Head of Academy Goalkeeping

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

Length: Permanent

Role Overview

Fleetwood Town Football Club is seeking an outstanding and highly motivated Head of Academy Goalkeeping to lead the development of goalkeepers across the Academy from U9 to U21.

The successful candidate will have overall responsibility for the Academy Goalkeeping programme, providing strategic and operational leadership to ensure every goalkeeper receives an outstanding, age-appropriate development experience.

Working closely with the Head of Coaching, Academy Manager, Lead Phase Coaches and Academy multidisciplinary team, the successful candidate will develop and implement a clear goalkeeping philosophy and curriculum aligned to the Academy’s wider football philosophy and player development framework.

A key aspect of the role will be working collaboratively with the 1st Team Head of Goalkeeping to create alignment between Academy and First Team practice and establish a clear pathway for goalkeepers capable of progressing into the professional game.

The Head of Academy Goalkeeping will also lead and develop the Academy’s goalkeeping coaching workforce, creating consistent standards of coaching and supporting the continued professional development of staff across all phases.

The successful candidate will join a forward-thinking Academy with a strong track record of developing players who progress through the football pyramid and regularly feature within the Fleetwood Town First Team. The role will be based at the Club’s £10 million Poolfoot Farm training facility.

Person Specification

Essential

• UEFA B Goalkeeping Licence.
• Significant experience working within a professional football Academy environment.
• Experience of developing goalkeepers across multiple Academy phases.
• A strong understanding of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) and the demands of Academy football.
• Demonstrable experience of developing and supporting other coaches.
• Strong knowledge of age and phase-appropriate goalkeeper development.
• The ability to design, implement and evaluate an Academy goalkeeping curriculum.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with players, parents and multidisciplinary staff.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities within a demanding Academy environment.
• A player-centred approach with a strong commitment to individual development.
• A commitment to continuous professional development and reflective practice.
• Current FA Safeguarding Children requirements.
• Appropriate Emergency First Aid qualification.
• Full driving licence and access to transport.

Desirable

• UEFA A Goalkeeping Licence or be actively working towards the qualification.
• Experience working within a Category 1 or Category 2 Academy.
• Significant experience working with PDP and/or U21 goalkeepers.
• Experience supporting the transition of Academy goalkeepers into senior football.
• Experience working within or alongside a First Team environment.
• Experience of line management and formal coach development.
• Experience using video analysis and performance data to support goalkeeper development.

Key Responsibilities

Goalkeeper Development

• Lead the development of all Academy goalkeepers from U9 through to U21.
• Design, implement and continually review an age-appropriate Academy Goalkeeping Curriculum aligned to the Club's football philosophy and Academy player development framework.
• Plan, deliver and evaluate high-quality goalkeeping sessions appropriate to the developmental needs of individual players.
• Ensure goalkeeping development is integrated effectively within team training and the wider development of outfield players.
• Ensure every Academy goalkeeper has a clear and meaningful Individual Learning Plan (ILP) that is regularly reviewed, adapted and supported through appropriate training and match opportunities.
• Monitor goalkeeper performance across training and games and use appropriate evidence to inform individual development priorities.
• Work closely with Lead Phase Coaches and individual age-group coaches to ensure goalkeepers receive a coordinated and holistic development programme.
• Support the development and preparation of PDP and U21 goalkeepers for the demands of senior football.
• Work collaboratively with the 1st Team Head of Goalkeeping to support the transition and integration of Academy goalkeepers into the First Team environment where appropriate.

Leadership & Coach Development

• Provide leadership and direction for goalkeeping provision across all phases of the Academy.
• Line manage the Academy’s part-time goalkeeping coaches, establishing clear expectations and standards for delivery.
• Regularly observe goalkeeping coaches and provide meaningful feedback, mentoring and support to enhance their practice.
• Work closely with the Head of Coaching to identify individual and collective development priorities for Academy goalkeeping coaches.
• Contribute to the Academy’s wider coach development programme and Coaching Expertise Framework (CEF).
• Create opportunities for collaboration, reflection and sharing of best practice across the goalkeeping department.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning, challenge and professional development.

Curriculum & Performance

• Establish clear age and phase-specific expectations for goalkeeper development across the Academy.
• Ensure consistency in the implementation of the Academy Goalkeeping Curriculum while recognising the individual developmental needs of each goalkeeper.
• Monitor the effectiveness and impact of the goalkeeping programme and make appropriate adaptations where required.
• Work collaboratively with Sports Science, Medical, Analysis, Psychology and other relevant departments to provide a multidisciplinary approach to goalkeeper development.
• Utilise video, data and other appropriate information to support player development and individual learning.
• Ensure goalkeeper development and performance information is accurately recorded using Football IP and other relevant Academy systems.

Player Pathway & Recruitment

• Develop strong relationships across the Academy to ensure effective transition of goalkeepers between phases.
• Work closely with the 1st Team Head of Goalkeeping to establish alignment between Academy and First Team goalkeeping provision.
• Contribute to succession planning for goalkeepers across the Academy and professional pathway.
• Support the identification, assessment and recruitment of goalkeepers in collaboration with the Academy Recruitment department and 1st Team Head of Goalkeeping.
• Provide specialist goalkeeping insight as part of player retention, release and progression discussions where appropriate.

Academy Responsibilities

• Attend and contribute effectively to relevant Academy, phase and multidisciplinary meetings.
• Maintain accurate records relating to coaching sessions, player reviews, learning objectives and individual development.
• Maintain all required coaching qualifications and licence requirements.
• Complete a minimum of five hours of FA in-service training each year and engage fully with Club and governing body CPD.
• Take responsibility for your own professional development and actively seek opportunities to enhance your knowledge and practice.
• Represent Fleetwood Town Football Club and its Academy professionally at all times.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by the Academy Manager and/or Head of Coaching.

Safeguarding

• Act as a Safeguarding Champion, promoting and embedding safeguarding best practice across the Academy.
• Place the welfare and wellbeing of Academy players at the centre of their practice and decision-making.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with children and young people.
• Report safeguarding concerns in accordance with the Club’s safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Comply with all Club policies relating to safeguarding, equality, diversity, inclusion, health and safety and professional conduct.

Other Duties

• Carry out any other duties as directed by the Academy Manager and Head of Coaching

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. The post is subject to relevant DBS checks as part of our safer recruitment process.

 Closing Date: 20^th September 2026

Interview Date: WC 21^st September 2026

Start Date: TBC