Role description

We are looking for Academy Coaches to work on a casual basis with our U10 & U13 age groups. Working as part of the coaching department, the successful candidates will assist the Lead Phase Coach in the delivery of the coaching philosophy and syllabus. You will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team to provide a world-class learning environment to facilitate player development within the Academy. You will work an average of 12 hours per week over the season (usually 3 training sessions and a game per week. Flexibility will be required for these roles as they require evening and weekend working
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

To follow and implement the Academy coaching syllabus and philosophy whilst contributing to its evolution.
To ensure any PMA information is updated as requested by the lead age group coach or lead phase coach-Training sessions, game time and player reports.
To ensure a thorough working knowledge of the content and functions of the Academy Performance Plan
To work as part of a multi-disciplinary team to support a coordinated approach to player development across departments involving, but not restricted to performance analysts, sport scientists, physiotherapists, psychologists, Head of Coaching and operational, welfare and education staff.
To ensure player welfare is always the primary consideration in all Academy Aspects
To work with the lead phase coach and lead age group coach to ensure all age group equipment is fit for use at all times and checked out and in
To work with the age group coaching partner and Lead Phase coach to ensure all age group playing kits are in order for Academy Games and checked out and in.
To adopt a proactive approach in working alongside age group coaching partner in order to provide optimal playing opportunities.
To arrive at the relevant facility at least 30 minutes prior to training sessions and at least 90 minutes before for home fixtures or 60 minutes before away fixtures (based on kick off times).
To travel to away games by team coach with team and staff unless agreed with lead phase coach.
To participate fully with the Head of Academy Coaching in relation to development action plans and the coach competency framework.
To ensure you are up to date with and fulfil all audit requirements.
To carry out any duties as reasonably requested by the Phase Lead or Head of Academy Coaching.
To attend all in-service training (unless exceptional circumstances apply)
To ensure that a 4x7’s report is completed for all trialists each game and handed back to the Phase lead.
To carry out any other tasks as directed by your line manager
To respond to all enquires within Reading Football Club Charter guidelines
To adhere to a strict code of confidentiality in respect of any information relating to Reading Football Club and its operation
There is an expectation that you will undertake adhoc work on an exceptional basis or provide relevant cover for other team tasks

PERSON SPECIFICATION:
QUALIFICATIONS: Essential - UEFA B Licence; FA Youth Award; Emergency First Aid in Football; FA Safeguarding Children certificate. Desirable - UEFA A Licence; Sports related degree; FA Advanced Youth Award (or willingness to work towards)
EXPERIENCE: Essential - Experience of working with players in the Foundation Phase or Youth Development Phase within an Academy environment or similar.  Desirable - Experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team
KNOWLEDGE: Essential - Understanding of how to plan, do, and review coaching sessions in an age-appropriate manner in relation to Academy coaching philosophy and decisions.  Desirable - understanding of how to deliver off field coaching sessions
ATTITUDE: Essential - to show passion and enthusiasm for coaching in either the Foundation Phase or Youth Development Phase age groups.; to have the motivation to become an expert in Foundation Phase or Youth Development Phase coaching; to be a positive leader and role model for staff; to be willing to work weekends