Academy Coach (PDP)

Job Advert Reference: AFCB0102

Title: Academy Coach (Professional Development Phase – U16-U21)

Reports to: Academy Head of Coaching & Development 

Contract Type: Full Time (35 Hours per week across 7 days)

Academy Values:

• Players First: holding individual player development as the main intention behind decisions made as a coach and wider professional. 
• Togetherness: working in a prosocial manner as part of a wider team – willing to contribute beyond own interests.
• Integrity: carrying out academy and club values in an open and honest manner.
• Accountability: willing to take responsibility for actions in a manner which allows learning, growth and reflection.

Job purpose

Support the football and holistic development of the players within the U16-21 age groups. For the coming season, this role will be assisting the U18 age group. This will be reviewed in May 2026.

Main duties

Delivery

• Support the planning, preparation, delivery and review of training sessions and match days for U16-21 players, working in conjunction with the coaching programme and coaching philosophy. Lead when required
• Ensure all players in the U16-21 age groups have an Individual Development Plan which is consistently delivered, reviewed and adapted, with appropriate opportunities to practice on the areas highlighted provided in the training programme 

Analysis of Performance

• Support or provide feedback to each player in the U16-21 age groups on a regular basis 
• Work with Academy analysts to plan, prepare and feedback relevant team and individual video footage 
• Support all necessary administration required on all training sessions and match days in relation to requirements by the Premier League within the U16-21 age groups

Meetings

• Support weekly U16-21 Multi-Disciplinary Meetings and distribute the minutes to the relevant members of staff when requested 
• Attend and support all relevant Player/Parent Development Meetings within the U16-21 age groups 
• Attend all staff meetings and relevant parent information evenings as required by the Academy Manager and Academy Head of Coaching & Development 

Other duties:

• As a member of staff to ensure in all matters, you follow and actively promote the club’s mental health policies and practices to ensure an open, non-judgmental and inclusive environment for everyone engaged with the club.
• Obligation to adhere to the club’s health and safety policy and procedures. 
• As a member of staff to ensure in all matters you follow and actively promote the club’s equality policies and practices to ensure a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment for everyone engaged with the club.
• Equality champions are responsible for advocating and raising awareness of EDI throughout their department. The equality champion should also endeavour to attend as many equality champions meetings as possible and provide valuable/ considered feedback to the EDI manager on any relevant campaigns, issues or activities

The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time; or the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands.

Key competencies

Essential

Experience: 

• Working with elite football players in the Youth or Professional Development Phases at a category 3/4 academy OR working at Men’s level in step 4 or above.

Skills, Knowledge & Qualifications:

• UEFA B License
• FA Safeguarding Children
• EFAiF (Emergency First Aid in Football)

Preferred

Experience: 

• Working with elite footballers in the Professional Development Phase at a Category 1 or 2 level OR Working with Men’s professional football players (League Two and above) 

Skills, Knowledge & Qualifications:

• UEFA A License
• Advanced Youth Award
• Degree is associated area
• Teaching / leadership qualifications

How to apply

Please send your application form to academyjobs@afcb.co.uk by 23^rd July 2025

AFC Bournemouth is an equal opportunities employer and ensures staff and volunteers are able to AFC Bournemouth is an equal opportunities employer and ensures staff and volunteers are able to achieve their full potential.

We take pride in our approach to diversity and inclusion and embrace the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of our society.

We take our responsibility seriously, to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit regardless of sex, gender identity, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. 

We actively encourage applications from women, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from ethnically diverse communities. 

For further information on accessibility within the stadium please click here.

AFC Bournemouth is committed to protecting all children, young persons, and adults at risk in its care or attending its premises and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment.

For all positions where a DBS check is required, an offer of employment will be subject to receipt of satisfactory disclosure at the appropriate level.

Any and all potential agreements, relationships or commitments that could be considered a conflict of interest should be disclosed upon application to this vacancy by emailing  jobs@afcb.co.uk. You will also be asked whether you have any conflicts to disclose upon receipt of your application. 

Satisfactory references will be required for all positions, your eligibility to work with the club will be subject to receiving appropriate referencing.

We strive to create a positive and safe environment and ensure all who interact with the club feel safe, protected, and heard.

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