Head of Academy Coach Development

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The Role

To oversee the implementation and development of the Wrexham AFC coaching curriculum methodology and game model. To establish a sustainable system and approach to coach development within the Academy in line with the club’s philosophy and values. The development of better coaches to produce better players is at the core of our coach development ethos. To develop coaches so that they improve and perform to the best of their potential and subsequently maximising the potential of the players that they work with is an essential aspect of the role.

Main Responsibilities

• Work in conjunction with the Academy Manager and other Academy staff to ensure that the Wrexham AFC Academy Performance Plan strategy is implemented efficiently and effectively.
• Work collaboratively with different departments, including Recruitment, Education, and Sports Science/Medicine staff, to ensure all stakeholders understand the methodology and its implementation within the overall strategy and daily decision-making.
• Plan, deliver, and evaluate coaching sessions in line with the Club’s footballing and coaching philosophy.
• Measure and maintain the coaching curriculum and game model document, ensuring the Club’s playing philosophy is clearly communicated through written descriptions, images, and video, and is aligned across all phases.
• Ensure the game model and coaching curriculum align with the overall vision and strategy of the Club.
• Ensure consistency and alignment in coaching delivery and appraisals across the Academy coaching team.
• Oversee the development of strong relationships with key organisations (e.g. EFL, FA, FAW) to support the continued development of Academy coaching staff.
• Establish a sustainable system and approach to coach and player development within the Academy.
• Work alongside the Academy Manager to measure and evaluate the performance of Academy coaches and player development programmes.
• Develop and maintain a coaching curriculum, playing philosophy, and coaching philosophy that evolves and is regularly reviewed across the U9-U21 age groups.
• Ensure coaches work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary team.
• Promote understanding among coaches of the benefits of working within a multidisciplinary team, fostering strong relationships with colleagues and utilising specialist expertise to support an interdisciplinary approach.
• Set, monitor, and develop high professional standards and a strong team ethic among coaches on a daily basis.
• Ensure the Academy’s coaching curriculum is delivered consistently in line with the Academy’s and Club’s playing and coaching philosophies.
• Undertake continuous professional development to ensure knowledge of coaching and coach development remains current and forward-thinking. This may include occasional coaching delivery to maintain practical, hands-on competence and provide cover for absent coaches.
• Provide a clear and up-to-date training needs analysis (TNA) for each coach, identifying current and required performance levels and creating tailored development action plans.
• Observe coach performance and provide a variety of feedback methods to support development, operating an effective appraisal system that ensures every coach has a personalised development plan.
• Ensure all coaches hold the required qualifications for their role and age group, maintain the appropriate licences, and have continuous professional development plans in place. Work closely with the Head of Academy Administration to monitor compliance.
• Implement a Club-specific Coach Competency Framework (CCF) to assess, monitor, and evaluate coaches, supporting both individual development plans and group coach development initiatives.
• Manage the day-to-day performance of coaches.
• Model elite coaching standards across U9-U21 age groups through the regular delivery of practical sessions and direct coach support.
• Support the progression and transition of players and coaches throughout the development pathway, including the creation and implementation of progression planning and coach talent identification programmes.
• Meet all Academy requirements relating to planning, reporting, and uploading data to relevant systems.
• Maintain full familiarity with, and adherence to, WAFC safeguarding strategies, policies, and procedures at all times.