ob Title: Academy Head Goalkeeping Coach

Location: Moor Farm Training Ground, Oakwood, Derby
Contract Type: Full-Time
Hours: Includes evenings and weekends
Salary: Dependent on experience

Join Derby County – Shape the Next Generation of Goalkeepers

Derby County Football Club, a founder member of the English Football League (est. 1884), boasts a rich legacy, including First Division titles (1972, 1975) and an FA Cup win in 1946. Currently competing in the Sky Bet Championship, the club is guided by Head Coach John Eustace following promotion in 2023/24.

Our Category One Academy has been a proud talent hub since 2014, supporting youth development and producing elite players for club and country. We now seek a motivated and experienced Academy Head Goalkeeping Coach to oversee the technical and developmental journey of our goalkeepers aged 9–21.

Our Vision and Mission

Vision:
To be recognised as the ‘Academy of Choice’ for aspiring players locally and nationally.

Mission:
To identify, nurture, and support young footballers in a professional and inspiring environment where they can reach their maximum potential.

Role Summary

You will lead the goalkeeping programme across the Academy, developing and delivering a high-quality curriculum, performance plans, and individual player pathways. You will manage Academy Goalkeeping Coaches and liaise with the First Team Goalkeeping Coach to ensure a unified and consistent approach to development.

Key Responsibilities

Coaching & Development

• Design, deliver and manage a comprehensive Goalkeeping Syllabus aligned to the Academy’s philosophy.


• Coach across all age groups (U9–U21), with a lead role in U21 Goalkeeper Development.


• Develop and manage Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for all goalkeepers.


• Oversee planning, delivery, and review of training sessions and matches for goalkeepers.

Leadership & Management

• Lead and mentor the Academy Goalkeeping Coaching Team, ensuring consistency and progression across phases.


• Schedule coaching support for all goalkeepers across the Academy.


• Chair weekly goalkeeper coach meetings and contribute to wider technical and MDT meetings.

Player Monitoring & Communication

• Use video and data analysis to evaluate and enhance performance.


• Conduct player and parent reviews, audits, and feedback sessions.


• Maintain clear and regular communication with players, staff, and parents.

Collaboration & Integration

• Work closely with First Team GK Coach and outfield coaches to align goals and methodologies.


• Support the recruitment team in trialist evaluations and talent ID for goalkeepers.


• Integrate fully with the Academy’s multi-disciplinary team (MDT).

Administration & Compliance

• Ensure PMA system is updated within 48 hours of sessions, fixtures, and reviews.


• Attend FA CPD training (minimum 5 hours per year).


• Contribute to internal CPD delivery for goalkeeper coaching staff.


• Support safeguarding, EDI, health and safety, and uphold Club policies and standards.

Person Specification

Experience & Skills

• Minimum 3 years' coaching experience in a professional academy across all development phases.


• Strong leadership and communication skills.


• Proven ability to develop and motivate both players and staff.


• Experience with player development programmes, planning and session delivery.


• Knowledge of recruitment processes and talent identification.


• Playing experience and international/youth goalkeeping coaching (Desirable).


• First-team goalkeeping coach experience (Desirable).

Personal Attributes

• High professional standards


• Positive, flexible, and resilient


• Approachable and collaborative


• Organised and detail-oriented


• Strong problem-solving mindset

Essential Qualifications

• FA Goalkeeping A Licence (or enrolled)


• FA Goalkeeping B Licence


• UEFA B Licence


• FA Advanced Youth Award (Goalkeeping)


• Level 2 Emergency First Aid in Football (EFAiF)


• FA Safeguarding Children Certificate

Our Values

Everything we do is built on Stability, Integrity, and Progress. We believe in:

• Pride in who we are and what we do


• Passion, inspiration, and positivity


• Ambition and drive


• Preparation, honesty, and humility


• Being the heartbeat of our community


• Creating opportunities for all

Employee Benefits

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays


• Two complimentary staff season tickets


• Two complimentary staff away memberships


• 20% discount at the DCFC Megastore


• Company pension with Aviva


• Healthshield Cash Plan and perks platform


• Subsidised lunches at Moor Farm


• Training and development opportunities


• Staff forum participation ("The Herd")


• Volunteering opportunities through Derby County Community Trust