Lead Professional Development Phase Coach (PDP)

Specific Responsibilities:

• To lead and manage the multi-disciplinary staff within the PDP Phase.
• In conjunction with the Head of Academy Football, oversee and deliver the Technical Programme for Academy players in the PDP
• Monitor the development of the players, recording individual player data on the FIP Player Performance tool
• Liaise with the Head of Academy Football to create session plans appropriate to individual learning
• Devise individual learning objectives and action plans for each player within the PDP
• In conjunction with the Head of Academy Football and Head of Education, formulate and deliver a review process every 6 weeks for each Academy player and provide bi-annual written feedback to parents
• Support the Head of Education with delivery of the education programme
• Liaise closely with the Head of Recruitment/AMT Staff to identify and monitor trialists for the PDP age groups
• Manage the PDP age groups alongside the HOAF/part-time coaches in league, cup, and friendly fixtures
• Be prepared and willing to support players transitioning from the YDP when required

Key Responsibilities:

• Coach and deliver from the Academy Performance Plan
• Ensure that players graduating from the PDP are socially, psychologically, Physically, technically and tactically capable and ready for professional football
• Specialised training to ensure players can apply individual skills within team structures and show strong tactical awareness
• Maintain a weekly training reporting process with the Head of Academy football/Head of Coaching
• Deliver group and individual weekly performance objectives
• Assist in the evaluation of weekly performance objectives
• Support performance reporting, monitoring, and evaluation of Academy players in the PDP
• Monitor and supervise physical development
• Participate in relevant meetings including CPD, parent reviews, and in-service training
• Show a continuous commitment to personal development through relevant CPD and courses
• Adhere to the club’s Coaches Code of Conduct, Child Protection Policy, Health & Safety Policy, and Emergency Procedures, ensuring the safety of all participants
• Any other duties as required by the football club within the reasonable demands of the role.

Qualifications (or internationally recognised equivalent):

• UEFA A License
• FA Advanced Youth Award
• FA Level 2 First Aid/EFAiF
• FA Safeguarding
• Current DBS

Experience:

• Strong experience of coaching players in the Professional Development Phase in an academy environment
• Experience of helping players transition from the PDP into first-team football or the professional game
• Experience of helping players transition from the YDP into the PDP
• Previous success in developing players now playing in the professional game

Attributes:

• Previous academy coaching experience working with players across the three phases of the player pathway
• Experience in scouting and player recruitment
• A meticulous attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• A consistent team performer
• Ability to prioritise workload
• Ability to travel independently
• Strong IT skills and familiarity with PMA
• Excellent organisational qualities
• Ability to work to tight deadlines

Additional desirable experience:

• Coach education experience
• Playing experience.