As Lead Youth Development Phase & 18s ILP Coach at Notts County Football Club Academy, you will work within an innovative Academy at a League Two Football Club, to deliver the Academy’s Player Development Strategy. You will assist our part-time coaches in shaping the development of players aged U15-U16 in particular, whilst overseeing the U13-U14 age groups. As the Under 18 ILP Coach, you will deliver the coaching programme within individual and small group environments in line with the Player Profiles.

In your Lead Youth Development Phase Coach role, you will be motivated and energised by working with Youth Development Phase players (ages 13 to 16), understand an age and stage appropriate player-focused environment and show a desire to progress within an ever-growing high performance culture.

In your 18s ILP Coach role, you will ensure that when sessions and/or games are to be focused on player-based development (Player Profile reflective, technical specific sessions, small groups and/or appropriate games), you take the initiative to plan, frame, deliver and reflect in accordance with the Coaching Strategy, including the clear collaboration with the Under 18 Team Coach.

Key responsibilities

1. Be responsible for the running and implementation of the Academy’s Player Development Strategy within the Under 13 to Under 16 age groups.


2. Be a lead figure and mentor for the Assistant Youth Development Phase Coach & Academy Analyst (specific to the coaching side of the role) and Part-Time Academy Coaches in your phase, by supporting them with all aspects of coaching and supporting them to develop under the guidance of the Head of Coach & Player Development.


3. There will be key administrative tasks involved within the role, meeting all required criteria of the EPPP.


4. To manage, update and oversee the Football Intelligence Platform and ensure all Youth Development Phase players’ written multidisciplinary team reviews, ILPs, session and game evaluations are completed.


5. Be responsible for when Under 18s sessions and/or games are to be focused on player-based development (Player Profile reflective,technical specific sessions, small groups and/or appropriate games), you take the initiative to plan, frame, deliver and reflect in accordance with the Coaching Strategy.


6. Be responsible for conducting Under 18s players’ in-person individual learning plan reviews to aid feedback and support in the ongoing individual development on and off the pitch.


7. To be a key liaison for all Academy families, supporting the Player Care Officer and Head of Education and Welfare in our holistic approach to player development.


8. To take an active role in the safeguarding of all Academyplayers.

About The Candidate

Knowledge and Experience

1. Has achieved UEFA A Licence (essential– or ongoing and therefore working towards)


2. Has achieved FA Advanced Youth Award (essential– or ongoing and therefore working towards)


3. The FA Level 2 Emergency First Aid in Football (EFAiF) (essential– or personal commitment to complete the award)


4. Has completed the FA Safeguarding Children (essential)


5. Valid FA DBS or willing to undertake a DBS check before starting the role (essential)


6. Has experience working in at least a Category 3 Academy at Under 13 to Under 16 age groups


7. Full, Clean UK Driving Licence and access to their own vehicle (desirable)


8. Experience using the Football Intelligence Platform (desirable)


9. Experience working under and a knowledge of EPPP guidelines (desirable)

Personal Specification

1. Motivated, energised and passionate about working for Notts County FC Academy and continuing in the Youth Development Phase for the coming seasons


2. Committed to shaping the development of Academy players on an individual basis within the Under 18 age group


3. Flexible approach to work and working hours


4. Committed to the safeguarding of Academy players


5. Excellent communication skills and can work well with other people


6. Works well under pressure and has flexibility to deal with issues outside working hours and at short notice


7. Can relate to and represent our Academy Core Values