U21 Head Coach

About the role

Our ambition is to create a world-class player development pathway that consistently produces players capable of thriving in our women’s first team environment. Central to this ambition is an evidence-led approach to development, aligned to the FSG Football Methodology and the strategic vision of the LFCW Executive. We are seeking an outstanding coach to join our Women’s Pro Game Academy, who will lead the delivery of the U21s programme in line with the coaching philosophy of LFCW player development pathway. This role will be pivotal in providing a learning and development environment and maintaining a culture that ensures the individual needs of players are met and that each individual is given the best possible opportunity to maximise their potential both on and off the pitch. The successful candidate will combine coaching expertise, data literacy and a deep understanding of high-performance systems. Experience working with elite female youth athletes is desirable, alongside a relentless commitment to world-class standards and continuous improvement.

What you will be doing

• Individual Player Development
• Deliver individualised development plans (IDPs) for each player within the U21s squad
• Track, review, and evidence player progress linked to technical, tactical, physical, and psychological objectives
• Differentiating challenge and support for:
• High-potential players nearing first-team exposure
• Players requiring longer-term development
• Training Programme Design, Delivery and Review
• Plan and deliver high quality training sessions starting with a focus on individual player development within the LFCW game model
• Integrate multidisciplinary team input into session planning, design and delivery
• Use performance data and video analysis to inform learning from training sessions
• Matchday Performance and Review
• Lead all matchday planning, selection, and in-game management
• Balance competitive performance with developmental priorities whilst demonstrating how to maximise individual player performances
• Conduct post-match reviews that link clearly to individual and team objectives
• Use performance data and video analysis to inform learning from game situations
• First-Team Alignment and Transition
• Prepare players to meet first-team demands (technical competency, training intensity and professional behaviours)
• In collaboration with the LFCW PGA Head of Player Development, provide formal feedback and recommendations to first-team staff on player readiness
• Facilitate and support player movement between the U21s and first team environment
• Talent Identification and Squad Management
• Contribute to recruitment decisions for the U21 squad
• Support Talent Identification processes for players transitioning within the LFCW player development pathway
• Manage squad balance, playing time, and development opportunities
• Performance Environment, Culture and Standards
• Establish and maintain a professional, accountable, high-performance culture where winning and individual player development coexist
• Create an environment where players are comfortable being themselves and are set clear expectations around behaviours, habits, and standards on and off the pitch
• Use competition fixtures as a vehicle for development, not just outcomes
• Replicate the intensity and demands of senior football
• Act as a key cultural role model

What we are looking for

• UEFA A Licence
• A proven track record of working with and developing players at elite club level or national level
• A strong understanding and in-depth knowledge of the women and girls’ talent pathway
• A modern, progressive approach to coaching and learning
• Ability to demonstrate leadership and role model behaviours
• Demonstrable motivational skills
• Proficiency using performance analysis software (ideally HUDL and Sportscode)
• Proficiency using PowerPoint or Keynote to deliver presentations
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Ability to facilitate individual, small and large group classroom sessions effectively
• FA Safeguarding Children Course
• FA Emergency First Aid in Football (EFAiF)
• An undergraduate degree or higher in sport, education or a related field (Desirable)
• Talent Identification Qualifications (National Talent Identification and Scouting in Football and/or Advanced Principles of Talent Identification and Development in Football) (Desirable)

Please note, this vacancy may close early if we receive a high volume of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

To reward your hard work and commitment we offer a competitive salary, 25 days holiday (plus 8 bank holidays and the option to purchase up to an additional 5 days) and access to our benefits kit bag which includes but not limited to:

• Contributory pension scheme matching up to 5.5%
• Life Assurance Cover
• Free financial guidance and mortgage advice
• Car salary sacrifice scheme for affordable driving
• Cycle to Work scheme to keep you active
• Purchase season ticket loans for easier commuting
• Exclusive shopping discounts & cashback with top retailers
• Will Writing Service for future planning
• Employee Assistance Programme for confidential support
• Medicash Health Cash Plan for everyday healthcare needs
• Volunteering opportunities to give back to the community
• Special LFC perks – retail discounts, partner offers, free LFCTV GO access, and priority tickets for matches, events & concerts …and much more!

At Liverpool Football Club, we have an unwavering commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and are always looking to make a positive difference in the communities that we operate within. We are proud of our achievements in this area; maintaining the Premier League Equality Standard Advanced Level, becoming a founding signatory of the Football Association’s Football Leadership Diversity Code and being recognised as a leader in this important area on and off the pitch. We take our responsibilities in this area seriously and through the work being done across the club, we are committed to increasing the diversity of our people and becoming an increasingly inclusive workplace for all. We are committed to hiring great people representative of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills across our entire business. If you share our enthusiasm and passion for inclusivity, then we want to hear from you.

Liverpool FC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all Colleagues and Volunteers to share this commitment. This role is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.