Academy Junior Performance Coach

Job Location: Academy Training Ground, BR3 1NZ

Contract Type: Full-time

Deadline: 11th December 2026

We are Crystal Palace Football Club, a Premier League Football Club with more than 160 years of proud history. Spread across three different sites – brand new main offices at Selhurst Park Stadium, our London office, and our Training Ground/Academy, we offer the best atmosphere and culture for our fans and our employees.

We strive for excellence in the workplace with a philosophy of high standards, professionalism, and a strong work ethic from our employees. We are constantly trying to grow, diversify and build with not only our team on the pitch, but also our team in the offices and on the ground.

The Junior Performance Coach oversees the pitch-based athletic development of players in the YDP and FP. The role is player-facing while also contributing to system design across both FP and YDP phases, guiding player development from U9 – U16. Collaboration with the wider MDT especially around sensitive periods of growth and development is essential for success in the role. You will also contribute to the wider performance team strategy, managing the studentship program and ensure full compliance with Premier League standards.

• Plan and deliver pitch based athletic development sessions to the Youth and Foundation Phases.
• Deliver gym based athletic development sessions to the Youth and Foundation Phases.
• Organise and lead match-day protocols where required.
• Assist PDP gym and pitch based sessions occasionally.

• Conduct physical testing, monitoring, and collection of growth and maturation data for the Youth and Foundation Phases.
• Monitor player workload, optimise data collection, and present key insights to MDT and technical staff.
• Complete daily records such as attendance, RPE, wellness, medical status.

• Present to and collaborate with the medical and coaching departments regarding player loading, screening, performance testing, and growth and maturation.
• Work effectively within a multidisciplinary team to provide a holistic development pathway for all players.

• Assist the Head of Performance in managing the studentship program.
• Assist the Athletic Development Coach in scheduling and creating working week templates.
• Participate in and contribute to internal and external CPD (Continuing Professional Development) with the aim of evolving the current program.
• Other duties and responsibilities as required by line manager.
• Upholding and promoting the Club’s policies and procedures, including Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities policies and procedures.

• Educated to Postgraduate level or equivalent.
• Professional accreditation through BASES (or ability to achieve in 6 months).
• Experience working in a professional sport setting.
• Experience as a player or coach in football.
• Experience in delivering fitness testing protocols.
• Experience in delivery at both senior and youth levels.
• Passionate about the development of youth athletes.
• Ability to build strong relationships with players and staff.
• Advanced computer literacy, including proficiency in Power BI and RStudio.

• Complimentary match day ticket
• Reward and Discount Scheme through our Tech Scheme and Simple Health app
• Health and Wellbeing benefit scheme
• 20% Discount in our Retail Stores
• Discounts in various gyms through Gym Flex
• Volunteering Day – 1 Workday off to support a charity of your choice.
• Travel Season Ticket loan
• Holiday allowance: 25 Days

At Crystal Palace Football Club, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion is spirited and continues to grow due to the working environment, which makes all staff feel appreciated and welcomed. Crystal Palace Football Club do this by encouraging good relations and practices towards different groups and are committed to promoting employment opportunities that celebrate diversity.

We are committed to attracting, recruiting, and retaining the most talented candidates and the club intends to ensure that everyone who wishes to…