ROLE DESCRIPTION

1. Job purpose: To support the Senior Professional Development Phase Coach (SPDP) in the development of players through varied strategies both on and off the pitch. Implement and align the clubs footballing philosophies and principles within the PDP.
2. Duties and responsibilities: To be committed to ensuring the safeguarding and welfare of all elite players, promoting their well-being whilst maintaining professional boundaries; Collaborate with the SPDP Coach, Head of Coaching and Head of Academy to plan/develop and structure the curriculum for the U21 season, aligned to the club philosophy and principles; Collaborate and support SPDP Coach, Head of Coaching and Head of Academy in developing and continually monitoring individualised position specificprofiles, using these to measure performance and link to the club game model; Plan/Deliver/Review on-field coaching sessions both team and individual to players in the PDP phase; Support the SPDP Coach in the development/implementation of the player review process/ ILP on an 8 weekly process, update on the footballintelligence platform; Implement the club game model within the team games programme; Implement the club principles and provide game feedback around these to senior staff; Utilise and collaborate with the performance support staff of the U21 group to ensure a holistic support program is in place/delivered around each individual player; Support the management/monitoring of players in the U21 group who on loan as part of their development and through this, build networks with potentialloan clubs for future players; Collaborate with the Analysis Dept. to provide continuous training / game feedback to aid player development; Meet the with first team staff daily to plan specific training / player requirements to support the first team sessions; Meet with first team staff / Director of Football on a weekly basis to discuss transition / pathway for young players to ensure opportunities are maximised;
Collaborate with first team staff / U21 staff to devise the monthly schedules for the U21 group, ensuring all training needs are met; Provide the required levels of support to the first team training when integrating the U21 group into first team training; To create an inclusive and positive learning environment to challenge, support and maximise opportunities for each individual player; Support the players in ensuring smooth transition from U21 into the first team environment; Collaborate with U21 staff to plan and prepare all required materials and on pitch preparation for implementation on a match day; Maximise the use of the varying technological platforms around both player development aspects and club-wide communication; Participate in the CCF Coaching process, seeking support and continuous personal development through the senior Academy staff; When travelling to away games with an overnight stay, ensure all safeguarding processes are implemented with player care strategies adhered to; and Any other duties as reasonably assigned by the Director of Football, First Team Coach, Head of Academy and/or Head of Academy Coaching for theperformance of duties.
3. Skills required:
A development centered approach to working with Professional Development Phase (PDP) players; An understanding of developing young players and not outcome based in terms of ‘team’ results; Highly skilled in the use of various software systems that are implemented within the Academy. These include the use of Hudl, PMA, SSP, which are critical to the development and monitoring of player performance in line with EPPP compliance; High level ability in using varied Microsoft packages; A dynamic, hardworking and enthusiastic individual; Strong organisational skills; Demonstrates enthusiasm and is personally committed to achieving agreed objectives; Is aware of own behaviour, strengths and areas for improvement and is receptive to feedback; Displays a high level of confidentiality; Excellent time management skills; Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines; Excellent communication and presentation skills (both written and verbal) to a range of audiences; Ability to work independently and part of a team; Ability to set goals, monitor and evaluate performance; Ability to manage players with integrity, honesty and empathy at times when required and drive the highest level of professional standards; and Ability to motivate and inspire others to achieve.

4. Knowledge / Experience required: Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and protocols; Knowledge of developing young professional players for the transition into a first team environment; Experience of working with full-time professional players in an elite sporting environment; Knowledge and understanding of the key development stages and needs of the individual player through the PDP and into the first team environment; Devising and implementing development programmes; Knowledge of the key elements of football (technically, tactically, systems); Ability to transfer knowledge onto the pitch and apply the fine detail in the development of individual players; Knowledge of an Academy set up in an elite sporting environment; and Sports Psychology and its effect on players/coaches.
5. Qualifications required: Hold a minimum UEFA A Licence (essential); FA Youth Award; Advanced Youth Award; FA Safeguarding; and BFAS Level 2
DBS check required: Yes (Enhanced)