Head of Coach Development

Job Role: Head of Academy Coach Development

Hours: Full-Time

Salary: Competitive and commensurate to the role and experience

Application Deadline: Friday 28th November

Walsall FC is seeking a Head of Academy Coach Development to lead and inspire our team of coaches, ensuring a world-class learning environment across all Academy phases.

This is a key leadership role within our Academy, as you will be responsible for shaping, implementing and reviewing the Academy's coaching programme. Working closely with the Academy Manager, you will oversee the design and delivery of the Academy's coach development strategy and help mentor coaches to help them reach their full potential.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a sustainable system for coach development across Foundation, Youth and Professional Development Phases.
• Design, deliver, and evaluate in-service education and CPD programmes for all Academy staff.
• Conduct individual Training Needs Analyses (TNAs) and create personalised Development Action Plans (DAPs) for all coaches.
• Develop a Club-specific Coach Competency Framework (CCF) to monitor and assess coaching standards.
• Provide one-to-one mentoring, feedback and behaviour analysis to enhance coach performance.
• Lead on succession planning, recruitment and induction of new coaching staff.
• Collaborate with Phase Leads to design individualised player development programmes.
• Ensure every player has an Individual Learning Plan and Performance Clock.
• Play an active role in player assessment, retention and release decisions.
• Build strong relationships with grassroots partner clubs and key external stakeholders.
• Represent the Academy in external coach development partnerships and initiatives.
• Uphold all Academy safeguarding, welfare and EDI standards at all times.

About The Candidate

Essential Qualifications & Experience

UEFA A Licence

FA Advanced Youth Award

FA Youth Award

FA Level 2 Emergency First Aid in Football (EFAiF)

Enhanced FA DBS Check

Desirable Qualifications

Premier League Elite Head of Coach Development Post Graduate Diploma or higher degree in Coaching, Coach Development or Leadership

European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC) Foundation Award

FA Talent Identification Level 2

Personal Qualities

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Positive, approachable and solution-focused

Highly organised with strong attention to detail

Able to perform under pressure and meet deadlines

Committed to continuous personal and professional development

Honest, reliable and demonstrates high levels of integrity

Safeguarding & Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)

• To adhere to safeguarding and child protection policies, ensuring the welfare of children and young people.
• Behave inclusively and respectfully, reflecting the positive EDI values of the Club.
• All employees must undergo suitable DBS checks through the Club.

About The Club

About Walsall Football Club:

Walsall Football Club, founded in 1888, is a place full of passion and pride, with a rich history having had exciting moments in both the lower divisions and the second tier of English football. Since moving to the Bescot Stadium in 1990, we've celebrated promotions, including two stints in the second tier in 1961 and 2001, and a memorable League Two title win in 2007.

We're committed to inspiring our community, offering a sense of belonging, pride, and aspiration. We are guided by our core values of Excellence, Service, Discipline, and Ambition, creating opportunities for people to connect, grow, and achieve both on and off the pitch.