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Under 21s Head Coach

Hours: Full time (no set hours)

Location: Staplewood Training Ground

Criminal Record Check: DBS Enhanced with Child’s Barred List

The Role

We are looking for someone to be responsible for the coaching of all U21 team players as well as leading the U21 multidisciplinary staff by ensuring that an outstanding programme is in place for the players.

What will you be doing?

In this role, you be leading the coaching of the U21 team and preparing them on and off the pitch for games in line with the Academy playing style. You will be expected to work with the Senior Technical Coaching Group to select the U21s team for the games programme as well as leading the U21 team staff on key programme and player decisions.

The successful candidate will be working closely with the U21 Assistant Coach to hold regular player reviews and to ensure player development is being tracked in team sessions. You will also need to assist both the Head of Player Strategy and Player Pathways Manager with U21 players on loan or on International Duty. Additionally, you will attend First Team and U18 games, when possible, to support an integrated coaching team from the U16s to U21s team.

You will be expected to prepare both team and individual player reports ahead of quarterly depth chart meetings, weekly technical coaches group meetings and the academy audit process, along with  organising player development meetings.

You will also be expected to be committed to personal development and CPD, delivering and attending sessions when requested by the Academy Director.

Is this you?

The ideal candidate for this role should have strong leadership, interpersonal and organisational skills, able to build strong relationships with players and have the ability to work to tight deadlines. Having excellent IT skills and being familiar with scouting databases are also crucial for this role.

Essential Experience

•  Experience of working with U21 players within a category one environment.

Essential Qualifications

• UEFA A Coaching Licence.


• The FA Advanced Youth Award.

Desirable Experience and Qualifications

• Working within a first team professional environment or an under 23 programme.


• Another qualification in a different discipline (this could be sport science or psychology).

How this benefits you

If you are successful, you can look forward to a healthy benefits package;

• Access to x2 free match tickets for every home league game.


• Access to our staff Health & Wellbeing initiatives (Mental & Physical Health).


• Discounted Southampton Football Club merchandise.


• 26 days’ holiday per year excluding bank holidays plus your birthday off each year.


• Contributory Pension Scheme.


• Private Medical Insurance cover.


• Worldwide Travel Insurance for you and your family.


• Learning & Development opportunities - supporting you to develop your potential and achieve in your career.


• Free onsite parking.


• Cycle to Work Scheme.


• Collaborative & inclusive working culture.