U21 Lead CoachFleetwood Town

Location: Poolfoot Farm
Department: Academy
Reports To: Academy Manager & Head of Coaching
Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent (40 hours per week)
Working Pattern: Flexible, including evenings and weekends
Annual Leave: 20 days (including bank holidays)
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience and qualifications

Job Purpose

Fleetwood Town Football Club is seeking an experienced and ambitious U21 Lead Coach to lead the delivery of coaching across the Professional Development Phase (PDP), with a primary focus on the U21 squad.

The successful candidate will play a key role in developing individual players within a team environment, creating a clear pathway from Academy football to the professional game. Working closely with the Academy Manager, Head of Coaching and multidisciplinary staff, the role will ensure players receive high-quality coaching, individual development planning and performance support throughout the Professional Development Phase.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of coaching across the Professional Development Phase, taking primary responsibility for the U21 squad.
• Support the development of individual players within a team framework, ensuring each player is prioritised within their own development journey.
• Plan, deliver, review and record age-specific training sessions in line with the Academy Coaching Curriculum and audit requirements.
• Regularly review the progress of players across the U16, U18 and U21 age groups, providing clear development plans and pathway recommendations.
• Produce detailed written reports on U21 and selected U18 players, including Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) and case study reports.
• Lead the implementation of the Academy Coach Expertise Framework, modelling and promoting best coaching practice.
• Work closely with the Head of Coaching to develop coaching standards across the Academy.
• Support the identification and management of appropriate loan opportunities for U18 and U21 players, monitoring their ongoing development.
• Work towards an agreed Coach Development Action Plan (DAP) in line with the Coach Expertise Framework.
• Mentor, motivate and support coaches within the Professional Development Phase, promoting the Academy philosophy and coaching curriculum.
• Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to support the holistic development of all U18 and U21 players.
• Coordinate the day-to-day operations of the Professional Development Phase alongside the U18 Lead Coach, including training schedules, fixtures, player logistics, equipment, kit management and communication with players, parents and match officials.
• Lead daily multidisciplinary meetings to review player progress and support individual development.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of Academy staff by promoting effective communication and high coaching standards.
• Assist in developing and recording Academy best practice coaching sessions.
• Support Academy recruitment activity with an energetic, purposeful and measurable approach.
• Attend all required CPD events and internal development opportunities.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by the Academy Manager or Head of Coaching.

Person Specification

Essential

• UEFA A Licence.
• Advanced Youth Award.
• Experience coaching within a Category One or Category Two Academy.
• Previous experience working within a full-time football programme.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP).
• Previous experience coaching within the Professional Development Phase.
• Emergency First Aid qualification.
• Safeguarding qualification.
• Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle.

Desirable

• Experience supporting player loan programmes.
• Experience creating Individual Learning Plans and player development reports.
• Strong leadership, organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary environment.

Responsibilities of All Employees

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Carry out other similar reasonable duties according to the needs of the business.
• Undertake any training relevant to the requirements of the role.
• Comply with Health & Safety procedures and safe working practices.
• Adhere to data protection procedures, ensuring that sensitive business information remains confidential.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Fleetwood Town Football Club is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

Safeguarding

Fleetwood Town Football Club is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and applicants to share this commitment and uphold the highest standards of professional conduct.

This role is subject to satisfactory references and relevant DBS checks in accordance with the Club’s Safer Recruitment Policy.