U15-U21 Phase Lead

• Direct Reports: U15 – U21 Technical Staff 
• Reports to: Academy Director
• Working Pattern: 40hrs per week, evenings and weekends
• Level of DBS: Enhanced Child Barred List

About Us

London City Lionesses are part of the Kynisca group, setting a vision and building an infrastructure in which all the players and staff can thrive. 

Owned by Michele Kang, our vision for Kynisca is to:  

• Become the most pre-eminent sports organisation in the world; 
• Have a high-performance culture of winning on and off the pitch; 
• Train women as women; and 
• Motivate and inspire the next generation of girls and women.

Our Values

We Lead The Way | We Dream Big | We Get it Done | We Innovate | We Inspire our Community

Role Purpose

The Phase Lead plays a pivotal role in establishing a learning environment that is innovative, brave, and creative across the staff. This role is centred on inspiring and developing coaches to think differently, fostering their ability to create environments that encourage autonomy, critical thinking, adaptability, and initiative.

By modelling effective practice and supporting ongoing reflection and growth, the Phase Lead will empower coaches to design engaging, challenging, and stimulating environments where players are challenged to explore, be creative, and solve problems. 

The Phase Lead ensures that a consistent, high-quality learning culture is embedded, ultimately influencing how players experience and engage with the game. Working in close collaboration with the Academy Director, the postholder will provide leadership and direction to the U15-U21 teams, ensuring that the Academy’s playing philosophy and methodology are consistently embedded across all training and match environments. 

This role is central to ensuring the Academy not only meets but exceeds the standards set out by governing bodies and the Professional Game Academy Audit criteria. The Lead U15-U21 will oversee player recruitment and development, manage the design and delivery of Individual Development Plans (IDPs), and take responsibility for the ongoing professional development of the U15-U21 coaching staff.

By combining strong leadership, a clear vision for youth player development, and a commitment to excellence, the postholder will help shape the future of the Academy and support the pathway for talented young female players to thrive in the professional game.

Main Duties/ Responsibilities

1. Leadership of U15-U21 Teams

• Provide direct leadership and oversight of the U15, U16s and U21s teams.
• Collaborate closely with the Academy Director to ensure excellence in delivery and player development.
• Act as the central point of contact for staff, players, and parents regarding performance phase operations.
• Attend all training sessions and matches, providing review and feedback to staff and players.

2. Alignment of Philosophy & Methodology

• Ensure the Academy’s playing philosophy and methodology, as designed by the Academy Director, is fully implemented across the U15-U21 teams.
• Contribute to the ongoing evolution of playing philosophy and methodology.
• Support staff to embed consistent principles and practices across training and matches.

3. Coach Development (CPD)

Lead on the professional development of U15, 16s and U21s Technical Staff.

Plan, deliver, and evaluate regular CPD sessions aligned to the Academy’s coaching methodology.

Provide mentorship and feedback to ensure coaching quality and progression.

Give direct performance feedback to coaches following training sessions and matches.

4. PGA Audit & Compliance

• Collaborate with the Operations Officer and Academy Director to successfully complete the PGA Audit.
• Manage the staff with the audit project, ensuring all departments complete their respective sections accurately and on time.
• Monitor and evidence compliance with governing body and league standards.

5. Player Recruitment & Talent ID

• Manage the U15s, U16s and U21s Lead Recruitment in the process of identifying, assessing, and recruiting high-potential players.
• Manage and oversee communications with clubs, scouts, players, and parents as required.
• Ensure recruitment processes align with the Academy’s values and playing philosophy.

6. Player Development & IDPs

• Oversee the holistic development of all U15s, U16s and U21s players, ensuring individualised attention to their growth.
• Ensure every player has an up-to-date Individual Development Plan (IDP).
• Lead and complete all periodic player meetings, reviews, and progress planning.
• Monitor player progress against technical, tactical, physical, and psychological benchmarks.
• Oversee delivery of all education-related planning and delivery. [SM1] 
• Ensure individualised transition plans are implemented for exiting players[SM2] .

7. Other ad-hoc duties as assigned from time-to-time by management

Club Accountabilities

• To comply with all Club policies, procedures and practices and carry out your role diligently and in the best interests of the Club
• To lead with a proactive, high-performance mindset and actively contribute to a winning culture on and off the pitch
• To behave in a manner consistent with Club values and policies
• To ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, ethical and social requirements.
• To keep confidential any information gained regarding the Club and its personnel.

What we are looking for

Qualifications and Training

Essential:

• FA Youth Award (all three modules)
• FA Advanced Youth Award
• UEFA A Coaching Licence
• FA Safeguarding
• FA Emergency First Aid
• Clean driving licence

Desirable:

• Any additional relevant qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential:

• Experience of managing a youth development programme at a professional Football Club / National Governing Body
• Proven coaching and team management experience within a youth/development programme at a professional football Club
• Experience of being able to effectively communicate with colleagues and partners at all levels
• Experience and understanding of policies and procedures in an Academy environment including safeguarding and welfare of players and staff.

Desirable:

• Experience in women’s football, ideally within a girl’s Academy environment 

Characteristics

• Passionate about women’s football and broader women’s sport culture.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and ability to deal with matrix stakeholders & ambiguity.
• High standards of personal integrity and EQ.
• Comfortable and able to work on own initiative
• Has a learning mindset; is keen to continue their self-development and keep up to date with best practice and learning opportunities
• Continually seeks to improve efficiency and performance
• Seeks out and embraces new ways of thinking and working – not afraid to fail.

How to apply

Click ‘Apply for this job’ via THIS LINK

London City Lionesses is committed to safeguarding, health and safety, and equality, diversity, and inclusion. We prioritise the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, the well-being of all staff and visitors, and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported. These responsibilities are shared by all staff and volunteers, with safeguarding, safety, and inclusivity being collective priorities.

All staff are required to adhere to the Club’s policies, complete relevant training, and actively contribute to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment. This includes timely reporting of concerns, compliance with health and safety regulations, and upholding the Club’s zero-tolerance approach to discrimination.

For certain roles, additional checks, such as Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks or health assessments, may be required. Applications must include a fully completed application form; CVs alone will not be accepted. All candidates will be assessed on merit and their alignment with the Club’s values.