Age Group Lead CoachWycombe Wanderers

Wycombe Wanderers Foundation (WWF) is seeking an enthusiastic, ambitious and innovative coach to join Wycombe Wanderers Foundation’s Elite Development Academy (EDA) as an Age Group Lead Coach.

Based across our partner venues in High Wycombe and Burnham, this is an exciting opportunity to become part of a talented and ambitious coaching team dedicated to challenging and developing young footballers to become the very best versions of themselves, both as players and as people.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be primarily responsible for:

Planning and delivering high-quality coaching sessions in line with the EDA syllabus, philosophy, and playing principles.
Leading and managing their designated age group within the programme.
Selecting players for fixtures throughout the season.
Supporting the recruitment and retention of players who align with the high standards and ambitions of the Elite Development Academy.
Providing players with both written and verbal feedback at key review points throughout the season.
Contributing positively to the wider coaching team and player development pathway.

About Wycombe Wanderers Foundation

Our EDA forms an integral part of Wycombe Wanderers Foundation's player performance pathway. We recognise that talented, dedicated, and passionate staff are essential to achieving our ambitions and maintaining the strong reputation we have built within the local football community.

To be considered for the role we ask that applicants complete a WWF application form (found at wycombewanderersfoundation.co.uk under employment) and send along with a CV and a brief covering letter or video detailing your skills, experience and motivations for the role, aligned to the job specification below. This should be done via email to [email protected].

The closing date for applications is 09:00 on Friday 3rd July.

First stage interviews, which will involve delivery of a practical coaching session and will be arranged with individuals during W/C Monday 6th July. A topic and a selection of interview questions will be provided in advance.

Second stage (in person) interviews will be arranged with individuals following the first stage interviews.

WWF will contact all applicants.

Important!

WWF are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As the role will involve direct access to young people under the age of eighteen, the successful candidate will undergo a thorough screening process, which will include a Criminal Records Check, to ensure their suitability for the role.

Two references will be required prior to start date approval, with your assistance potentially required should they be delayed.

WWF is a charity committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, and the recruitment process for the role being advertised will adhere to the latest equality legislation. All recruitment decisions are based upon the skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion, beliefs or sexual orientation.

Please note that we would particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities as we are keen to increase the representation of these groups within WWF.

Key Information

Job Title Elite Development Academy – Age Group Lead Coach (U8-U11)
Reports to: Head of Performance & EDA Manager
Location: Wycombe Wanderers Foundation, Adams Park Stadium, Hillbottom Road, High Wycombe HP12 4HJ
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday evenings from 17:00 – 19:00
Contract: Part Time (Zero Hours contract)
Job Purpose: Delivering high quality coaching sessions, working within our EDA syllabus & philosophy.
Assisting with the retainment & recruitment of players that match the high ambitions of Wycombe Wanderers Foundation.
Providing players with written and verbal feedback four times over the course of the season.
Remuneration: £39 per training session/fixture – Lead coach rate

Role Accountabilities & Key Duties

Plan & deliver high quality coaching sessions, working within our EDA syllabus & philosophy
Ensure the safety and well-being of all EDA players and staff remains of paramount importance at all times.
Responsible for selecting, leading squads within our School holiday fixture programme
Assisting with the retainment & recruitment of players that match the high ambitions of EDA and WWF
Devise activities that ensure individuals and teams are highly motivated, stretched and challenged at appropriate levels.
Ensure compliance with all relevant WWF policies at all times
Ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, ethical and social requirements at all times
Maintain a professional image and act as an ambassador for EDA, WWF & WWFC at all times.
Keep confidential any information gained regarding EDA, WWF, WWFC and its personnel.
Maintain a flexible approach to work at all times. Undertake other duties and responsibilities as required by WWF when necessary.
Attend training courses and continuing professional development sessions as and when required.

Qualifications

UEFA B Coaching Certificate or working towards.
An accepted enhanced Criminal Records Check (to be undertaken by WWF as part of the recruitment process). Valid FA Emergency Aid Certificate.
Valid FA Safeguarding Children Certificate.

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

Experience of planning and delivering high quality football coaching sessions within this level.
Experience of using a range of strategies to engage various groups of learners.
Excellent communication and leadership skills.
Excellent organisational skills.
Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills.
Outstanding customer service skills.
Ability to work without constant supervision.
Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding issues.

Attitude/Behaviours

Act as a role model.
A genuine team player.
Flexible and positive attitude.
A willingness to work evenings and weekends.

Personal Qualities

Full appreciation and commitment to the WWF vision, mission, aims & objectives.
Determination to encourage the highest quality of learning experience for all players.
Able to forge strong working relationships both internally & externally.
Flexible and positive attitude towards duties and working evening hours.
Passionate about helping others to achieve personal gains.
Highly motivated and enthusiastic.
Committed to continuous self-development – receptive to feedback about own behavior, strengths and areas for improvement.
Innovative and efficient.

Other

Driving licence and access to a car with insurance for business use.