Casual Coach - Youth InclusionAFC Wimbledon

The Youth Inclusion Coach will use football and sport as a tool to build positive relationships with young people, particularly those facing social, emotional and behavioral challenges.

The role is centered around engaging, mentoring and supporting young people to develop confidence, resilience, respect and positive life choices through high-quality youth work and football delivery.

Working across AFC Wimbledon Foundation programmes, including Premier League Kicks, Holiday and Food programmes and community projects, the successful candidate will create safe, inclusive and inspiring environments where young people feel valued, supported and challenged to achieve their potential.

Football coaching ability is important, but the successful candidate will be equally passionate about youth engagement, behaviour management, safeguarding and developing trusted relationships with young people.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Build positive and trusted relationships with young people, particularly those who display challenging or disengaged behaviour, using football and sport as a vehicle to improve behaviour, confidence, resilience and life skills.

Plan and deliver high-quality, engaging and inclusive football and youth engagement sessions that promote positive behaviour, personal development, healthy lifestyles and sustained participation in sport.

Build positive and trusted relationships with young people, using football and sport as a vehicle to develop confidence, resilience, respect and life skills.

Support participants to develop beyond the pitch by delivering and promoting workshops, social action projects, youth voice opportunities and wider personal development activities.

Work collaboratively with schools, youth workers, police, partner agencies, parents and carers to ensure sessions are delivered safely and that young people receive appropriate support where needed.

Commit to regular programme delivery to build consistent relationships with participants, acting as a positive role model and helping young people achieve their potential through the power of football.

Recognise and respond appropriately to the social, emotional and behavioural challenges that some young people may face, adapting your approach to meet individual needs and signposting concerns through the appropriate safeguarding procedures.

Be organised, punctual and professional, ensuring all equipment is prepared, risk assessments are considered and venues are safe and ready prior to the arrival of participants.

Take responsibility for the welfare and safeguarding of all children and young people in your care, ensuring registers are accurately completed, attendance is monitored, and participants are safely signed in and out in line with AFC Wimbledon Foundation policies and procedures.

To ensure all sessions plans and registers are completed and accessible upon request by delivery managers.

Support the monitoring and evaluation in accordance with the needs of each programme, under the direction of each programme Senior Officer.

Responsible for following Safeguarding protocol liaising with associated DSO to ensure a clear line of reporting to AFC Wimbledon Foundation Safeguarding Team.

Following the Foundation’s code of conduct and maintaining high quality delivery, ensuring conduct dynamic risk assessments.

To adhere to the Foundation’s policies and procedures, including Safeguarding, Health & Safety, Financial Authorisation, Confidentiality and GDPR. Reporting all safeguarding and health and safety incidents immediately to line managers.

To ensure you are dressed in the appropriate season’s staff uniform provided by AFCWF at all times and that all equipment provided is in good working order prior to any delivery taking place. Reporting any broken equipment to your line manager as soon as possible.

To act as an ambassador for diversity, equality, and inclusion, and demonstrate a positive commitment by treating others fairly in line with our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy and reporting any acts of discrimination through appropriate channels.

Deliver additional roles and responsibilities as agreed by Line Manager.



PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualifications:

Essential

Hold a minimum FA Introduction to Football Coaching qualification.
In date FA Safeguarding Children course & the FA First Aid in Football certificate
An enhanced DBS check.
Hold a Youth Work Qualification or willing to work towards one
Ability to travel to activity & meetings across London and surrounding areas / Full Driving License.



Desirable

Hold a relevant higher education or industry recognised certification
Hold mentoring and / or mental health first aid qualification.



Experience:

2 years’ experience working with and/or coaching children and young people
A strong knowledge of and experience working with community partners
Knowledge of Community Club Organisations and Football Charity Programmes
Understanding of local demographics and social needs



Skills & Behaviors

Good communication and organisation skills.
Ability to organise and motivate team members.
Ability to inspire and motivate participants, staff, and community partners to collaborate towards promoting greater inclusion opportunities for adult & young people.
Attention to detail.
Reliable and trustworthy.
Risk aware and confident in escalating information.