Head of Academy Coaching

Salary

Competitive

Location

Burnley Training Ground

Closing date

January 13th

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Job summary

Burnley Football Club’s Academy is going through an exciting period of development, focusing on attaining Category One status for the start of the 2025/26 season.

The Head of Academy Coaching role will play a pivotal part in the Academy, working closely alongside the Academy Manager to develop and implement a coach development strategy and oversee the implementation and development of the Burnley FC coaching curriculum methodology and game model.

Roles & responsibilities

As part of the Academy Management Team (AMT), ensure coaching performance targets, identified in the Academy Performance Plan (APP) are met.
Implement a club specific Coach Competency Framework (CCF) to monitor and evaluate coaches to establish development action plans (DAP) and group coach development opportunities (CPD).
Provide a clear, up-to-date training needs analysis (TNA) of every individual coach’s current and required level of performance.
Create development action plans in relation to the TNA that is tailored to meet their needs and which they buy-in to as a ‘living’ document.
Observe coach performance and provide feedback to aid development and complete an effective appraisal system.
Ensure the coaching of players is in a way to positively role model Burnley FC’s coaching methodology.
Work alongside the Academy Manager to measure the performance of Academy Coaches and Player Development.
Work in conjunction with Academy MDT staff to ensure that the Burnley FC Academy Performance Plan strategy is efficiently and effectively implemented.
Work alongside the Academy Manager to implement and measure the game model and coaching curriculum for Burnley FC and create, via written descriptions, images, video and data, best practice examples.
Assist the coaching department with the delivery, appraisal and development of training sessions in line with the club’s coaching curriculum and game model.
Ensure the game model and coaching curriculum aligns with the overall vision and strategy of the club
Establish a sustainable system and approach to coach and player development within the Academy.
Oversee the development of strong relationships with other football club’s internationally, nationally and locally as well as other key organisations (i.e. National Associations) to assist with the continued development of the Academy Coaching staff.
Provide occasional cover for absent coaches.

LEADERSHIP:

Effective team communication: ensure that your direct report(s) are aware of their own objectives by holding an annual appraisal followed by regular one to ones.
Accountable for embedding the Club’s ED&I strategy.
Support the Club’s mental health and wellbeing strategy and ensure that there is a department representative on the working group.

SUPPORTIVE OF CLUB WORKING ENVIRONMENT & POLICIES:

Always demonstrate the Club’s values.
Comply with all Club policies.
To work towards agreed objectives.
To be able to work flexible hours where the role of the job requires.
To understand and implement the Club’s Safeguarding policy, procedures, and best practice guidelines in your role. To use this understanding to ensure safe working practices, appropriate reporting of concerns and contribute positively to a safe environment.
Promote the Burnley FC brand and ethos in a professional, strong, and positive manner.
Work alongside other team members to support in other areas of the organisation as and when required to promote best practice.
Hold a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Willingness to attend training courses to enhance own professional development.

Person specification

ESSENTIAL:

QUALIFICATIONS:

The FA UEFA A (Level 4) in Coaching Football.
FA YouthAward.
FA Advanced Youth Award.
Attained or currently working towards the Elite Head of Coaching accreditation.

EXPERIENCE & SKILLS:

Experience of working within a Category 1 or 2 programme.
Experience of leading a high-performance environment.
Ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team.
A sound understanding of safeguarding and welfare requirements.
Proven track record of working within a high-performance environment.
Experience and knowledge of EPPP/ Category 1 or 2 regulations.
Strong identification with coach development and what long-term player development and player pathways from youth to professional level requires.
Ability to inspire others.
Effective communicator.

PERSONAL QUALITIES:

Willingness to have a full DBS check.
Relentless approach.
Holds a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
An ability to connect with young people.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to form strong relationships with players, parents, colleagues and officials.
Ability to work within a team and foster good working relationships.
Meticulous standards.
A friendly, positive ‘can do’ and courteous attitude.
Highly motivated, determined, and conscientious.
Enthusiasm, energy, and resilience.
An organised and efficient approach to work.

DESIRABLE: