At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop goalkeepers in a dynamic football environment.
- Company: Join Sunderland AFC, a passionate football community making a local impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, complimentary season tickets, and enhanced family pay.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to safeguarding and player welfare.
- Why this job: Shape the future of goalkeeping talent and inspire the next generation.
- Qualifications: UEFA Goalkeeping A License and extensive coaching experience required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
At Sunderland AFC, you’re not just becoming part of a football club; you’re entering a vibrant community fuelled by passion and pride. Our commitment to making a difference means you’ll engage with local initiatives that truly matter, allowing you to leave a positive impact right here at home. You’ll thrive in an exciting, dynamic atmosphere where every day is a new adventure filled with the thrill of football and teamwork. We believe in nurturing talent, so you’ll have access to training programs and mentorship opportunities.
Our diverse and inclusive culture celebrates individuality, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. You’ll be part of a team that unites in the spirit of collaboration and respect, making your work environment both rewarding and inspiring.
About the Coaching Team
Our Coaching Team are passionate about developing talent at all levels, from our youngest Academy members to the first team. Our holistic coaching philosophy emphasises technical skills, tactical awareness, mental resilience, and sportsmanship. We prioritise open communication with players and their families, providing regular updates on training progress and development opportunities. Join us in elevating the standard of coaching at Sunderland AFC, where every player is encouraged to grow, excel, and love the game!
The Opportunity
The Head of Academy and U21 Goalkeeping Coach is a pivotal leadership role responsible for shaping and driving the club’s goalkeeping vision across the Academy and U21 programme. This individual will lead the strategic development of goalkeepers and goalkeeping coaches, creating a clear pathway that supports player progression from youth football to the professional game. Working closely with senior football staff, the successful candidate will implement a unified coaching philosophy that aligns with the club’s overall football strategy, ensuring excellence in technical, tactical, physical and psychological development.
They will take direct responsibility for the development of the U21 goalkeepers, preparing them for the demands of senior football and supporting their transition into the first team environment. The role also encompasses talent identification and recruitment, performance analysis, innovation in coaching practice, and the effective use of technology and sports science to enhance player development. As the leader of the goalkeeping department, they will inspire and mentor coaching staff, foster a high-performance culture, and ensure safeguarding and player welfare remain at the heart of everything they do.
Through collaboration with recruitment, medical, sports science and first team staff, the Head of Academy and U21 Goalkeeping Coach will play a key role in building a sustainable pipeline of elite goalkeeping talent while positioning the club as a leader in goalkeeper development.
What We Ask For
The successful candidate will hold a UEFA Goalkeeping A License (or equivalent advanced coaching qualification) and have extensive experience coaching goalkeepers within elite youth and/or professional football environments, ideally in a Premier League or Category One Academy setting. They will demonstrate strong leadership and people management skills, alongside a proven understanding of long‑term player development and talent progression.
Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills are essential, as is the ability to build positive relationships across multidisciplinary teams. Candidates should possess a strong understanding of safeguarding and player welfare, be confident using performance analysis and data systems to inform development, and have good proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
We are seeking an innovative and forward‑thinking coach with a commitment to continuous improvement, professional development and excellence in goalkeeper development. An Enhanced DBS from Sunderland AFC is required.
Benefits
- Annual Leave: 25 days leave (in addition to public holidays), increasing to 27 days after 5 years’ service.
- Death in Service Benefit: Provides a safety net of four times the basic annual salary in the unfortunate event of a loss.
- Salary Exchange Schemes: Reduce your salary to enjoy benefits such as tax savings, increased pension contributions, eco‑friendly travel with EV Salary Sacrifice, and healthier commutes with Cycle 2 Work.
- Complimentary Season Tickets: Score two free tickets for all home fixtures.
- Enhanced Family and Parental Pay: Enhanced Paternity, Maternity, and Adoption pay provide new parents with more than just statutory pay.
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Offer confidential support services beyond workplace wellness, providing access to counselling and resources.
- Free Parking: Free parking at both the Stadium of Light and the Academy of Light.
- Discounts: Employees enjoy various discount packages from partners, including exclusive offers at the Club Store.
Head Academy and U21s Goalkeeping Coach in Sunderland employer: Sunderland Association Football Club
At Sunderland AFC, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant community and a dynamic work environment. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our comprehensive training programmes and mentorship opportunities, while our inclusive culture ensures every voice is valued. With benefits like generous annual leave, enhanced family pay, and complimentary season tickets, joining our team means being part of a passionate organisation dedicated to making a positive impact both on and off the pitch.
Contact Details:
Sunderland Association Football Club Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Academy and U21s Goalkeeping Coach in Sunderland
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We think you need these skills to ace Head Academy and U21s Goalkeeping Coach in Sunderland
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 Sunderland Association Football Club 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 Sunderland Association Football Club
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Sunderland Association Football Club, 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.
