Sheffield United FC Academy are committed to being one of the best and innovative developers of talent in the country; to Out Run, Out Fight, Out Play the opposition. An exciting opportunity has become available for an U15-17 Lead Coach to join our team and support us in achieving our goals.
The U15 – U17 Lead Coach will oversee, develop and co-ordinate the Club’s player development programme for players in the U15 and U16 age groups and collaborate with the U18 Lead Coach for players in the U17 age group. A key part of the role is to plan and deliver coaching sessions and the ILP Programme in conjunction with the Head of Coaching. We are looking for a team member who has a real passion for player development, with the ability to motivate and inspire those with whom they work.

Role Responsibilities:

• To work alongside the Head of Individual Development to develop and deliver an age specific technical and tactical coaching programme for players in the U15 – U17 age groups in accordance with the club’s wider philosophy and strategy.
• Organisation of a suitable games programme to underpin the coaching programme. This may require the creation of additional fixtures schedule to meet the needs of the players.
• Ensure the coaching programme is delivered effectively by observing part time staff, mentoring and delivering sessions where appropriate and offering support to the Head of Academy Coaching.
• Support the Head of Coaching and Academy Manager to provide suitable coach education and training opportunities for part time coaching staff. Help to provide technical support and appraisals of the part time coaches.
• Establish and maintain a comprehensive and up-to date record of players within your allocated phase on the Academy PMA ensuring this information is kept up to date throughout the course of the season
• Liaise with the sports science and medical team regarding the fitness and treatment of players within the schoolboy age groups. You will be responsible for ensuring that the physiological and psychological wellbeing of the players within your squad is maintained.
• Liaise with the Head of Education to ensure players within your age groups have suitable academic and welfare support.
• To sit on the Academy Recruitment Forums playing a key role in the decision making and feedback process to trialists throughout the season.
• Work closely with the Recruitment Department to ensure that the needs are met of the age groups.
• Play a key role in the release and retention process for signed players within the U14 – U16 age groups.
• Manage the process of player performance reviews organised and delivered throughout the season to players within the U15/U16 age groups.
• Work closely with the member of staff responsible for overseeing the Schoolboy age groups to ensure seamless transition between the age groups/phases.
• To lead on the planning and organisation of any tour or tournament opportunity presented to the Academy over the course of the season.
• Plan with Head of Coaching the Pre-Unit Content and delivery to Coaching Staff.
• In conjunction with the U18 Lead Coach, manage all U17 games.
• Work in collaboration with our neuroscience staff to implement the ongoing delivery of neuroscience through our coaching.
• Ensure completion of any mandatory training required for the role, including internal club training around Safeguarding and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
• To adhere to all Sheffield United Football Club’s Safeguarding Policies and Procedures to foster an environment which protects from harm those defined as children and adults at risk.
• To report any concerns of a Safeguarding nature to the relevant parties and remain fully compliant with any applicable Safeguarding checks and due diligence and recognise your responsibility to the Club’s Safeguarding agenda.
• To report any concerns of discrimination to the relevant parties and promote a welcoming and inclusive club environment for all.
• To adhere to the Club’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies, supporting the Club to create an environment which is inclusive and all-encompassing.

Essential Criteria for the role:

• UEFA A Coaching Licence
• FA Youth Modules 1,2,3
• Advanced Youth Award (Foundation, Professional Development Phase or preferably Youth)
• Experience of coaching young players
• Experience in Youth Development
• Experience of working within an Academy
• Experience in the development of an age specific staffing structure
• FA First Aid (Level 2 Emergency First Aid in Football)
• FA Safeguarding Children Workshop
• This role requires a DBS check
• Organisational skills
• Excellent communication skills
o ability to communicate with parents/guardians
o ability to communicate with players of all age ranges
o ability to communicate with coaches across all phases.

Desirable Criteria for the role:

• To have played to Academy level or beyond