Youth Team ManagerChester FC

Chester Football Club is looking for an experienced and ambitious Youth Team Manager to lead our successful Scholars programme and help develop the next generation of Chester FC players.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced football coach to take responsibility for the leadership, coordination and development of a programme with a strong track record of producing players who have progressed into senior football.

Our Scholars programme currently supports 22 players aged 16–19, competing in the National League U19 Alliance and the FA Youth Cup, while providing a clear pathway towards senior football.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Salary: £28,000-£30,000 per annum

Hours: 30-35 hours per week, flexible

Contract: Permanent

Location: King George V Community Sports Hub, Chester

Start date: Immediate

The Youth Team Manager will lead the day-to-day management and development of the Scholars programme, working closely with our education partners, Junior section and First Team staff.

A key focus of the role will be creating and maintaining a clear pathway from youth football into the Chester FC First Team, while supporting players to reach their potential both on and off the pitch.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to build on the successful track record of the Scholars programme and play a key role in the continued development of the Club’s youth pathway.

Training is on Monday, Tuesday and Friday mornings, with fixtures generally played on Wednesday afternoons. The role is offered on a flexible 30–35 hour per week basis and will require flexibility around football fixtures and the needs of the programme.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

You will:

• Lead, recruit and coordinate the Chester FC Scholars programme.
• Plan and oversee football coaching, player development and match preparation.
• Manage the Youth Team’s participation in the National League U19 Alliance and FA Youth Cup.
• Work closely with First Team staff to identify and support opportunities for Scholars to progress into senior football.
• Develop strong links with the Junior section to maximise the pathway from junior football into the Scholars programme.
• Work in partnership with Access College to support Scholars in combining their football development with education.
• Support the academic, personal and pastoral development of players aged 16–19.
• Liaise regularly with education staff regarding student attendance and any issues affecting players’ development.
• Oversee player registrations and relevant administrative requirements.
• Manage the Youth Team budget in conjunction with Club Directors.
• Coordinate matchday transport, equipment and kit, including driving a minibus when required.
• Promote the Scholars programme to supporters, partners and other stakeholders.
• Maintain high standards of safeguarding, welfare, discipline and behaviour.
• Work closely with the Club’s Safeguarding Officer and comply with all Club policies and procedures.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

We are looking for an experienced football coach who is passionate about developing young players and helping them progress towards senior football.

You will have:

Essential

• UEFA B Licence.
• FA Safeguarding qualification.
• FA First Aid qualification.
• Full driving licence.
• Experience working with players aged 16–19.
• Previous experience within an academy or scholarship programme.
• Experience supporting players to progress into senior football.
• Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.
• A flexible and proactive approach to working.

You will be a self-starter who can work independently while building strong relationships with players, parents, coaches, education providers and Club staff.

A commitment to safeguarding and the welfare and development of young people is essential.

ABOUT CHESTER FC

Chester FC is a supporter-owned football club with a strong community ethos and a commitment to developing young people and talented footballers.

Our Scholars programme has a proven track record of helping players progress into senior football, including players who have subsequently played in the EFL, including Sam Hughes, Tom Crawford, Will Goodwin and Harrison Burke, alongside numerous players who have progressed into the Chester FC First Team.

This role provides an opportunity to play a central part in that pathway – developing young players, supporting their education and helping prepare them for the next stage of their football careers.