Job title: Professional Game Academy (PGA) U16 Head Coach

Department: Blackburn Rovers Women’s Football Club

Based at: UCLAN Sports Arena and Blackburn Rovers Academy/Training Centre, Brockhall Village, BB6 8BA/8FA. Flexibility regarding location is required.

Reports to: PGA Academy & Emerging Talent Centre (ETC) Manager

Responsible for: U16 Assistant Coach

Hours of work:

Mondays: 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Wednesdays: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Saturday: Match days – times may vary depending on location.
Conbtractual status: Permanent

Job purpose: To plan, deliver and review elite standard coaching sessions in line with the PGA and ETC technical programme of the club.

Duties & responsibilities:

To be committed to ensuring the safeguarding and welfare of all elite players, promoting their well-being needs whilst maintaining professional boundaries;
Work according to Blackburn Rovers Women and Academy philosophy and club values;
To communicate effectively with the multi-disciplinary team;
Complete and update player administration;
To support the assistant coach/ volunteers and build a professional relationship;
To plan/prepare, deliver and review elite standard coaching sessions in line with the academy technical program within the PGA and ETC;
Identify and prioritise individual coaching requirements and devise individual development plans for all players;
To conduct 3 player reviews in the season and keep a log of each review;
Develop and implement a game strategy with transfer from training to match day for players to perform;
To keep your coaching folder up to date with all relevant information of players as outlined by the Academy Manager;
To communicate professionally with parents around training and match day information;
To challenge, inspire and motivate players in training and on Match days;
To be punctual and organised at all times and be approachable to all players;
Be pro-active in your own CPD to ensure you are developing and evolving within your role;
Ensure sessions include match paced training and show an understanding of periodisation and rehabilitation;
Interact with players/parents to ensure the player review process is an open interaction;
Work alongside / interact with other coaches to ensure the integration of players is monitored;
Attend staff meetings to bring ideas together where we have a never stand still attitude;
Be willing to go above and beyond to develop players in your role;
Ensure the welfare of players within their designated age group; and
Be familiar with the safeguarding children requirements as outlined in the safeguarding policy and comply with its requirements to safeguard and protect the welfare of children and adults at risk.

Skills required:

A dynamic confident communicator with all staff / players and parents;
Attention to detail and excellent organisational skills required;
Ability to work with Elite female footballers; and
The welfare of players within their designated age group.

Knowledge required:

An understanding of Talent Identification
An appreciation of Long Term Player Development
Knowledge and understanding of working with young female players
Ability to work in a team environment
Understanding of the FA Girls’ England Talent Pathway

Qualifications required:

UEFA B Licence (essential);
FA Youth Award;
Introduction to First Aid in Football; and
FA Safeguarding Children’s Course.

DBS check required: Yes (Enhanced)