Role description
Purpose
This is a key role within the Academy in which you will be responsible for leading and maximising the learning experience of young goalkeepers aged 8-18 years old, by educating, guiding, and inspiring them to achieve their long-term objectives in line with Our Academy Performance Plan.
Main Responsibilities and Duties
To oversee all goalkeepers from the Pre-Academy – Under 18s and develop a positive learning environment for all players and staff.
Deliver high quality coaching relevant to respective age and stage of players, educating them in line with the DUFC Academy philosophy and methodology as outlined in the Academy Performance Plan.
Management of the Academy Goalkeeping programme at Baldragon Academy, Gussie Park and where applicable, the HPC.
Complete and submit all session plans including session objectives and post-session evaluation timeously and to a high standard.
Support, educate and manage the Academy Goalkeeping coaches for training and matchday environments.
Designing, delivering, and monitoring Individual Development Programmes in conjunction with the player, parents/guardians and, where appropriate, Scottish FA National Team staff.
Complete individual player feedback reports after each match and Individual Development Programme cycle.
Work closely with the Head of Academy Talent ID and Recruitment and Head of Recruitment, to identify, assess and recruit young goalkeepers in relation to the needs of the Player Pathway.
Develop and maintain a professional relationship with parents/guardians of players within your group including regular communication of training and match day information.
Maintain and update all player information including medical and emergency contact details.
Work closely with the Academy Director in completion of your Staff Development Plan.
Attend and contribute to all Academy In-Service days and deliver input where required.
Attend and contribute to relevant Academy Performance Board meetings where required.
Support the educational development of young players with regards to healthy lifestyle, diet, and drug awareness.
Take responsibility for the care and maintenance of all age group training equipment and playing kit.
Assist with physical performance input where required at training sessions.
Attend tournaments and trips when requested by the club.
Lead by example in ensuring all players live by the club values, developing within the DUFC Academy.
Always adhere to the DUFC Academy Coaches Codes of Conduct.
Abide by all club policies including, but not exclusive to, Safeguarding Equality and Health & Safety
Maintain your coaching qualifications by attending a minimum of fifteen hours of recognized Continuous Professional Development every three years.
Maintain a valid National Sports First Aid Certificate.
Maintain a valid and up to date PVG every three years.
Any other reasonable duties requested by Head of Goalkeeping and/or Academy Director
Experience and Qualifications
Essential:
Must be eligible to work in the UK.
Must have a Valid UEFA A Goalkeeping Licence or already enrolled on the course.
High level of football knowledge in goalkeeping development and how to create a high performance, age-appropriate environment.
Record of Continuous Professional Development with Scottish FA or equivalent (minimum of 15 hours over last 3 years).
Strong IT skills particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an ability to adapt tone and style to suit audience/stakeholders.
Ability to relate to and understand young people at a variety of stages/ages, demonstrating personality and enthusiasm.
Committed to working evenings and weekends including training sessions, fixtures, and in- service training.
Sensitive to the needs of young players and parents/guardians.
Full driving licence and access to a car.
Compliant PVG check to be completed before appointment.
Desirable:
Hold UEFA Goalkeeping A Licence.
Elevated level of performance analysis skills using Hudl and or BePro.
Further education in relevant field (e.g., Hons, Masters).
Experience of performance analysis and football science.
Experience of designing and developing Individual development programmes in line with the short/long-term requirements and goals of young players.
Experience in delivering coach education.
Experience in organising trips and tours both domestically and internationally.
Knowledge of cognitive development in young people.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health course or equivalent.
National Sports First Aid Certificate.
Additional skill set to coaching that can enhance other areas of the academy/club.
Application Details
To apply, please send your cv and covering letter to email.
