ROLE DESCRIPTION

Summary

Job Title: 1st Team Goalkeeping Coach

Employer: Lewes FC

Hours & Availability: Part Time Role

Reports to: Women’s 1st Team Manager


Key relationships: 1st Team Manager, Performance Staff, Head of Women’s Football

Location: The Dripping Pan, Lewes, Mountfield Road

Summary of Roles and Responsibilities

Align closely with the 1st Team Manager and Performance Staff to cultivate a high-performance culture which is inclusive and safe, where athletes & staff thrive and reach their potential
Support the management of a successful first team
Collaborate to support the creation of a culture that maximises the talent of each player in all aspects of player development to elevate the quality of team performances.
Support the leadership of player and team development at all training sessions and matches played by the club
Collaborate, support, and lead on individual development of player toward elite professional standards on and off the pitch
Application Process:

Lewes FC prides itself as an equal opportunity employer and we encourage and welcome applications from all candidates including those from under-represented backgrounds such as women, people with disabilities, BAME and LGBTQ+ candidates.

Given the low levels of diversity in football, we understand that candidates from under-represented backgrounds are unlikely to have been given adequate opportunity in the game. Consequently, we will ensure that the application process does not unduly favour candidates with such experience over applicants without it.

All applicants must have specific Safeguarding and Protecting Children / FA Safeguarding Children qualifications and a DBS Clearance / Enhanced FA CRC check before starting the role.

To apply, please email a CV and cover letter outlining why you’d be great for the role alongside any relevant experience to -- with the subject line: “Goalkeeper Coach: Your Name”.

The interview process will commence May 20th 2024.



We will be accepting applicants through the interview process. The role will be open until filled.


Please clearly articulate in your cover letter how your experience and personal characteristics align with the values and ambitions of Lewes FC, as well as provide evidence of how your qualifications and experience match the role described below.

Roles and Responsibilities

Coaching and Analysis

Develop and communicate a style of playing and coaching that is in line with the Club’s ethos, game model, and is successful against other teams
In conjunction with first team coach(es) and first team staff, plan coaching sessions in line with the Club’s playing style and games programme
Attend and run (or oversee) team training sessions
Review and evaluate elements of the playing style and coaching plan in the light of results and player availability / performance
Review & evaluate playing style in light of developments in national/international football
Develop playing approach through varied/creative coaching sessions
Develop individual players to excel consistently in the elite women’s professional game
Support the Analysis of Opposition, Team, Units, and Individuals to support Team Performance and Scouting Targets and Objectives
Match planning

Undertake opposition analysis, and communicate findings and associated tactical plans to players with the leadership of the first team coaching staff
Review games and use this to support future decisions (e.g., setup, tactics, selection)
Support the choosing of the team for matches and effectively communicate decisions to players for high-performance
Lead pre-match preparation for the players, make and communicate in-match decisions
Oversee required specific match day duties – e.g., Warmups, Tactical and technical information and feedback given to players

Player Development

In alignment and per leadership of the 1st Team Manager, ensure all players have Individual Learning Objectives
Work with individual players to help them achieve their Individual Learning Objectives, including supporting and encouraging realistic technical practice
Feedback to players, including with the use of video clips or other visual tools
Oversee and deliver player reviews and individual development meetings and training sessions
Support player engagement in their learning and development, ensuring players:
are encouraged to ask questions and seek feedback for improvement and clarity
are encouraged to have input to footballing decisions and their own learning process
are communicated the ‘why’ as well as ‘what’ of decisions
know and understand the purpose and ‘why’ of training sessions
Invest time and effort in knowing the players and understanding what motivates them
Provide personal support based on each individual player’s needs
Monitor and manage player behaviours based on club and team values and expectations; set boundaries, reinforce good behaviours and challenge less welcome behaviour
Work with - and support the work of - colleagues in the MDT to enhance player development
Support the decisions and actions required on decisions about disciplinary matters / conflict in conjunction with other staff or players
Player recruitment

Support the development and communication of a collective vision of success for the team and club Support the agreed aims & objectives with senior colleagues (Head Of Women’s / Board of Director) - such as a 3-year plan, and objectives for the current season
Player recruitment and playing staff decisions:

Through network and connections (e.g., agents and other head coaches), be aware of possible signing opportunities
Gather and review a broad range of data (e.g., scouting reports) on players and maintain comprehensive and up-to-date player profiles
Discuss profiles of players with senior staff / decision makers
Adhere to club budgets and manage player payment and bonuses effectively
Take part in reviews of the scouting process and activity
Contribute to decisions about the loan of players and their return

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge and experience of the elite women’s game, specifically the existence and implications of:
competition and league rules, including on transfers and contracts
the growth of the women’s game
player pathways
required coaching behaviours in the women’s and girl’s games
technical and tactical differences between men’s and women’s football
Previous experiences which have brought strong existing relationships within the Women’s pyramid in England and across the United Kingdom
Experience of coaching and mentoring elite young and senior footballers, which has helped develop deep technical and tactical knowledge, including knowledge of a range of systems of play
Recruitment / Talent ID experience
Experience of developing learning environments for athletes
Other roles which have brought experience of managing and leading groups of people
Roles which have brought understanding of how children and adults learn and develop (e.g., teaching)
Knowledge and awareness of diversity and equality challenges in football
Experience of dealing with media (including social media)
Continuous Development, Qualifications and Membership

Essential

Regular attendance and engagement with coach development initiatives such as:
FA Women’s Pro Game: Coaching Excellence Initiative (CEI)
Effective Coaching in the Female Game (ECFG) Think Spaces
Women’s High Performance Centre female game specific modules
FA Goalkeeping Coach B Licensed
UEFA Goalkeeping B Licence
Emergency Medical First Aid in Football (acquired before starting role)
Safeguarding and Protecting Children (acquired before starting role)
DBS Clearance (acquired before starting the role)

Desirable

UEFA B Licence
Engagement in professional development other than technical football coaching development. For example:
Physical Development of Youth Female Players (growth and maturation, female athlete physiology & menstrual cycle)
Player support (e.g., Talented Athlete Lifestyle Support)
Coaching & mentoring qualification (e.g., EMCC)