Academy Vacancy | Foundation Phase Lead Coach

Plymouth Argyle Academy are recruiting for a full-time Foundation Phase Lead Coach to join our coaching staff.

The successful applicant will work across the Foundation Phase age groups, Under-7 to Under-12, with a specific focus on the Under-9 & Under-10 age groups. This position will be integral to the development of the Academy’s coaching and games programme in the Foundation Phase as we transition into our new Academy training ground at Foulston Park in the 2025-26 season.

This is an important role within our Academy, developing our players at the start of their Academy journey in the Foundation Phase. It is critical that the successful applicant has experience and understands player development at the Under-7 to Under-12 age group, with a focus on developing technically outstanding players through our core techniques.

Essential Qualifications:
• UEFA B License
• FA Youth Award
• FA Advanced Youth Award 5-11 (or working towards).
• FA Safeguarding Workshop
• FA Level 2 Emergency First Aid in Football (EFAiF)

Desirable:
• UEFA A License

Key Outputs:
• To be the Under-9s Lead Coach and to plan, deliver and evaluate Under-9 training sessions and fixtures in line with the Under-9 technical programme.
• Manage the club’s Foundation Phase Programme with a focus on the Under-9 & Under-10 age groups.
• To oversee the development and progression of all players within the Foundation Phase.

Responsibilities:
• Report to the Head of Player & Coach Development (Under-7 to Under-12) on all issues relating to Under-9 & Under-10 player development, on a day to day basis.
• Attend meetings with the Head of Player & Coach Development (Under-7 to Under-12) and, when appropriate, ad-hoc meetings with appropriate staff regarding key issues within the Academy.
• Assist the Head of Player & Coach Development (Under-7 to Under-12) with the planning and delivery of all Under-7 to Under-12 training sessions and fixtures when required.
• Assist the Head of Player & Coach Development (Under-7 to Under-12) to guide the development of the Club’s Football Philosophy with the Under-9 & Under-10 age groups.
• To ensure all relevant data is recorded for the Under-9 & Under-10 age groups. The effective use of Football Intelligence Platform (FIP), Performance Clocks and Audit Tool where required.
• Assist the Head of Player & Coach Development (Under-7 to Under-12) to implement a vibrant and thorough Academy Coaching and Sports Science Programme to cover the technical, psychological, physical and social needs of players in the Under-9 & Under-10 age groups within the Academy, such Programme to include appropriate outcome targets and also to link in with the Games Programme.
• To assist the Head of Player & Coach Development (Under-7 to Under-12) and Foundation Phase Lead Coach to design and implement Individual Action Plans for all Academy players in the Under-9 & Under-10 age groups, as well as ensuring that all Under-9 & Under-10 players receive a Performance Review every 12 weeks under the EPPP guidelines.
• To assist the Head of Academy Recruitment with Talent ID and recruitment into the Pre-Academy and Foundation Phase through events, scouting, developing relationships with grassroots clubs and supporting the Plymouth Argyle Academy pathway.

Person Specification:
Knowledge
• Knowledge of the rules and regulations of the FA, EFL and Premier League for Youth Development.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office systems e.g. Office, Excel, PowerPoint or equivalent systems.
• Has a desire to develop their own knowledge, skills and capability to be at the leading edge of player development.
• Has a passion for working with players to develop them.
Skills
• Excellent communication skills - both written and verbal
• Highly organised
• Able to work autonomously
• Able to work as a member of a team
• Strong time management skills
• Ability to problem solve
• Attention to detail
Experience

How To Apply:
Applications are being accepted through the EFL iRecruit system. Please click here to submit an application.

Closing date for applications: Sunday, 15 December, 2024
First interviews: Thursday, 19 December, 2024
Salary: £25,000-£27,000