At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop young football players, ensuring top-notch training and holistic growth.
- Company: Join the prestigious West Ham United Academy, fostering talent on and off the pitch.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, healthcare schemes, and discounts on club products.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that values equity, diversity, and inclusion in sports.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in young athletes' lives while working in a dynamic team environment.
- Qualifications: UEFA A Licence and Advanced Youth Award required; passion for youth development essential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
Age group to be determined upon appointment: U14s – U16s
Department: Football
Responsible to: Head of Coaching and Player Development
Location: Chadwell Heath, Little Heath & Rush Green Training Grounds
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Contract: Full-Time
Salary: To Be Discussed at Interview
Join Our Academy
West Ham United is committed to building a high-performance Academy environment that supports the development of young players both on and off the pitch.
Position
The Academy Youth Development Phase Coach will lead the coaching and development of players within the Youth Development Phase, ensuring the highest standards of training, match preparation and holistic player development in alignment with the Academy philosophy.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development programme for an allocated age group
- Support the progression of players toward the Professional Development Phase
- Work collaboratively with the multi-disciplinary team (MDT)
- Contribute to creating a high-performance development environment
Player Development & Coaching
- Plan, deliver and review high-quality training sessions, matches and tournaments for the assigned age group
- Lead and oversee Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for all players
- Provide regular feedback and guidance to support player development
- Design and deliver individual and small-group programmes addressing technical, tactical, physical and psychological needs
Collaboration & Alignment
- Work closely with MDT staff including sports science, medical, psychology, education and player care
- Support alignment across the Youth Development Phase and wider Academy pathway
- Maintain strong links with Foundation Phase and Professional Development Phase staff to support player transitions
Performance Monitoring
- Analyse match performances and identify development priorities
- Maintain accurate training records, match reports and player data within the Club’s performance systems
- Contribute to player retain/release discussions supported by evidence-based feedback
Academy Culture
- Contribute to the Academy’s learning culture through CPD, staff meetings and reflective practice
- Support Academy projects and development initiatives
- Model the Club’s values and professional standards in all environments
Key Performance Indicators
- Deliver consistently high-quality training sessions aligned with the Academy coaching philosophy
- Ensure measurable progression of players through the Individual Development Plan (IDP) process
- Demonstrate effective collaboration with MDT staff to support player outcomes
- Align the age group programme with the Academy curriculum and 11v11 game model
- Maintain compliance with Premier League and FA operational standards
- Contribute to staff development and the Academy learning culture
Qualifications
- UEFA A Licence
- Advanced Youth Award
- EFAiF Certification (in-date)
Compliance Responsibilities
- Engage in ongoing CPD and maintain relevant coaching qualifications
- Operate in line with Club policies, Premier League regulations and FA standards
- Ensure compliance with data protection and GDPR requirements
- Ensure performance and player data are recorded accurately and in a timely manner
Safeguarding Commitment
We’re committed to safer recruitment and safeguarding children and adults at risk. This role is subject to enhanced DBS checks.
Other information
- 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
EDI Statement
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.
Applications
To apply, please submit your application via our careers portal: https://www.careers.whufc.com
Deadline: 5pm Friday 27th March 2026
Please note: Due to the high volume of applications expected, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Interview Dates
- Online Interview: W/S 6th April (via Teams)
- On‑Site Interview: W/S 13th April
Academy Youth Development Phase Coach employer: West Ham United
West Ham United offers an exceptional working environment for the Academy Youth Development Phase Coach, fostering a high-performance culture dedicated to the holistic development of young players. With a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, employees benefit from comprehensive training opportunities, competitive leave policies, and a supportive team atmosphere at our Chadwell Heath, Little Heath & Rush Green Training Grounds. Join us in shaping the future of football while enjoying perks like discounted season tickets and access to fitness facilities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Academy Youth Development Phase Coach
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the football community, whether it's coaches, players, or even parents. They might have insider info on openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your game face on for interviews! Research the club's philosophy and values, and be ready to discuss how your coaching style aligns with their approach. Show them you're not just a coach, but a perfect fit for their Academy culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your skills! Bring along examples of your training sessions, player development plans, or any success stories. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your commitment to high-performance coaching.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the West Ham United Academy team!
We think you need these skills to ace Academy Youth Development Phase Coach
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for youth development and coaching shine through. We want to see how much you care about helping young players grow both on and off the pitch!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant coaching experience and qualifications, especially those that align with our Academy philosophy. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've contributed to player development in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out. Remember, we want to get to know you quickly!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via our careers portal! It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at West Ham United.
How to prepare for a job interview at West Ham United
✨Know Your Coaching Philosophy
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your coaching philosophy and how it aligns with the Academy's values. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've implemented this in your previous roles, especially in developing young players.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to describe how you'd handle specific situations, such as player development challenges or collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams. Think of real-life scenarios from your experience and how you approached them, focusing on outcomes and learning.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Since performance monitoring is key in this role, be prepared to discuss how you analyse match performances and use data to inform your coaching. Bring examples of how you've used feedback and data to improve player development in the past.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Safeguarding
Given the importance of safeguarding in this role, be ready to talk about your understanding of safeguarding practices and how you've ensured the safety and welfare of young players in your previous positions. This will show your dedication to creating a safe environment.
