SUMMARY:
You Can Do Sport (YCDS Academy) is seeking an enthusiastic, driven, and experienced Head Football Coach to join our growing Academy team in partnership with Future Lions Education. This is a unique opportunity to lead football coaching within an innovative dual-programme model that combines elite football development with accredited education through the Future Lions Education Empowerment Programmes.
The postholder will take the lead coaching role, planning, and delivering high-quality football sessions for student-athletes aged 16–21. The teams compete in the Future Lions Education League, giving players a structured competitive environment alongside their academic studies. This role is ideal for a passionate, qualified coach who understands the demands of player development within an education setting.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Football Coaching & Player Development
Plan, lead and deliver high-quality football training sessions appropriate to the players' ages, ability levels and developmental needs.
Act as the Lead Coach for the Academy football programme, taking responsibility for team selection, tactics, and performance.
Develop and implement a structured seasonal coaching plan aligned with YCDS Education programme outcomes.
Lead the team in competitive fixtures in the Future Lions Education League, including match preparation, team talks and post-match reviews.
Monitor and track individual player development, providing regular feedback to players and the Academy management team.
Integrate sports science principles (fitness, nutrition, recovery, and mental performance) into the coaching programme where appropriate.
Student-Athlete Support & Welfare
Support student-athletes in balancing their football commitments with their education programme requirements.
Act as a positive role model, promoting professionalism, discipline, teamwork, and respect both on and off the pitch.
Monitor player welfare and wellbeing, escalating any concerns to the Academy Manager or Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Contribute to pastoral support by maintaining regular and positive communication with players about their progress and goals.
Partnership & Academy Operations
Work collaboratively with Future Lions staff to align football activity with the wider Empowerment Programmes curriculum.
Liaise with league administrators to manage fixture schedules, team registrations and match reporting requirements.
Attend Academy meetings, CPD sessions and relevant club/education events as required.
Maintain accurate records of attendance, session plans, player assessments and any incidents in line with Academy policies.
Safeguarding & Compliance
Uphold and actively promote the safeguarding and welfare of all student-athletes in line with KCSiE guidelines.
Maintain a valid Enhanced DBS Disclosure on the Update Service throughout employment.
Hold or be willing to obtain a First Aid qualification relevant to sport (e.g., FA Emergency First Aid in Football).
Complete all mandatory safeguarding, Prevent and CPD training as required by the Academy and Future Lions Education.
Pay: From £25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site gym
- On-site parking
Language:
Licence/Certification:
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
