Luton Town Football Club is seeking to appoint an Academy Coach to join its thriving coaching structure on a casual basis.

JOB PURPOSE
To have clear responsibility for implementing the Academy coaching programme and developing players technically, tactically, physically and psycho-socially at Luton Town Football Club.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan, prepare and deliver age appropriate coaching sessions in tandem with the Club philosophy and coaching syllabus, under the guidance of the Academy Head of Coaching and Lead Phase Coach.
• Be responsible for maintenance of training / match balls, bibs, cones and all other relevant equipment as required by the Academy.
• Work with match analysts to plan and prepare relevant team and individual footage.
• Provide feedback to players by using video analysis.
• Organise Academy players’ logistics for all training sessions, fixtures, tournaments and Academy events.
• Inform all players, parents and guardians of any changes or cancellations to training sessions, matches or Academy events as soon as possible.
• Complete all relevant information on the Football Intelligence Platform as directed by the Phase Lead Coach, including registers and session plans.
• Construct and deliver detailed six weekly individual player progress reviews with players and any other relevant coaching staff.
• Prepare and complete Player Development Review Sheets ahead of Player Development Review Meetings.
• Attend and conduct Player Development Review Meetings.
• Communicate and liaise regularly with the Lead Phase Coach to discuss any relevant player issue(s).
• Effective and efficient multi-disciplinary communication between staff, players and parents to ensure optimal well-being and development of all players.
• Report all player injuries immediately to the Club medical staff.
• Recommend and recruit players for the Academy in tandem with the Academy Head of Recruitment.
• Assist in the decision making process regarding the permanent registration of Academy triallists and the retention of players currently at the Club.
• Attend all in-service and coaching days as directed by the Academy & Player Development Manager, Academy Head of Coaching and Phase Lead Coach.
• Attend any relevant courses and qualifications as directed by the Academy & Player Development Manager or Academy Head of Coaching.
• Attend all staff meetings as directed by the Academy & Player Development Manager.
• Document all appropriate communication with parents and guardians of Academy players.
• Liaise with the Academy Head of Coaching and Phase Lead Coach to ensure that all mandatory qualifications are up to date.
• Maintain honesty and integrity at all times when working with young players at the Club.
• Act and behave in a manner appropriate of a representative of the Club, at all times.
• Ensure that all players act and conduct themselves – both on and off-the-pitch – in a manner appropriate of a representative of the Club, at all times
• Be presentable, smart and personable at all times when representing the Club.
• Undertake all reasonable tasks assigned by the Academy & Player Development Manager, Academy Head of Coaching or Phase Lead Coach.
• Demonstrates commitment to punctuality, maintaining high standards, and ensuring the proper upkeep of equipment and kit

Health & Safety:

Casual Worker requirements:

• Maintain up to date knowledge of Health & Safety related guidance and processes within your role and in line with the Club’s Health & Safety Policy.
• Consider the Health & Safety implications of all actions and inaction within your role.
• Support and uphold agreed standards for Health & Safety compliance, including assisting in accident, dangerous occurrence and near miss investigations within your role.
• Follow and adhere to; safe management systems and working practices in line with the Club’s Health & Safety Policy.
• Ensure you have been briefed and are confident in using any equipment prior to use and seek guidance from your line manager as required.
• Regularly review risk assessments, safe working, and management systems associated with your role.
• Liaise regularly with the Club’s appointed Health & Safety representatives to support and maintain compliance
• Maintain records of all Health & Safety issues within your role and area of responsibility.

MAIN JOB REQUIREMENTS AND PERSON SPECIFICATION

Education/Qualifications/Training:

• Essentials

- UEFA B Licence
- The FA Youth Award Modules 1-3
- Member of the FA Licensed Coaches Club
- Valid FA Safeguarding Children Certificate
- Valid EFAiF – Emergency First Aid in Football
- Hold an enhanced DBS check
- Full UK driving licence
- Previous experience of coaching young players
- Strong written and presentation skills
- Excellent communications skills across multiple levels, with parents or guardians and players

• Desirables

- Valid UEFA A Licence
- The FA Advanced Youth Award
- Futsal-specific coaching qualification
- Sport-related undergraduate degree
- Teaching qualification
- Previous experience of coaching at an Academy Football Club
- Previous playing experience at a professional level

Specific Experience:

• Able to manage a diverse caseload, working individually and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• An understanding of a range of teaching / learning styles to optimise the development of young players.
• Able to communicate effectively with players, parents and fellow staff members at all levels, with absolute discretion.
• Approachable, honest and assertive in decision making whilst ensuring upmost professionalism during all Club activities.
• Able to motivate oneself and others.
• Strong IT skills with the ability to use e-mail, Word and Football intelligence Platform to a high standard.
• Able to adapt to the demands of the job and needs of the players and staff.
• Committed, enthusiastic and passionate about the development of Academy players.
• Dedicated to self-improvement and continuous professional development.
• Able to work on a flexible ad hoc basis
• Ability to work as part of a team as well as using one’s own initiative in developing players and coaching sessions.

Abilities/Skills/Knowledge:

• Committed, enthusiastic and passionate about Luton Town Football Club.
• Ability to work as part of a team as well as using one’s own initiative.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a variety of different personnel at the Club.
• Willing to follow and promote the philosophy of the football club.
• Be an ambassador for Luton Town Football Club presenting the club in a positive image at all times

Additional Information:

• This a casual role based on a seasonal basis
• Applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK