Youth Development Phase LeadFleetwood Town

Department: Academy
Location: Poolfoot Farm Training Complex
Reports to: Head of Coaching / Academy Manager
Working hours: Flexible, as required by the Head of Coaching and Academy Manager. Evening and weekend work will be expected.
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Contract: Permanent

Role overview

Fleetwood Town Football Club has an exciting opportunity for an experienced coach to lead and support the delivery of coaching across the Youth Development Phase (YDP).

The successful candidate will lead and manage the YDP programme, ensuring that every player receives an outstanding, age-appropriate development curriculum. The programme will support individual player progression, coach development and the successful transition of players into the Professional Development Phase.

You will join a forward-thinking Academy with a strong record of developing players who progress through the football pyramid and regularly feature in the First Team. The role is based at the Club’s £10 million Poolfoot Farm training facility.

Person specification

Essential qualifications and experience

• UEFA B Licence, with the successful candidate working towards the UEFA A Licence
• Experience of working within a Category 1 or Category 2 Academy
• Strong knowledge of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP)
• Full, clean driving licence and access to your own vehicle
• FA Emergency First Aid Level 2 qualification
• Relevant safeguarding qualification

Key responsibilities

• Work with the Academy Head of Coaching to implement an age-specific coaching curriculum across the Youth Development Phase, aligned with the Academy’s playing and coaching philosophy.
• Ensure the effective planning, delivery and evaluation of every coaching session is recorded on Kitman Labs.
• Lead the delivery of coaching sessions for the U15 and U16 age groups.
• Review the progress of YDP players on Kitman Labs in accordance with the Academy’s review process.
• Work with the Head of Coaching to identify, coordinate, deliver and review individual development plans for all U15 and U16 players, including the delivery of player development case studies.
• Work closely with the Professional Development Phase Lead and Academy Management Team to track players who have the potential to progress into the Professional Development Phase.
• Work closely with the Transition Phase Lead and Academy Management Team to track players who have the potential to progress into the Youth Development Phase.
• Coach a selected YDP age group, delivering the Academy’s curriculum and philosophy, while supporting other age groups as required by the Head of Coaching.
• Work towards an individual Coach Development Action Plan agreed with the Head of Coaching and aligned with the Coach Competency Framework.
• Manage YDP coaches and support staff, modelling best practice and supporting the effective delivery of the Academy’s curriculum and philosophy.
• Organise tournaments, tours and festivals for the YDP alongside the Head of Coaching.
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to support the holistic development of all YDP players, including planning, delivering and reviewing the Day Release programme.
• Coordinate the daily operation of the YDP, including arranging training sessions, fixtures and additional fixtures to meet individual player needs.
• Manage the inventory and distribution of kit and equipment, liaise with match officials, and communicate effectively with players and parents.
• Maintain strong and professional communication with parents and guardians.
• Contribute to the development and recording of Academy best-practice sessions.
• Take an energetic, purposeful and measurable approach to player recruitment.
• Act as a Safeguarding Champion, helping to embed a safe and inclusive environment for all young people, parents and staff.
• Attend all continuing professional development activities as instructed by the Head of Coaching and/or Academy Manager.
• Carry out any other duties reasonably directed by the Academy Manager or Head of Coaching.

Safeguarding statement

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 behaviour.

This post is subject to relevant Disclosure and Barring Service checks as part of the Club’s safer recruitment process.