At a Glance
- Tasks: Coach the next generation of football talent while gaining invaluable experience.
- Company: Join Notts County FC, a club committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, mentoring, FA/UEFA qualifications, and a Diploma in Professional Football Coaching.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in football while developing your coaching skills.
- Qualifications: UEFA B Licence and a passion for player development.
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 Nottingham 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 Nottingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the football coaching community, attend events, and connect with others on social media. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the club and its coaching philosophy. Show that you understand their values and how you can contribute to their goals. Tailor your responses to highlight your passion for inclusion and diversity in coaching.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your coaching demonstrations! If you're asked to showcase your skills during the interview process, make sure you're ready to impress. Use this opportunity to show off your unique coaching style and how you engage players.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and committed to the process.
We think you need these skills to ace CIDS Academy Coach in Nottingham
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 clearly address each point. This makes it easier for us to see how you meet the criteria and keeps your application organised.
Showcase Your Unique Expertise:Don’t shy away from highlighting your unique skills and lived experiences. We’re looking for diverse perspectives, so let us know how your background can contribute to our academy and the players we support. Be bold and authentic!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your materials and ensures you don’t miss any important details. 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 their player development strategies and be ready to discuss how your coaching style aligns with their approach.
✨Show Your Passion for Inclusion
Since this role focuses on diversity, be prepared to share your thoughts on inclusive coaching. Highlight any experiences you've had working with underrepresented groups and how you can contribute to a positive environment.
✨Engage with the Development Programme
Demonstrate your commitment to personal growth by discussing your eagerness to participate in the Premier League Coach Development Programme. Mention any relevant qualifications or training you’ve pursued and how they’ll benefit your coaching.
✨Build Relationships
Emphasise your strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. Share examples of how you’ve built positive relationships with players, parents, and staff in previous roles to show you’re a team player.
