Head of Coach Development (Boys Academy) in Birmingham

Department: Boys Academy Coaching and Development Team

Hours of Work: Full‑Time (with flexibility to work during evenings and weekends, including matchdays)

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: Attractive Remuneration Package depending on experience

Location: Bodymoor Heath Training Ground

Closing Date: Wednesday 7 January 2026

Interview Date: Friday 16 January and Friday 23 January 2026

The Department

Our Boys Academy Department is proud to have achieved the prestigious Category One Academy status which reflects our commitment to delivering excellence across all areas of youth football including coaching, education, training, and facilities. We are dedicated to supporting and nurturing the next generation of elite footballers, as demonstrated in our memorable treble‑winning 2024/25 season for our U18s as we topped the Under‑18 Premier League Southern section table, the Under‑18 Premier League national title and we lifted the prestigious FA Youth Cup.

The Role

The Head of Coach Development sits across the Boys Academy and will lead and support our Coaches across all phases ensuring that our coaching provision is to the highest standard and player‑centred in line with our Academy Playing and Coaching Philosophy. The role will be varied, you will conduct a training needs analysis for our Coaches to create and maintain individual development coaching plans – identifying strengths, developments and clear progression pathways. You will then bring this plan to life working alongside our Coaches, being ‘on the grass’ and conducting session evaluations – ensuring that our coaches are able to use support systems effectively including PMA, Hudl and Mi Mentor to create a coaches library and information platform. In this role, you will play an integral role in the wider Multi‑Disciplinary Team – with key relationships with our Academy Manager, and Head of Technical and Player Development.

The Person

This is an amazing opportunity for an experienced Coach to join and make a real impact on our coaches and players. You will need to have a UEFA A Licence and the FA Youth Advanced award with significant experience of working at a Category 1 Academy as either a Coach Developer or Lead Phase Coach. You will also need to have completed one of the following Premier League Development Programmes: EAM, EHOC, Future Coach Developers, Academy Leaders or Future Academy Leaders. We are looking for someone with strong interpersonal skills who can engage, inspire, build and maintain high‑performing collaborative coaching teams. You will need to be able to build and maintain positive working relationships with the Boys Academy Multi‑Disciplinary Team as well as across the wider Club. The role will align with the Boys Academy schedule to allow you to be present and support our coaches throughout our different phases therefore you will need to be available to work flexibly as the Club requires which will include evenings and weekends.

Why join us?

There has never been a better time to join Aston Villa Football Club. Our drive to succeed is visible on the global stage, we are building a family ethos and culture to be proud of and realising our ambitious plans for the expansion and improvement of our world‑class facilities. If you are already excited by this challenge and want to play your part in our historic Club, then you’ll be pleased to hear about our amazing staff benefits you’ll receive whilst working for us!

As part of your application, you will be asked to:

• Upload your CV
• Answer the following question: a) Please outline your key skills, qualities and experience which make you the ideal candidate for this role (400 words maximum)

For further information, the Role Profile and to apply please go to careers.avfc.co.uk/jobs

Right to Close Vacancy Posting Early

The Club reserves the right to close any advertised vacancies earlier than the advertised closing date if sufficient applications have been received.

Equality Statement

Aston Villa Football Club celebrates the diversity of its Club and embraces equal opportunities for all. We welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, race, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, sex and religion or belief.

Safeguarding Statement

Aston Villa Football Club is fully committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk across our Club. As such, we adhere to Safer Recruitment processes and for some roles a satisfactory enhanced disclosure via the Disclosure & Barring Service may be required prior to starting in a role at the Club.