences. We’re looking for what makes you stand out as a candidate. How can your background contribute to our academy and the players? Let us know!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Notts County Football Club
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the club’s Game Model and Coaching Philosophy. Familiarise yourself with Notts County Football Club's approach to player development and be ready to discuss how your coaching style aligns with their vision.
✨Show Your Passion for Inclusion
Since this role focuses on diversity, be prepared to share your thoughts on inclusive coaching practices. Highlight any experiences you've had working with underrepresented groups and how you can contribute to a positive environment for all players.
✨Engage in Reflective Practice
Demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning by discussing how you engage in reflective practice. Share specific examples of how you’ve adapted your coaching methods based on feedback or personal reflection to improve player development.
✨Build Relationships
Emphasise your interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. Be ready to talk about how you’ve built positive relationships with players, parents, and staff in previous roles, as this will be crucial in creating a supportive academy environment.
