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1. Job purpose:
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To support the delivery of an outstanding, individualised and age-appropriate coaching and development programme for Academy players from U9 to U16, as allocated by the Head of Coach Development. Working under the direction of the relevant Cell Lead or Age-Group Head Coach, the role will contribute to high-quality training and matchday experiences, help each player progress technically, tactically, physically, psychologically and socially, and create a safe, positive and demanding environment aligned to the Academy game model, curriculum, values and “By Skill & Hard Work” identity.
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2. Duties and
responsibilities:
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Programme contribution and flexibility
- Support the relevant Cell Lead and Age-Group Head Coach in delivering the weekly programme for the allocated age group, working within agreed objectives, roles and responsibilities.
- Be willing and able to work across any Academy age group from U9 to U16 according to programme, staffing and player-development needs.
- Adapt coaching style, communication, practice design and expectations appropriately to the players’ age, stage, experience, learning needs and phase of development.
- Prepare thoroughly, arrive punctually and communicate availability or emerging issues promptly to the relevant lead coach.
- Contribute positively to cell meetings, technical meetings, coach-development activity and relevant Academy events when required.
Coaching and matchday delivery
- Plan, deliver and evaluate high-quality team, unit, position-specific and individual coaching in line with the Academy game model and coaching curriculum.
- Create varied, enjoyable and game-relevant practices which develop technical quality, creativity, game understanding, decision-making, adaptability and confidence.
- Use questioning, feedback, guided discovery, demonstration, reflection and age-appropriate video to deepen learning and encourage increasing player ownership.
- Support matchday and festival delivery as directed, ensuring game time, positions, formats and stretch opportunities reflect individual development rather than short-term results.
- Maintain high standards of supervision, behaviour, safety and professional conduct at training, fixtures, tours and Academy events.
Individual player development
- Know the players within the allocated group, including their strengths, learning needs, individual objectives and relevant personal circumstances.
- Ensure agreed individual development priorities are visible within sessions, games, feedback and additional provision.
- Observe players carefully and provide honest, specific and age-appropriate feedback which builds understanding, confidence and responsibility.
- Contribute clear evidence to player reviews, pathway discussions and retain/release decisions when requested.
- Support the planning, coaching and reporting of trialists to help the Academy make fair and thorough assessment decisions.
Multidisciplinary, parent and safeguarding responsibilities
- Work collaboratively with Coaching, Recruitment, Analysis, Sport Science and Medicine, Education, Player Care and Safeguarding so that each player receives one connected programme.
- Follow agreed plans relating to growth, maturation, injury, return to performance, education, wellbeing and additional support needs.
- Build professional and constructive relationships with parents and carers, communicating only within the scope agreed by the Cell Lead or Age-Group Head Coach.
- Recognise and report safeguarding, welfare, medical, education or performance concerns immediately through the correct channels.
- Maintain clear professional boundaries and always follow safer-working practice.
Monitoring and administration
- Complete session plans, attendance, game reports, player observations and other required records accurately and within agreed timescales.
- Use Hudl, the Football Intelligence Platform and other agreed Academy systems appropriately to support planning, feedback and review.
- Provide relevant information promptly to the lead coach and complete agreed actions within the required timescale.
- Maintain confidentiality and handle player, family and Club information in accordance with data-protection requirements.
Professional practice and development
- Model the Academy’s values through high standards of preparation, honesty, respect, communication, behaviour and personal accountability.
- Engage positively with observation, feedback, appraisal and the Academy Coaching Expertise Framework.
- Take ownership of an individual development plan and maintain relevant qualifications, licences and CPD.
- Work in accordance with EPPP, Premier League and EFL rules, Club policies, health and safety requirements and safeguarding procedures.
- Represent Blackburn Rovers professionally at all times.
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3. Skills and
personal attributes:
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- A clear commitment to individual player development and an understanding that long-term potential takes priority over short-term team outcomes.
- Ability to connect with, motivate and appropriately challenge players across different ages and stages of development.
- Strong planning, organisation, communication and relationship-management skills, with the reliability to meet agreed commitments and deadlines.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a coaching and multidisciplinary team while taking ownership of assigned tasks.
- Ability to give and receive honest feedback and remain reflective, adaptable and open to learning.
- Good observation, analysis, decision-making and problem-solving skills.
- A calm and professional approach, with high levels of integrity, enthusiasm and personal responsibility.
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