Head of Academy Player Development

Salary

Competitive

Location

Training Ground, Burnley, Lancashire, BB12 8UA

Closing date

July 17th

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About us

Burnley FC is an established professional football club with a rich history, located in the heart of the town and its community, we believe that Burnley is a special place – a home to extraordinary people like you.

Come and be part of our story!

About you

Come and join our Clarets family as our Head of Academy Player Development!

The ideal candidate will hold a UEFA Pro Licence and have played or coached at an international level.

You will also need to have a flexible approach to work and be able to work evenings and weekends.

Job summary

Support the Academy in the organisation and delivery of a vibrant, creative and progressive Professional Development programme.

You will lead and manage the programme for the development of players in the Under-21 Senior Professional Development squad, ensuring it provides the best opportunity for the transition of players graduating from the Academy system at Burnley FC moving to Men’s First Team football either within the Club or externally.

You will also oversee the Under 18s PDP programme ensuring an aligned approach for the development of all players in the Professional Development Phase.

Role expectations

Role Expectations

As the Head of Academy Player Development, you will be expected to:

Plan and prepare for all training sessions and matches and select the U21 team alongside the Senior PDP Coach.
To lead the delivery of Individual Development Plans (ILP’s) for all High Potential Players (U16s – U21s), ensuring all sessions are appropriate for player needs.
Support the transition of players with progression from the PDP to the Men’s First Team, including those players who are consistently selected to train with the Men’s First Team squad and feedback to PDP staff and the Technical Board.

Roles & responsibilities

Responsibility for the technical and tactical development of all players throughout the Professional Development Phase (U16s –U21s) and to work closely with the Director of Football Development, Academy Manager and Head of Academy Coaching to ensure there is clear alignment throughout the Club. This will include being an active coach within the U21 team and delivery of specific units on position specific practice.
Plan and prepare for all training sessions and matches and select the U21 team alongside the Senior PDP Coach.
To lead the delivery of Individual Development Plans (ILP’s) for all High Potential Players (U16s – U21s), ensuring all sessions are appropriate for player needs.
To support the delivery of position specific sessions for those players who require additional technical or tactical improvement.
Develop and deliver, along with all development Coaches, the development programme across the PDP environment ensuring effective daily delivery of the programme is achieved.
Lead and support all support staff working with PDP players to ensure that there is effective co-ordination and forward planning of the development programme and ILPs.
Support the transition of players with progression from the PDP to the Men’s First Team, including those players who are consistently selected to train with the Men’s First Team squad and feedback to PDP staff and the Technical Board.
Liaise with the relevant Academy Coaches to ensure that delivery of development programmes to Academy players in the U18s to the U21’s is co-ordinated at the Men’s First Team level where appropriate.
Be fully aware of the players individual objectives (technical, tactical, physical and psychological) and liaise closely with the relevant staff on the review and adjustment of these objectives.
Take responsibility for ensuring players have challenging and appropriate practice in line with their technical/tactical needs. These practices are to be in addition to the Men’s First Team training sessions.
To act as the key communication between Men’s First Team andAcademy regarding player requirements for the Men’s First Team whether at training or games.
Actively support on Player Loans process, which involves attending on site visits including training and games in relation to each player’s ILP.
Ensure all players on international duty are supported with on site training and games, in relation to the player’s ILP.
To attend any relevant Men’s First Team and Academy meetings and ensure that all technical staff are kept fully informed in terms of the development programme.
To attend and contribute to Clubs Technical Board when required.
Ensure all sessions are documented and assigned to the development coach who has taken the session. This includes Academy players training and match minutes with the Men’s First Team being recorded on the Football IP system (Kitman Labs).
Ensure all U21 players are informed of details regarding training sessions, matches and their general working programme and that they act in a manner befitting the Club’s Player Code of Conduct.
Participate in the Academy CPD programme.

Supportive of club working environment and policies:

Comply with all Club policies.
To work towards agreed objectives.
Always demonstrate the Club’s values.
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.

This job description is issued as a guideline to assist you in your duties and is not exhaustive. You may, on occasions, be required to undertake additional or other duties within the context of this job description.

All job offers will be subject to satisfactory references, social media/online and DBS checks.

Person specification: Essential

Qualifications:

Hold a UEFA Pro Licence or are currently working towards.

Experience & skills:

Prior experience of working with U21’s within a Category 1 or 2 programme.
Experience of leading or managing a professional football department.
A sound understanding of safeguarding and welfare requirements.
Strong organisational skills, with the ability to multitask.
Ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team.
Competent use of the FIP system.
Competent in the delivery of individualised practical and analysis sessions.
IT skills for session planning and analysing Individual players.
Previous playing or coaching experience at an international level.

Personal qualities:

Access to transport for work purposes and to travel to locations throughout the local area.
Willingness to have a full DBS check.
Relentless approach.
Holds a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
An ability to connect with young people.
A love, passion and experience of working within the professional development programme.
Outgoing, proactive and impatient.
Amiable communicator.
Detail orientated.

Personal qualities: Desirable