Head of Academy Coach DevelopmentSunderland AFC

About the Team:

The Player Development Team at SAFC, are dedicated to shaping young talent both on and off the pitch!

Our core mission is to provide a comprehensive education and development framework that empowers youth players to grow into skilled athletes and responsible individuals.

The Opportunity:

We are looking for an experienced and inspiring coaching leader with a strong understanding of Academy football, player development and the needs of young players at different stages of their journey. You will have experience of leading, supporting and developing coaches, with the ability to provide constructive observation, feedback, mentoring and appraisal.

You will have a clear understanding of coaching programme design, curriculum delivery and the development of an age-appropriate, player-centred environment. You will be confident working collaboratively with coaches, players, parents/carers and multi-disciplinary colleagues to support individual player development and progression through the Academy pathway.

A sound knowledge of the EPPP, FA, EFL/Premier League and safeguarding requirements relevant to Academy football is essential. You will be highly organised, able to maintain accurate records and manage competing priorities, while ensuring coaching provision meets the highest standards of quality, compliance and professional practice.

You will be an excellent communicator, committed to continuous professional development and passionate about creating an inclusive, high-performance environment where both players and coaches can thrive.

What We Ask For:

We are looking for an experienced and inspiring coaching leader with a UEFA A Licence, or equivalent. A UEFA Pro Licence and FA Advanced Youth Award, or another relevant youth development qualification, would be desirable.

You will have significant experience working within an Academy or elite youth football environment, with a strong understanding of EPPP requirements and Academy audit processes. You will bring proven experience of leading, mentoring, observing and developing coaches across multiple age groups or phases, alongside strong knowledge of player development, coach development, curriculum design and age-appropriate coaching practice.

You will be confident analysing coaching practice, providing constructive feedback and supporting coaches to achieve agreed development objectives. Excellent leadership, communication, organisation and interpersonal skills are essential, with the ability to build effective relationships with staff, players, parents/carers and external stakeholders.

You must hold a valid FA safeguarding qualification, enhanced DBS clearance and a first-aid qualification appropriate to the role. You will demonstrate a clear commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity, inclusion and the wellbeing of children, young people and adults at risk, as well as a flexible approach to working evenings, weekends, matchdays and travelling as required by the Academy programme.

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An Enhanced DBS from Sunderland AFC is required.