At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop the Women's First Team, enhancing player skills and performance.
- Company: Join West Ham United, a prestigious club in the Barclays Women's Super League.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, healthcare benefits, and discounts on match tickets.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse and inclusive team committed to player welfare and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in women's football and shape the future of talented players.
- Qualifications: UEFA A Licence and experience in coaching women's football at elite levels.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Company Description: West Ham United Women is a club recognised by Premier League clubs, having first been presented with the Advanced level in 2020.
Location: Chadwell Heath Training Ground with regular travel to Rush Green & London Stadium. Home fixtures at Dagenham & Redbridge Stadium and away fixtures across England in line with the Women's First Team schedule. Occasional overseas training camps.
Salary: To be discussed at interview.
Working Pattern: Full flexibility required in line with Women's First Team training and match schedules.
Opportunity: This is a key role within our First Team environment, playing a vital part in driving individual player development, supporting collective performance and contributing to the long-term success of the Club. Working closely with the Head Coach and multidisciplinary support staff, you will help create and sustain a player-centred high-performance environment, lead technical development and support tactical progression, oversee Individual Development Plans (IDPs), and play a fundamental role in supporting the transition of talented players from Academy and pathway programmes into senior football.
Key Responsibilities- First Team Coaching: Plan, deliver and review high-quality technical coaching sessions aligned with the team’s playing philosophy, tactical objectives and weekly match preparation. Lead the technical development programme for First Team players, ensuring continuous improvement and progression. Contribute to all aspects of match preparation including game plans, opposition analysis and pre-match meetings. Use video analysis, performance data and coaching observation to assess performance and deliver clear, actionable feedback. Collaborate with medical, sports science and performance staff to maximise player availability and performance. Support and maintain a positive, professional and high-performance culture across the First Team environment. Stay fully aware of domestic and international trends and innovation within the women’s game.
- Individual Development Plans (IDPs): Design, implement and review Individual Development Plans across the First Team environment. Lead multidisciplinary collaboration on IDPs for selected players. Conduct regular one-to-one player reviews, setting clear and measurable development objectives. Use performance analysis and data to identify individual development priorities. Attend senior and youth international fixtures and tournaments to monitor players. Ensure a holistic, player-centred approach to development in collaboration with support staff.
- Player Transition & Pathway Development: Work closely with the U21 Head Coach to manage player transitions from Academy to First Team football. Attend Academy training sessions and fixtures to support talent identification and development. Collaborate across departments to ensure a seamless and aligned player pathway. Lead transition groups to prepare players for First Team football environments. Mentor selected players within the pathway, supporting their progression into senior football.
- Loan Management & Succession Planning: Monitor and support players out on loan through regular communication and structured review processes. Attend agreed loan fixtures to assess performance and provide detailed feedback. Review match footage and track progress against Individual Development Plan objectives. Produce detailed performance reports for Head Coach and technical staff. Build strong working relationships with loan clubs to ensure consistent development environments. Contribute to succession planning and long-term player development strategy.
We are looking for someone who demonstrates:
- Experience coaching within women’s football at senior, academy or elite development level.
- Strong understanding of elite women’s football and the Barclays Women’s Super League.
- Proven experience developing and managing Individual Development Plans.
- A track record of supporting player progression into senior football.
- Strong technical coaching ability with evidence of player development impact.
- Experience using video analysis and performance data to inform coaching practice.
- Excellent organisation, communication and planning skills.
- A strong commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and player welfare.
- UEFA A Licence (or currently working towards).
- FA Safeguarding Children Certificate.
- FA First Aid Qualification.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
- 25 days annual leave plus your birthday off.
- Pension and life insurance.
- Healthcare cash scheme.
- Travel season ticket loan.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Priority access to apply for match tickets.
- Discounted season tickets.
- Staff discounts in the club store, café and our official partners products and services.
- Discounted gym membership and onsite fitness room facilities.
- Family friendly leave policies.
- Company Social events.
The successful candidate must demonstrate a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, aligning with the organisation’s business and tactical approach to eliminating barriers and addressing inequity. You agree to actively contribute to creating a discrimination-free and inclusive environment, ensuring equitable access to opportunities and benefits, while fostering a culture of dignity and respect that enables everyone to perform and achieve their potential. Candidates must demonstrate their capability and willingness to uphold best practices and procedures, promoting lasting positive change while eliminating biases and barriers to attracting, achieving and supporting talent from all communities, regardless of background, circumstances, or protected characteristics.
SafeguardingThe successful candidate must demonstrate a commitment to the safety and welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk of harm across all stakeholders. Everyone, including third parties who work with the Club or the West Ham Foundation, is responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals. Successful candidates must undergo essential background checks before starting their employment, which may include screening of social media. The type of DBS check required will depend on the responsibilities of the position and may be basic, standard, or enhanced. The successful candidate agrees to proactively identify and respond appropriately to any concerns, and follow the Club’s Safeguarding reporting procedures to report allegations of abuse, poor practice, or anything that may impact the welfare of a child, young person or adult at risk without delay, within 24 hours, or as otherwise directed by the Club’s or the West Ham Foundation Safeguarding Team.
ApplicationsTo apply, please submit your application via our careers portal: https://www.careers.whufc.com Deadline: 5pm Monday 22nd June 2026. Please note: Due to the high volume of applications expected, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Women's First Team Coach employer: West Ham United FC
West Ham United is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment at the Chadwell Heath Training Ground. With a strong commitment to player development and a culture that prioritises equity, diversity, and inclusion, employees benefit from comprehensive support, including 25 days of annual leave, healthcare schemes, and opportunities for professional growth within women's football. The club fosters a collaborative atmosphere where coaches can thrive, making it an ideal place for those passionate about advancing women's sports.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Women's First Team Coach
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
Even though you’re after a full-time role, don’t underestimate internships or volunteering in sports organisations. These positions not only give you hands-on experience but can also lead to permanent openings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your face known in the industry!
✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for sports job fairs and career expos specific to the recreation management field. These events are goldmines for meeting hiring managers from organisations like West Ham United FC. Bring your A-game and be ready to chat about how you can contribute to their team!
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We think you need these skills to ace Women's First Team Coach
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 West Ham United FC 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 West Ham United FC
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with West Ham United FC, 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.
