Academy Head of Coaching DevelopmentWatford FC

Academy Head of Coaching Development

Employer: Watford Football Club

Job Title: Academy Head of Coaching Development

Salary/ Hourly rate of pay: Dependent on qualifications and experience

Location: Watford Football Club - Vicarage Road Stadium / Training Ground, London Colney

Type: Permanent Full

Passport/Visa: Must be eligible to work in the UK

Closing Date: Sunday 11th October 2026

An exciting opportunity has become available within the Academy at Watford Football Club. We are currently looking to recruit an Academy Head of Coaching Development, to manage, deliver and develop the Academy’s coaching programme in accordance with Premier League/EFL Youth Development Regulations as directed by the Technical Board. The role will involve the management of all the Academy full-time Lead Phase coaches, ensuring the design and delivery of age-specific coaching programmes for all academy players from pre-academy to U21’s. The role will include managing the quality of Academy coaching through appropriate recruitment, performance management and training/development as appropriate for both casual staff and specialist permanent coaches.

The successful candidate will enjoy working as part of a team, be enthusiastic, hardworking, and be flexible to the requirements of the position and the business. Applicants should ideally live local to Watford and London Colney or the surrounding areas and be a UK resident or non-UK resident with a valid UK work permit and ideally have experience working within a similar role.

You must have:

• Minimum UEFA A Licence qualification and FA Youth Advanced Award
• Be committed to a CPD programme, enhancing coaches personal skills and qualifications to meet the Academy needs
• A proven track record of developing elite players
• A clear understanding and appreciation of the standards of behaviour and codes of conduct demanded within the Academy
• Safeguarding Children Workshop and Committee Members Workshop
• Current EFAiF Certificate
• Full UK driving licence or ability to travel to various locations due to the demands of the role
• Understanding of the Clubs commitment to EDI & Safeguarding

You would ideally have, but not vital:

• Academy Managers Licence

For the full job profile, please contact HR Admin at [email protected]

As a regulated activity provider and as part of the short-listing process we may:

1. Complete reference requests prior to interview.
2. Carry out an online search for publicly available information as part of the due diligence process.
3. If your application is successful be required to obtain a DBS disclosure at the appropriate level (role dependant)