Job purpose:

To develop players through team/individualised coaching sessions to compete competitively in the Barclay’s Women’s Championship. This role is responsible for supporting the development of the Women’s First Team department.

Duties and responsibilities:

• To be committed to ensuring the safeguarding and welfare of all elite players and staff, promoting their well-being whilst maintaining professional boundaries;


• To manage all technical staff and provide key support in their learning and professional development, helping them to positively contribute towards the club’s vision;


• Attend and lead training sessions and match days involving Blackburn Rovers Women and Girls;


• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.


• Lead the multidisciplinary team to coordinate player-centred support;


• To effectively manage and motivate the player group, both as a team and as individuals;


• Aid and support the transition of Academy players to the Club's senior squad;


• To oversee the coaching curriculum and session plans on a daily basis;


• Contribute towards the multi-disciplinary reviews of all players;


• To create an inclusive and positive learning environment to challenge, support and maximize opportunities for each individual player and staff
  members;


• Liaise with first team staff to develop/deliver coaching which develops players and delivers results in competitive competitions;


• Deliver individualised, unit and team coaching sessions;


• Plan, deliver and evaluate specific coaching sessions;


• Liaise with all staff in the delivery of sessions that integrates all aspects the individuals programme to maximize potential;


• To work collaboratively with the General Manager to develop a recruitment strategy;


• To lead technical staff members to deliver analysis of performance, providing regular individual, group and team feedback;


• Liaise with first team staff and the General Manager regarding all player registrations;


• Support the development of weekly schedules for the Women’s squad in line with the coaching philosophy, communicating this to the relevant personnel;

Monitor and evaluate the development of players across the Women’s development squad, providing regular feedback to players on performance in line with their development plans;

• Continually liaise with the Academy Manager and staff regarding the development/transition of young players into the first team environment;


• Utilise varied software and performance data to record and evaluate individual player and team performance, providing regular feedback to
  Academy and first team staff;


• To support staff and volunteers assigned to work within the Women’s department; and


• To work closely with the General Manager and staff to develop the Women’s programme and ensure smooth day-to-day operations.

Skills required:

• A professional approach to creating a high performance environment;


• A development centred approach to working with female players;


• A commitment to safeguarding and the club’s procedures and policies;


• An understanding of developing the processes to delivering team based results;


• Strong organisational skills;


• Excellent communication skills and emotional intelligence;


• A commitment to achieving agreed objectives;


• Self-awareness of own behaviour, strengths, areas for improvement and receptive to feedback;


• Displays a high level of confidentiality;


• Excellent time management skills;


• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines;


• Excellent communication and presentation skills (both written and verbal) to a range of audiences;


• The ability to work independently and part of a team;


• The ability to set goals, monitor and evaluate performance;


• The ability and understanding to manage people with integrity, honesty and empathy at times when required;


• Can motivate and inspire others to achieve;


• High level ability in using varied Microsoft packages; and


• Ability to take responsibility for areas of management.

Knowledge / Experience required:

• Experience of working with elite level football players in a performance environment, preferably female football players;


• To possess a sound knowledge and understanding of player development within Women’s Football;


• A strong understanding of player abilities, whilst possessing excellent links within the game for enhancing player recruitment;


• Knowledge of the key elements of football (technically, tactically, systems);


• Ability to transfer knowledge onto the pitch and apply the fine detail in the development of individual players; and


• Knowledge of an Academy set-up in an elite sporting environment.

Qualifications required:

• UEFA A Licence (essential);


• FA Safeguarding; and FA First Aid qualification (essential);


• A valid UK driver’s Licence.


• DBS check required: Yes (enhanced)