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.
- Department
- Academy
- Locations
- Training Ground
We're All Luton
At Luton Town we celebrate diversity in all its forms. Our commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive culture extends beyond the pitch, enriching every aspect of Our Club. We believe that a diverse workforce fuels creativity, innovation, and success.
We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. Our dedication to equity, diversity, and inclusion is not just a statement; it's a commitment we uphold every day through our policies, practices, and actions.
We recognise that every individual brings unique skills and experiences to the table, and we are committed to ensuring that our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you require any reasonable adjustments to participate fully in the application or interview process, please don't hesitate to let us know.
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 DBS 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.
Benefits
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Healthcare Cash Plan
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Club Discount
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Cycle to Work Scheme
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On site Gym
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Salary Sacrifice Car, Bike & Tech Schemes
About Luton Town Football Club
Luton Town Football Club, founded in 1885, is a historic English football team based in Luton, Bedfordshire.
The Club is immensely proud of its complex history, inclusivity and its passionate fanbase. These cultural aspects are reflected in all of our recruitment practices, ensuring that new staff members align with and contribute to the club's cultural identity and long-term goals.
In 2015 we became the first professional football club to pay the Real Living Wage.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, and demonstrated a commitment to ensuring that applicants and employees from all sections of the community are treated equally and not discriminated against on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
Head of Academy Coaching
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