Head of Academy Coaching

JOB PURPOSE

The purpose of the role is to be responsible for the upskilling / continued education of all Academy coaching staff in accordance with the Coach Competency Framework (CCF).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• To oversee, monitor and update the coach competency framework to ensure a highly effective development programme is put in place for all Academy coaching staff.
• Design and put in place an effective coach evaluation process including written / video feedback with the best available technology i.e. Captured.
• Provide 1:1 coaching to coaches in order to develop the coach’s skill.
• Provide a clear, up-to-date Training Needs Analysis (TNA) of every individual coach’s current and required level of performance. o Ensure every coach has a personalised Development Action Plan (DAP) that is tailored to meet their needs and that they ‘buy in’ to the document.
• Attend all Technical Board Meetings as required by the Academy & Player Development Manager.
• Ensure the Academy Coaching Curriculum is consistently delivered in line with the Academy’s Playing Philosophy and Coaching Philosophy.
• Be an integral part of the AMT to ensure all relevant coaching requirements are met in tandem with the Elite Player Performance Plan including planning, design and implementation of the coaching syllabus throughout the phases.

• Ensure that all Academy Coaches hold the required qualifications for their role and have a CPD plan to ensure licencing is up-to-date.
• Stay up to date with the latest developments on coaching science (IJSC) and how the relevant findings can be applied into the Academy coaching programme.
• Design and deliver development interventions based on the Academy Performance Plan (APP) and common aspects identified in the coaches DAPs.
• Construct and deliver mid-season / end of season coach appraisal’s progress reports. o Oversee and be responsible for the progression of all Development Professional Players at the club.
• Liaise with Academy Manager & 1st Team staff regarding the progression of all Development Professional Players at the club.
• Multi-disciplinary communication between staff, players and parents to ensure optimal well-being and development of all signed Academy players.
• Maintain honesty and integrity at all times when working with young players / coaches at the football club.
• Be presentable, smart and personable at all times when representing Luton Town Football Club.

Health & Safety:

Head of Department/ Line Manager requirements:

• Maintain up to date knowledge of Health & Safety legislation and ensure compliance with the Club’s Health & Safety Policy and all relevant regulations.
• Consider the Health & Safety implications of all operations within your area of responsibility o Support and uphold agreed standards for Health & Safety compliance, including assisting in accident, dangerous occurrence and near miss investigations within your area of responsibility.
• Direct the adherence to, and implementation of safe management systems in line with legislation and Club policy within your area of responsibility.
• Carry out induction briefings to direct reports and where applicable induct any workers/volunteers/contractors/visitors etc when entering the premises o Carry out safety briefings to all staff regarding; urgent safety information, general safety information and any changes to Club policies or procedures.
• Regularly conduct and review risk assessments, safe working, and management systems o Lead any Health & Safety training needs and ensure that all training is completed by your direct reports.
• Manage and monitor the performance of subcontractors, suppliers, and partners, etc and make appropriate Health & Safety recommendations for performance improvement o Liaise regularly with the Club’s appointed Health & Safety representatives to support and maintain compliance o Maintain records of all Health & Safety issues within your area of responsibility.

MAIN JOB REQUIREMENTS AND PERSON SPECIFICATION

Education/Qualifications/Training:

Essentials

- UEFA A Licence (Level 4).

- The FA Advanced Youth Award.

- Extensive experience of coaching and/or coach development in an elite setting - A high level of knowledge of the Academy FiP system.

- Member of the FA Licensed Coaches Club.

- Valid FA Safeguarding Children Certificate.

- Valid Emergency First Aid in Football (EFAIF) Certificate.

- Hold an enhanced DBS check.

- Full UK Driving Licence.

Desirables

- UEFA Pro Licence.

- MIDAS minibus driving license.

- MSC Sport Coaching / Pedagogy.

- The FA Developing the Developers.

- The FA Licensed Tutor Status.

Specific Experience:

- Proven experience of leading a team / managing a department.

- To attend and commit fully to the EHOC Development Programme.

- Committed, enthusiastic and passionate about the development of coaches in all three phases of the Academy (FP, YDP, and PDP).

- Ability to work as part of a team as well as using one’s own initiative in developing coaching staff.

- Build relationships throughout the Academy and broader areas of the club.

- An understanding of a range of teaching / learning styles to optimise the development of young players / coaches.

- Able to communicate effectively with players, parents and fellow staff members at all levels.

Abilities/Skills/Knowledge:

- Must be pro-active, motivated, organised, responsible and able to work independently as well as in a team.

- Strong IT skills with the ability to use e-mail, word and video technology to a high standard.

- Able to adapt to the demands of the job and needs of the players / coaches.

- Undertake self-development to ensure knowledge in relation to all aspects of coaching and coach development is up-to-date and forward thinking.

- Willing to follow and promote the culture and philosophy of the football club. o Focused on achieving Club, departmental and individual success.

- Be an ambassador for the Club presenting the Club in a positive image at all times.

Additional Information:

• This a Full-Time role.

• Applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

The Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The Club has systems in place to ensure that the welfare of vulnerable groups is dealt with appropriately and sensitively. Everyone working at the Club has a duty of care to safeguard the welfare of children and young people by creating an environment that protects them from harm. Our standards of practice ensure all staff are fully aware and understand their responsibilities under safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance. The Club ensures that all staff that have a direct responsibility for children, young people or vulnerable adults, have been subject to the most stringent of recruitment practices which include Criminal Record Checks and reference checks. These staff are alert to signs of abuse or maltreatment and will refer concerns to the relevant Designated Safeguarding Officers using the agreed safeguarding procedures.

EQUALITY STATEMENT

The individual must at all times, carry out their duties with due regard to the Clubs policies and procedures and in particular the Club’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy. The individual 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 individual must contribute to encouraging equality and respecting diversity by embedding such values in the workplace and challenging inappropriate behaviour and processes.