Crystal Palace Football Club
Academy Assistant Head of Coaching
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Job Location: Academy Training Ground, BR3 1NZ
Contract Type: Full-time
Deadline: 7th August 2026
Who We Are
We are Crystal Palace Football Club, a Premier League Football Club with more than 160 years of proud history. Spread across three different sites - brand new main offices at Selhurst Park Stadium, our London office, and our Training Ground/Academy, we offer the best atmosphere and culture for our fans and our employees.
We strive for excellence in the workplace with a philosophy of high standards, professionalism, and a strong work ethic from our employees. We are constantly trying to grow, diversify and build with not only our team on the pitch, but also our team in the offices and on the ground.
About This Role
Working closely with the Head of Coaching and Academy Director, the Assistant Head of Coaching will support the leadership and operational delivery of the Schoolboy Programme (U8–U12). The role will lead the Academy Coach Development Programme, drive coaching standards, support curriculum implementation, and work collaboratively with multidisciplinary staff to enhance both coach and player development.
Responsibilities
- Support the operational leadership and day-to-day management of the Schoolboy Programme (U8–U16).
- Coordinate weekly coaching schedules and staffing allocations.
- Support the implementation and continual development of the Academy Coaching Curriculum, Playing Philosophy and Coaching Methodology.
- Lead the Academy Coach Development Programme across the Foundation Phase and support the Youth Development Phase.
- Design and manage Individual Coach Development Action Plans (DAPs).
- Deliver coaching observations, mentoring, Coach Competency Framework reviews and developmental feedback.
- Plan and deliver internal and external CPD opportunities.
- Support coaches undertaking formal coaching qualifications.
- Monitor coach development, coaching standards and the consistent delivery of Academy methodology across all Academy sites.
- Support coaches in delivering individual player development through IDPs, player reviews and MDT collaboration.
- Contribute to player transitions, interdisciplinary reviews and succession planning.
- Support the recruitment, induction, deployment and development of Academy coaches.
- Support annual appraisals, objective setting and performance management processes.
- Develop age-specific coaching frameworks and integrate the curriculum into the games programme.
- Work collaboratively with Recruitment, Sports Science, Medical, Psychology, Education and Player Care to enhance player development.
- Maintain accurate coaching documentation, observations and KML records, ensuring compliance with Academy Audit and Premier League standards.
- Coach Academy age groups where required.
- Represent the Academy professionally and support Academy events and strategic projects.
- Promote and safeguard the welfare of all children and young people.
- Other duties and responsibilities as required by line manager.
- Upholding and promoting the Club’s policies and procedures, including Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities policies and procedures.
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Essential Experience, Skills and Qualifications:
- UEFA A Licence.
- FA Advanced Youth Award.
- FA Safeguarding Certificate.
- Emergency First Aid in Football.
- Extensive Academy coaching experience across the Foundation and Youth Development Phases.
- Experience leading coach development programmes, observations and mentoring.
- Strong knowledge of Academy Audit requirements, Kit Man Labs and Academy systems.
- Excellent leadership, organisational and communication skills.
- Ability to influence, support and develop coaches.
Desirable
- Premier League EHOC qualification.
- Premier League FCD qualification
- EMCC Coaching and Mentoring Accreditation.
- Experience as a Coach Educator.
- Teaching qualification.
- Sport-related degree.
- Experience contributing to Academy strategy and curriculum design.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
Personal Attributes
- Outstanding leadership and interpersonal skills.
- A player-centred approach with high standards and attention to detail.
- Emotional intelligence and the ability to build strong relationships.
- The ability to develop coaches through support, challenge and accountability.
- A collaborative approach to working across multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong organisational and strategic planning skills.
- Adaptability and resilience within a high-performance environment.
- A commitment to continuous professional development and innovation.
- Professionalism, integrity and alignment with the Club's values.
- A commitment to creating an inclusive environment where every player and coach feels valued, challenged and supported.
Benefits
- Complimentary match day ticket
- Reward and Discount Scheme through our Tech Scheme and Simple Health app
- Health and Wellbeing benefit scheme
- 20% Discount in our Retail Stores
- Discounts in various gyms through GymFlex
- Volunteering Day - 1 Workday off to support a charity of your choice.
- Travel Season Ticket loan
- Holiday allowance: 25 Days
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Our commitment to Equality
At Crystal Palace Football Club, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion is spirited and continues to grow due to the working environment, which makes all staff feel appreciated and welcomed. Crystal Palace Football Club do this by encouraging good relations and practices towards different groups and are committed to promoting employment opportunities that celebrate diversity.
We are committed to attracting, recruiting, and retaining the most talented candidates and the club intends to ensure that everyone who wishes to engage with the club, whether as matchday fans, staff, players, board members, participants in Foundation programmes and any other person engaged with the club's activities, has a real and equal opportunity to do so.
Reasonable Adjustment
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role, ensuring equitable opportunities for everyone.
If you require disability-related adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact DLO@cpfc.co.uk (DLO inbox is for disability-related queries only, if you wish to gain further information regarding this vacancy, please contact cpfc.recruitment@cpfc.co.uk). We are here to help you through the whole recruitment process including trying to apply for a vacancy, getting in touch with us through the process, and/or helping with access in case you are required to come in for an interview.
Safeguarding
Crystal Palace Football Club is committed to safeguarding and ensuring the welfare and protection of children and vulnerable people and expects all staff to share this commitment. As such, the post holder will be required to undergo any relevant security checks, including a comprehensive background check, Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to ensure the safety and protection of children and vulnerable individuals.
As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we collect demographic data to monitor our recruitment trends. This information is processed independently of your application and has no influence on selection decisions. You may select ‘prefer not to say’ if you do not wish to disclose this information.
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