Guildford Football Club
Volunteer Football Academy Head Coach
Guildford
Posted 1 day ago
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Job Title: Head Coach – Football Academy
Club: Guildford Football Club
Location: Guildford, Surrey
Contract Type: Full-time
Overview
Guildford Football Club is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking Head Coach to lead our Football Academy. The successful candidate will be responsible for the strategic planning, delivery, and continuous improvement of our youth development programme, ensuring a clear pathway from academy to first team and upholding the club’s values on and off the pitch.
Key Responsibilities
Player Development
- Design, implement, and oversee a comprehensive player development framework across all academy age groups in alignment with the club’s football philosophy.
- Plan, deliver, and review high-quality training sessions that are age-appropriate, engaging, and progressive.
- Conduct regular player assessments and provide individual development plans and feedback to players and parents/guardians.
- Work closely with medical, sport science, and performance staff to monitor player welfare, workload, and physical development.
Coaching & Programme Management
- Lead and mentor the academy coaching team, ensuring best practice in coaching methodology, session design, and player management.
- Establish and maintain a clear playing style, coaching curriculum, and behavioural standards throughout the academy.
- Coordinate training and match schedules, tournaments, and development fixtures for all academy squads.
- Ensure that all coaching activities meet relevant league, FA, and safeguarding regulations and standards.
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Talent Identification & Pathway
- Oversee the scouting and recruitment strategy for academy players in the local and wider region.
- Build and manage relationships with grassroots clubs, schools, and community partners to identify and attract talented players.
- Work collaboratively with the first team coaching staff to facilitate a seamless transition for academy players progressing towards senior football.
Leadership & Administration
- Provide strong leadership, fostering a culture of professionalism, respect, and continuous improvement.
- Line-manage academy coaching staff, including recruitment, induction, performance reviews, and ongoing CPD support.
- Prepare and manage the academy budget in conjunction with club management, ensuring efficient use of resources.
- Maintain accurate records of training attendance, match reports, player reviews, and any other relevant documentation.
- Represent the academy at internal meetings, league and FA meetings, and community events as required.
Safeguarding & Welfare
- Promote and uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and child protection throughout the academy.
- Ensure all staff and volunteers comply with club policies, FA regulations, and statutory requirements.
- Create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment that prioritises the holistic development and well-being of every player.
Person Specification
Essential
- UEFA A Licence (or working towards, with substantial progress and strong track record).
- Demonstrable experience in leading youth development or academy programmes within a professional or semi-professional football environment.
- Strong understanding of modern coaching methodologies, talent development principles, and long-term player development models.
- Proven leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop staff and players.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across multiple departments.
- Strong organisational and administrative competence, including planning, record-keeping, and reporting.
- Valid FA Safeguarding Children Certificate and Emergency First Aid in Football (EFAiF) (or equivalent).
- Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to undergo one).
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Desirable
- UEFA Pro Licence or intention to obtain in due course.
- Experience working within an FA-licensed academy or Centre of Excellence.
- Relevant degree or qualification in sports coaching, sports science, or a related field.
- Knowledge of the local football landscape in Surrey and surrounding areas.
Personal Attributes
- Professional, ethical, and aligned with the values and vision of Guildford Football Club.
- Committed to the long-term development of young players, both as footballers and as individuals.
- Adaptable, reflective, and open to new ideas and methods.
- Resilient and able to work under pressure, including evenings and weekends.
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Skills
Youth Development
Strategic Planning
Player Assessment
Coaching Methodology
Talent Identification
People Management
Budget Management
Safeguarding
Curriculum Design
Recruitment Strategy
Performance Monitoring
Leadership