Lead Professional Development Phase Coach (U18 Head Coach)

Lead Professional Development Phase Coach (U18 Head Coach)

Department: Academy Coaching

Based at: BRFC Academy, however flexibility on location is required.

Reports to: Head of Academy / Head of Academy Coach Development

Hours of work: A minimum of 40 hours per week and any additional hours necessary for the performance of duties. This may include evening and weekend work.

Contractual status: Permanent

1. Job purpose

Head Coach of the Under-18 team within the Professional Development Phase (PDP), delivering the Club's technical programme (coaching phases, blocks, and position-specific profiles) so every player progresses toward first team football in line with our playing style and long term strategy. This role creates a supportive and challenging environment where young players can thrive, both on and off the pitch, aligning with the academy's commitment to excellence and the elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP). The coach will shape the future of players, foster a love for the game, and instill our club motto of 'By Skill & Hard Work'.

2. Duties and responsibilities

• Ensure safeguarding and welfare of all staff and elite players, promoting well being whilst maintaining professional boundaries.Coaching & Player Development (EPPP Aligned)
  • Plan, design, deliver, and evaluate high quality sessions (individual, unit, team) that reflect the Academy philosophy and position specific requirements across PDP age groups.
  • Set and uphold exacting standards of discipline, professionalism, and detail on and off the pitch while creating an inclusive, positive, and challenging learning environment.
  • Lead IDP/IDT processes in line with EPPP: schedule meetings, set goals, track progress, and provide regular feedback using approved software and performance data.
  • Own all game preparation and review workflows: opposition analysis, game plans, pre training video previews, post training reviews, and post match debriefs-cementing learning in line with Club style and principles.
  • Oversee performance analysis for individuals/units/team and deliver clear, timely feedback to players and staff.
• Collaboration, Transition & OperationsLead the U18 team in the U18 Premier League; manage day to day operations, weekly schedules, and the U18 coaching curriculum to consistent standards.
  • Work collaboratively within the MDT (coaching, analysis, S&C, medical, psychology, nutrition) to deliver an integrated, player centred programme; communicate insights regularly to senior academy staff.
  • Coordinate closely with the U21 Head Coach and the Head of Coaching to ensure seamless movement between U18s and the U21s.
  • Manage Teamworks and ensure all logistics are kept up to date.
  • Maintain The Football Intelligence Platform with all EPPP data.
  • Produce and maintain session plans, reports, and reviews to EPPP standards; monitor and evaluate development across the U18 squad, attending IDP meetings and providing evidence based feedback.

3. Skills required

• Coaching & Player Development Expertise
  Player first, development centred mindset: prioritising growth over short term results; building processes that mature young players for first team football.
• Mastery of position specific profiles and club playing style: translates principles into clear individual, unit, and team objectives.
• Strong grasp of integrating technical-tactical, physical, and psych social loads across the PDP.
• Performance Analysis, Communication & Presentation: produce clear, impactful presentations for players and staff using PowerPoint/Keynote; competent in clipping, coding, and tagging training and matches with industry standard analysis software; execute complete review workflows and deliver pre/post training meetings.
• Leadership, Organisation & Collaboration: dynamic, hardworking, enthusiastic leader who motivates and inspires; strong organisational and time management skills; self aware, reflective; effective team player within a multi disciplinary environment; proficient with Microsoft/Apple tools and digital decision making.

4. Knowledge / Experience required

• Proven management experience at First Team level and a clear understanding of First Team coaching & player demands to prepare U18 players for seamless transition.
• Development centred approach: prioritises player growth over results; coach clear IDPs aligned to club standards.
• Proven record developing & working with young professional players for seamless first team transition.
• Deep knowledge of Academy & 1st Team structures and pathways.
• Strong command of the game's key elements-technical detail, tactical principles, and team systems-and the ability to translate them onto the pitch with fine, position specific detail.
• Robust understanding of weekly periodisation to integrate technical-tactical, physical, and psycho social loads across the PDP.
• Applies sports psychology principles to optimise learning, resilience, confidence and coach-player interactions.

5. Qualifications required

• UEFA A Licence (essential)
• FA Youth Modules 1, 2, 3 (working towards or recognised equivalents)
• Advanced Youth Award (essential)
• Recognised management/leadership qualification.
• Full, valid UK driving licence.