Academy Goalkeeping Coach

Our Academy Goalkeeping Coaches will play a key part of the team working closely alongside our Lead Phase Coaches, Lead Academy Goalkeeping Coach and the Head of Academy Coaching to deliver an elite coaching programme, in line with the Club’s coaching syllabus and football philosophy. The role will play a critical part in delivering a leading-edge football program, with a key focus of maximising the potential of our young goalkeepers.

The Role:

• Communicate effectively with all team members and reporting back to the Lead Academy Goalkeeping Coach and Phase Lead Coach.
• Follow and implement the Academy coaching syllabus and philosophy, contributing to its evolution.
• Plan and deliver high quality and engaging coaching sessions in an age-appropriate manner in relation to Academy coaching philosophy and Goalkeeping coaching syllabus.
• Stretch and challenge the goalkeepers in their charge, relating to IDP’s.
• Use Kitman Labs to complete reviews and upload training sessions.
• Will support other age groups across the phase, when needed.
• Attend home fixtures and travel to away fixtures (where applicable).
• Create and deliver age appropriate matchday experiences.
• To be available for internal CPD and keep relevant FA qualifications up to date.
• Adopt a proactive approach in working alongside the Lead Age Group Coaches and the Lead Phase Coach in order to provide optimal playing opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Lead Age Group Coaches to provide game plans for matchdays to support players tactical development.
• Ensure a thorough working knowledge of the content and functions of the Academy Performance Plan.
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary support team in the Academy.
• Ensure player welfare is always the primary consideration.
• Work with the Lead Phase Coaches to ensure all age group equipment is fit for use at all times.
• Arrive at the relevant facility at least 30 minutes prior to training sessions
• Arrive at least 90 minutes before for home fixtures or 60 minutes before away fixtures (based on kick off times).
• Participate fully with the Head of Academy Coaching in relation to development action plans and the coach competency framework.
• Ensure that all audit requirements are met.
• Maintain 95% attendance throughout the season.
• Role model and ensure positive and professional behaviours, ensuring honesty and integrity when working with young players at the Club. This includes being presentable, smart and personable at all times when representing the Club.
• Ensure you contribute to providing a safe Academy environment, demonstrating safe working practices and follow safeguarding policies and procedures, reporting concerns when necessary.

The Person:

• Understanding of how young people learn and different methods to support long term development.
• Ability to individualise practice within a group setting or match and provide individual feedback, interventions and challenges to support players technical and tactical development.
• A great communicator who is motivational, personable and approachable. You will be able to build and maintain relationships with players, parents and coaches with a collaborative approach to work.
• Able to ensure the highest standards are met to ensure positive behaviours.
• Proactively take ownership and following up on any issues by making well considered, timely decisions.

You will be a pro-active member of the coaching department, assisting the Lead Age Group Coach in the delivery of the coaching philosophy and syllabus. You will work as part of an Academy Team providing a first-class learning environment to facilitate player development. The role is fundamental to ensure our young players have an excellent experience within an elite sporting environment, always prioritising their development through the creation of a positive environment that nurtures our individual talent across the pathways.

You will show passion and enthusiasm, capable of creating and delivering innovative and engaging coaching sessions to challenge and develop our players in line with the Academy coaching syllabus, demonstrating that you understand the needs of the modern young player in terms of their physical and psychological…