Role description

Reporting to the Head of Coaching, the purpose of this role is to coach in the Professional Development Phase contributing to the long-term development of elite players within the Academy at Accrington Stanley Football Club.



The accountabilities of the Professional Development Phase Coach shall include:

• Have responsibility for the delivery of the Academy’s Coaching Curriculum with the Professional Development Phase players.

• Oversee the administrative duties for the Professional Development Phase, including management of records on the PMA.

• In conjunction with relevant staff, plan, deliver and monitor the delivery of individual development plans for players in the Professional Development Phase.



The key activities of the Professional Development Phase Coach shall include:

• As part of a multi-disciplinary team, deliver the Coaching Curriculum for the Professional Development Phase by providing individual, small group and full team coaching sessions to develop the skill level of Academy players.

• Manage the transition od Academy players to the Club’s senior squad.

• Contribute to the multi-disciplinary reviews of all Academy players in the Professional Development Phase.

• Coach the Youth Team which competes in the North West Youth Alliance.

• Ensure each Academy player has access to an individual coaching plan tailored to his specific needs.

• Ensure each Academy player is made aware of his individual coaching plan (and any changes thereto) as soon as reasonably practicable in advance of his being coached.

• Ensure all coaching is recorded on the Academy Player’s Performance Clock.

• Ensure that all sessions are planned by setting out the learning objectives which the session is designed to achieve and the coaching which will be given in order to achieve them.

• Effectively use the Academy performance analysis software for the development of players.

• Work with relevant coaches and support staff to plan, deliver and evaluate coaching sessions and game plans.

• Manage and support the transition of PDP players into their next career if not awarded a professional contract.

• In conjunction with the Designated Safeguarding Officer, ensure all policies, practices and procedures relating to the safeguarding of young people are implemented. Have a responsibility to respond positively in response to any concerns, suspicion or disclosure that may suggest a child is at risk of harm.



Personal Specification

You must have experience in either a football coaching role or a role which involves working in an elite learning and/or performance environment.



It is essential that you have the following qualifications:

• UEFA A Licence.

• FA Advanced Youth Award.

• FA Safeguarding Qualification.

• FA First Aid Qualification.

• Enhanced DBS Clearance.



It is desirable that you have the following qualifications:

• High Level Playing Experience.

• Coach Education Qualification.

• Relevant Degree.



You must have the following knowledge, skills and experience:

• Excellent communication skills.

• A working knowledge and understanding of coaching and education.

• Competence in all MS Office packages with experience of recording and reporting information.

• Experience of dealing with minors and an excellent understanding of Child Protection and Safeguarding procedures including the relevant clearances for individuals.

• An understanding of the EFL Youth Development rules and regulations.

• Previous experience within an Elite Sports Environment or Academy setting working within the EPPP framework.

• A comprehensive understanding of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP).



General Information

The employee must at all times carry out their duties with due regard to the Accrington Stanley Football Club policies and procedures.

The employee must ensure a positive commitment towards equality and diversity by treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation or harassment of any description and to promote positive working relationships between all internal and external stakeholders.



The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 2nd July 2021.