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Youth Development Phase Assistant Coach (U15-U16)
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Job Description
Derby County are seeking to recruit a Youth Development Phase Assistant Coach (U15-U16) to join Academy Coaching at Moor Farm Training Centre.
Working for Derby County Football Club offers a unique opportunity to be part of one of England’s most historic and passionately supported clubs. With a proud legacy, a dedicated fan base, and an exciting vision for the future, Derby County offers a dynamic and rewarding work environment both on and off the pitch. Whether you're joining the team in coaching, administration, marketing, or operations, you'll be contributing to a culture rooted in ambition, community, and progress. Employees benefit from a collaborative work environment and opportunities for professional development.
The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting the Lead U16 Coach in the planning, delivery, and review of the age-specific coaching and games programme, ensuring a high-performance environment that maximises player development. The role will support within the Senior Youth Development Phase (U15-U16) and take a lead role for the U15 age group on match days, ensuring continuity within the player pathway and alignment with the Academy’s long-term development strategy.
Key Role Responsibilities
- Support the Lead U16 Coach in the delivery of all training sessions, match preparation, and match day delivery, ensuring high standards in line with the Academy methodology.
- Assist in implementing and reinforcing the Club’s Game Craft Model in an age-appropriate and detailed manner.
- Work closely with the Lead U16 Coach and MDT to contribute to the design, delivery, and review of Individual Development Plans (IDPs), ensuring player development remains central.
- Provide a lead coaching role on U15 match days, including team organisation, match delivery, and post-match review.
- Support the transition of players between U15 and U16, ensuring alignment of playing philosophy, expectations, and individual development priorities.
- Contribute to a consistent and aligned games programme across U15 and U16 age groups.
- Maintain strong communication with MDT staff to ensure a holistic approach to player development.
- Assist with player monitoring, feedback, and reporting processes, including the use of relevant platforms (e.g. Kitman Labs).
- Attend and contribute to MDT meetings, player audit meetings, and team selection discussions.
- Support cross-phase delivery where required, including additional sessions, tours, and tournaments.
- Contribute to parent/player communication where appropriate, supporting a transparent and professional environment.
- Work collaboratively with all Academy departments to ensure alignment and best practice across the programme.
- Support CPD opportunities and engage in the Club’s coaching competency framework.
- Assist with operational tasks relating to sessions, match days, and equipment as required.
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General Responsibilities
- Ensure the health, safety, and welfare of all players and staff.
- Adhere to safeguarding policies and promote best practice at all times.
- Uphold Club policies relating to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Represent the Club in a professional manner at all times.
- Undertake any additional duties appropriate to the role.
Personal Characteristics And Experience
- Experience working with players who have progressed through the Academy system.
- Experience of football coaching in a professional environment.
- Experience of coaching 11v11 format (3 Years or Over).
- Experience in implementing policies and procedures and reviewing practices to ensure continuous improvement.
- Strong understanding of Youth Development and EPPP frameworks.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team.
- Excellent communication and listening skills with the ability to communicate effectively across all levels.
- Ability to organise, schedule and adapt work tasks to meet conflicting deadlines and respond to changing situations.
- Ability to support and deliver high quality coaching sessions.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team as well as independently.
- Ability to enter data efficiently and effectively on Kitman Labs and other suitable platforms.
Qualifications
Essential
- UEFA B Coaching License
- FA Advanced Youth Awards
- Level 2 Emergency First Aid in Football
- Safeguarding Children Certificate
Salary is competitive, dependent on experience.
Excellent spoken and written English is essential for this role, as it involves clear, accurate communication in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
This is a full-time role, and due to the demands of professional football, there is a requirement for weekend and evening work.
Who are Derby County…
Derby County Football Club, established in 1884, is one of the founder members of the English Football League and has a rich and varied history, including two First Division titles in 1972 and 1975 and an FA Cup success in 1946. The club are currently playing in the Sky Bet Championship, the second tier of English Football following their promotion from League One in the 2023/24 season and is under the management of Head Coach John Eustace. The club also boasts a successful and respected Category One Academy, a status which has been held since 2014, and a Women’s side competing in the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division. Derby County recently embarked on an exciting new era following the change in ownership to Clowes Developments (UK) Limited, in the summer of 2022. Our track record of producing talent is outstanding, and we intend to protect that proud legacy, investing in key roles within the club to build on the foundations in place for success.
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Everything We Do As a Club Is Built Around The Three Pillars Of Stability, Integrity And Progress. Our Core Values Are
- We are proud of who we are and what we do.
- We are positive, inspired and passionate.
- We are ambitious and driven.
- We are prepared, honest and humble.
- We are the heartbeat of our community.
- We are the club of opportunity.
Derby County Employee Benefits Include
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Two complimentary staff season tickets.
- Two complimentary staff away memberships, subject to availability.
- 20% discount at DCFC Megastore.
- Company Pension with Aviva.
- Discounts with select Club partners and sponsors.
- Healthshield Cash Health Plan to support employee health and well-being and Perks for great deals and discounts.
- Participating in our employee forum, ‘The Herd’ and Staff Events!
- Training and development opportunities.
- Access to programmes and volunteering opportunities with Derby County Community Trust.
- Subsidised lunchtime meals at Moor Farm.
How to apply…
Derby County Football Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
As part of the Club's commitment to providing a safe environment for children and young people, applicants should be aware that this post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Criminal Record Check.
Derby County Football Club is an Inclusive Club for all and is committed to Equality and Diversity.
To apply for this role, please complete an application form, which can be found HERE.
Alternatively, please copy and paste - http://thera.ms/apply - to your chosen browser.
More information can be found at https://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/jobsandcareers
The closing date for receipt of applications is Sunday 26 July 2026. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early.
Strictly no agencies please.
Derby County Football Club’s Job Applicant Privacy Policy can be found at dcfc.co.uk.
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