ROLE DESCRIPTION

Sunderland AFC are looking to appoint a Foundation Phase Lead / U9&U10 Cell Lead to Lead on the individual, group and team planning of the football pathway within the U9 and U10 Cell whilst overseeing the Foundation Phase ensuring each player has an up to date and relevant individual plan.

Core and Key Responsibilities:

Plan, create and evaluate the coaching sessions as scheduled in the weekly plan.
Plan and deliver training sessions that prioritise and individual player development focus.
Independently source and review video clips of individuals and groups with reference to the player’s individual learning objectives in liaison with the analysis department.
Provide a health check/update on coaching cell operations in each 9, 8, 27, 26 and 45 week coaching meeting.
Provide impactful feedback to players to support progression.
Oversee the trialists who enter the coaching cell, providing suitable evaluation and feedback during the signing/exit process.
Ensure the retention of players is always prioritised within planning.
Ensure the Performance Management Application (PMA) is completed and up to date.
Liaise with parents of players to create a collaborative relationship.
Continually work towards the Club’s corporate strategic goals.
Communicate and promote the Club culture to enhance an elite high-performance environment.
Communicate and engage with internal and external personnel with professional integrity.
Recognise potential complaint situations and make effective steps to avoid and/or resolve these situations.
Attend all professional development events.
Actively engage in a personal development plan and integrated appraisal process.
Monitor well-being of others liaising with the Safeguarding and Inclusion Manager where appropriate.
Ensure the Club’s Safeguarding Children rules and regulations are adhered to at all times.
Promote equality and diversity as part of the culture of the organisation.
Ensure compliance with all the policies and procedures contained within the Staff Handbook, paying regard to the Equal Opportunity, Dignity at Work and Health & Safety and security policies.


Leadership Responsibilities:

Lead the U9 and U10 Cell as well as overseeing the Foundation Phase.
Deliver consistent, up to date communication with the Academy Manager and Head of Coaching surrounding the journey of the players.
Align coaches and the coaching programme to the club’s coaching and playing philosophy.
Oversee the team planning and theming per mesocycle.
Connect and collaborate Foundation Phase staff surrounding training support, team selections and team composition.
Support appropriately to ensure players receive a holistic transition from the U12 group to the Youth Development Phase.
Observe and prioritise individual player development within training and fixtures.
Support Foundation Phase coaches with all aspects of the role, including delivery to enhance best practice.
Monitoring and evaluation of all players within the Foundation Phase for the succession planning process.
Create a best-in-class environment.
Participate in all relevant meetings.
Identify areas for development and work closely with the Academy Senior Management Team and Multi-Disciplinary teams to ensure necessary performance standards are met and developed.
Monitor and drive our key player development processes within the Foundation Phase to ensure progression is always being made.


About The Club
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

Sunderland AFC is an equal opportunity employer.
We are committed to a policy of treating all employees and job applicants equally.
Our aim is that all colleagues should be able to work in an environment free from discrimination, harassment and bullying.
SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN & VULNERABLE ADULTS

Sunderland AFC recognises that the safeguarding and protection of children and vulnerable adults is of paramount importance within the organisation. Sunderland AFC owes a duty of care to safeguard all children and vulnerable adults involved in activities as organised by the football club. Sunderland AFC will ensure that safety and protection is given to all children and vulnerable adults involved in activities through adherence to the Safeguarding guidelines adopted by the Club