Lead Foundation Phase U8 – U12

Working closely with the Academy Manager, the Head of Coaching, and all other key contacts, the post-holder will manage the logistical and operational delivery of the Youth Development Phase in line with the club’s Academy Philosophy and the Academy Performance Plan, and take lead responsibility for ensuring the core KPI’s of the phase and EPPP are effectively delivered, measured, assessed, and achieved.

In addition, the role requires the candidate to regularly coach the players and teams within the phase as well as achieving key recruitment targets.

Main Roles and Responsibilities

Coaching

• Work with the Head of Coaching to design and implement an age specific coaching curriculum in line with the academy playing and coaching philosophy ensuring the effective planning, delivery, and evaluation of every coaching session on the PMA for the phase, in accordance with EPPP.
• Support and motivate the part time coaches within the phase to deliver the coaching curriculum and academy philosophy and push high standards at all times
• Manage and coach a selected age group within the phase, delivering the curriculum and philosophy, and when required by the Head of Coaching, coach other teams/players.
• Work with the Head of Coaching and age group coaches with the identification, co-ordination, and delivery of individual development plans for all players within the phase.
• Contribute to the building of a library of academy best practice sessions mirroring the philosophy.
• Work towards own Coach Development Action Plan (CDAP) agreed between you and the Head of Coaching in line with the Coach Competency Framework(CCF).

• Lead on, coordinate, and manage the daily logistical operation of the phase i.e. deal with and arrange training, fixtures, and additional fixtures to meet player needs; manage the inventory and distribution of kit and equipment; deal with match officials; communicate with players and parents, and so on.
• Work closely with the Academy Manager, Head of Coaching, and other key staff to support your daily tasks and the multi-disciplinary development of every player in the phase across the 4 corners by developing, delivering, recording, and reviewing Individual Learning Plans.
• Communicate and agree with age group coaches on the selected squads and teams each week.
• Be part of, and contribute/report to the Academy Management Team as well as providing reports and attending any meetings as required by the Academy Manager and Head of Coaching.
• Communicate and reinforce the academy playing and coaching philosophy to coaches, players, and parents.
• Take a multi-disciplinary approach in coordinating the day release programme.
• Be first point of contact for any queries from parents and manage expectations of both players and parents.

• Work with the Head of Coaching to take a multi-disciplinary approach to the review process by organising and conducting all player reviews required for the phase as well as planning, delivering, and reviewing all coaching sessions, games/game time, whilst maintaining and monitoring all data related to this including learning objectives, progress, and other work as required on the PMA system.
• To monitor & manage the PMA data entry of all coaches and players within the phase.
• Link player performance reviews to the learning outcomes of the academy coaching programme and effectively present these during player/parent review meetings (formal and informal) and as per club and EPPP guidelines.
• Work closely with the Head of Coaching to manage the player development process contributing and reporting on performance, progression, ILP’s, transition between age groups, and multi-disciplinary reviews.

• Drive the trialist process once it has been agreed a player is to enter on trial.
• Take an energetic, purposeful, and measurable approach to player recruitment.
• Manage and drive player signings and releases appropriately and professionally as well as presenting all retain/release information to the Academy manager and Academy Secretary as required and in line with EFL rules and deadlines.
• Continually challenge and look to…