Job Title: U9-U14 Athletic Development Coach

Department: Academy Sports Science

Reporting: Lead Academy Sports Scientist

Location: Training Ground – Jersey Road / Uxbridge School

Salary: Circa £30,000 dependent upon experience

Closing Date: Tuesday 18 June 2024

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 U9-U14 Athletic Development Coach

The successful candidate will assist in the design, delivery and continual evaluation of all areas of athletic development within the Academy, specifically within the Foundation Phase (FP) and lower Youth Development Phase (YDP) age groups, adopting an age/training history specific approach.

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.
In conjunction with the Lead Academy Athletic Development Coach and Lead Academy Sports Scientist, assist in the creation and delivery of a physical and athletic development syllabus, with detailed provision for all players across the FDP and lower YDP, including age-group specific testing procedures and protocols.
Assist in the reporting of physical development status of all players for multi-disciplinary reviews.
Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, including coaching and medical staff.
Close involvement with the Academy player Individual Development Programme.
Work alongside the Academy Sports Science & Medicine staff, ensuring regular age-appropriate performance testing and growth and maturation assessment is completed.
Record and report all player information and data into respective data pipelines.
Close involvement with all members of the Academy Sports Science & Medicine department to ensure continuity of player monitoring and performance tracking.
Work matchdays with Academy teams and travel on specific tours throughout the season.
Assist in the leadership of part-time Sports Science staff to support the Academy teams within the FDP and YDP.
Assist in the creation and delivery of an age-appropriate Sports Science education curriculum.
Have knowledge of the Youth Development Rules and ensure all relevant rules and evidence for the role is documented.
Any other relevant tasks and duties as directed by Academy or Football Department management.

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 all Matchday Safeguarding processes and 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 relevant tasks and duties as directed by your line manager

Key Internal Relationships

Academy Sports Science Team
Academy Medical staff
Academy Coaching staff
Academy Players
Player Support and Safeguarding Staff

Person Specification - Essential Personal Characteristics

BSc in Sport Science / Strength & Conditioning or equivalent
FA EFAiF Qualification or equivalent (or ability to obtain within 6 months)
Good communication and interpersonal skills
Experience of and strong desire to work with junior athletes
Able to work independently and as part of a team
Versatile and adaptable to changing environments
Drive and motivation to set high standards and achieve company objectives
A personable approach
Able to communicate with players, parents, coaches, management and other stakeholders in a professional manner
Flexible and happy to work evenings and weekends

Person Specification - Desirable Characteristics

MSc in Sport Science / Strength & Conditioning or working towards
British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES) Accreditation
UKSCA Accreditation
Experience of working within professional team sport (not necessarily football)
Full UK Driving Licence