Job Title: Academy Games Programme Coordinator

Department: Football Operations

Reporting: Head of Academy Operations

Location: Training Ground – Jersey Road

Salary: Competitive

Brentford FC is a bit different to other Premier League football clubs. We put our fans first, we are a true community club and while we are financially sustainable, we are not afraid to take calculated risks. We take huge pride in our environment and culture within the Club which focuses on development, inclusion and not being afraid to think differently.

Being progressive, humble and respectful while sticking together as one team across the Club guides how we work and the decisions we make each day.

We also firmly believe that a diverse workforce is a better workforce which will help us develop ideas, solve problems and ultimately grow Brentford FC.

We play in a brand-new stadium, 15 minutes from Heathrow in vibrant west London.

We will never forget where we have come from, but we are excited about the future that lies ahead.

Come join us.

Inclusion Statement

Brentford FC is an organisation which values and is passionate about diversity and inclusivity. We welcome and encourage applications from qualified candidates, including those from underrepresented groups – such as those from ethnically diverse backgrounds, women, those from the LGBTQ+ community and those with disabilities. Should you require any workplace accommodations (also known as ‘reasonable adjustments’), you will have the opportunity to let us know at appropriate points in the hiring process.

Safeguarding Statement

Brentford FC is committed to equality, the safeguarding and welfare of all children and adults at risk. This responsibility is shared by all staff and volunteers at the club, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Staff will be required to undertake regular safeguarding training to enable and reinforce a proactive approach to safeguarding. This role requires the post holder to apply all relevant policies and uphold the club’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable people to ensure a safe environment for all. This includes the timely reporting of any safeguarding concern to the safeguarding team. We remind those barred from regulated activity that it is an offence to apply for such positions.

Please note that where appropriate for the role, you may be required to complete additional background checks such as Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and this will include any time living or working outside of the UK in the last 10 years. You can find out more about this athttps://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record

Please also note that a CV application will not be sufficient. Applications will not be considered where the application form has not been completed in full.

If the role you are applying for involves regulated activity and you have been shortlisted for a first stage interview, you will be asked to fill out a Declaration of Offences Form.

The Role of Academy Games Programme Coordinator

Main Accountabilities

To ensure that any concerns you observe, or are raised with you in your role, are shared with the Safeguarding Team through appropriate channels.

Develop a pioneering games programme:

Work with the Head of Academy Football Development to create a framework for categorising games that compliments the Academy Performance Plan and coaching curriculum.
Manage the games programme for all age groups, working with Lead Phase Coaches and Operations to identify opportunities in the schedule for supplementary games, and the appropriate type of game to suit each age group’s development needs.
Communicate with opponents prior to each game to ensure mutual understanding of the learning objectives of the game, and strength of opponent relative to the Framework.
Conduct post-game reviews of each game, collecting feedback from key stakeholders, assessing expectation vs reality to refine the Framework and inform future games programme planning.
Develop and manage relationships with a range of opponents including other professional clubs, grassroots teams, tournament organisers and agents.

Drive progressive, individualised player programmes:

Monitor and track the minutes played by all players in each type of game within the Framework, producing monthly and annual reports.
Use this data to support coaches in producing and reviewing players’ Individual Development Plans, identifying gaps and opportunities within each player’s programme for exposure to different types of games within the Framework.

Additional Accountabilities

Assist with coaching responsibilities across the U9-U16 age groups as required by the Head of Academy Football Development.
Monitor and support the updating of the Football Intelligence Platform (FIP), PMA, and any other records required for compliance with Premier League, UEFA or other regulations.

General Club Accountabilities

To ensure compliance with all relevant Club policies, including health and safety policies and with specific reference to the data regulations.
To ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, ethical, and social requirements.
To ensure compliance with the Club’s Safeguarding Policy and processes.
To ensure compliance with the Club’s Code of Conduct.
To promote equity, diversity and inclusion at the Club, in line with our EDI strategy
To build and maintain good working relationships both internally and externally, maintaining a professional image at all times when representing Brentford FC
To keep confidential any information gained regarding the Club and its personnel.
To maintain a flexible approach to work at all times.
Any other duties and responsibilities as may be reasonably requested by the Academy Director from time to time.

Key Internal Relationships

Head of Academy Football Development
Academy Operations Team
Lead Phase Coaches and Analysts

Person Specification - Essential Personal Characteristics

Previous exposure to and a strong understanding of Academy games programmes
Previous experience organising fixtures
FA Level 2 Coaching Licence
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, having the ability to develop close relationships with other clubs and third parties
Strong analytical skills, having the ability to collect, manipulate, interpret and present quantitative data
Good organisational skills and attention to detail
Able to work effectively as part of a team, collaborating with coaches, analysts and the operations department to find solutions to complex challenges
A flexible attitude to work, and a willingness to work evenings and weekends

Person Specification - Desirable Characteristics

Full UK driving licence
UEFA B Licencae
Previous experience coaching in an elite/Academy environment