️ JOIN THE ACADEMY AT WEST HAM UNITED F.C. ️
Under-13s Head Coach – Coach Inclusion & Diversity Scheme (CIDS)
Chadwell Heath & Rush Green Training Grounds
Full-Time | 23-Month Fixed-Term Contract
£31,500 per annum
37.5 Hours Per Week
Fully Funded Premier League Coach Development Programme
DEVELOP THE NEXT GENERATION – THE WEST HAM WAY
West Ham United F.C., in partnership with the Premier League, is offering an exciting opportunity for an ambitious coach to join the Academy as an Under-13s Head Coach through the Coach Inclusion & Diversity Scheme (CIDS).
This unique role combines Academy coaching with the Premier League's accredited Coach Development Programme, providing an outstanding pathway for coaches looking to develop within the professional game.
We are committed to building a coaching workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. Applications are welcome from coaches of all backgrounds and experiences, and we particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and mixed heritage backgrounds, and women, as they are underrepresented groups amongst the coaching roles that exist across the professional game. If you're passionate about developing young players, eager to continue your own learning journey and committed to creating positive, inclusive environments where every player can thrive, we'd love to hear from you.
As Under-13s Head Coach, you will:
✅ Lead the coaching and development of an Academy age group.
✅ Deliver engaging, high-quality training sessions and match preparation.
✅ Design and implement Individual Development Plans aligned with The West Ham Way.
✅ Work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary Academy staff to support every player's footballing, personal and social development.
✅ Help create an inclusive, supportive and high-performance learning environment.
WHAT THE PROGRAMME OFFERS
✔ Fully funded Premier League Coach Development Programme
Dedicated mentoring and bespoke coaching support
Peer learning and networking opportunities
Immersive coach development experiences
Access to FA & UEFA qualifications (subject to availability)
Diploma in Professional Football Coaching from Leeds Beckett University upon successful completion
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
✔ UEFA B Licence
✔ Experience coaching within grassroots football, community programmes, education, development centres or part-time Academy environments
✔ Experience of working with young players
✔ Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
✔ FA Safeguarding Certificate, Emergency First Aid and Enhanced DBS (prior to employment)
✔ A genuine passion for player development, continuous learning and inclusive coaching
WHY JOIN WEST HAM UNITED?
️ Work within a Category One Academy.
Access a fully funded Premier League development programme.
Receive dedicated mentoring from experienced Academy coaches.
Continue your learning through nationally recognised qualifications.
Be part of an Academy that values diversity, inclusion, collaboration and excellence.
- Help inspire the next generation of footballers from every community.
✍️ HOW TO APPLY
Please submit a two-part cover letter outlining:
How you meet the essential criteria and your motivation for coaching within an Academy environment.
Your motivation for applying to the Coach Inclusion & Diversity Scheme (CIDS), your career ambitions and how your experiences, perspective and values would positively contribute to the Club and the development of its players.
Reasonable adjustments are available throughout every stage of the recruitment process where required.
Premier League Privacy Policy:
https://www.premierleague.com/privacy-policy
KEY DATES
Application Deadline: Friday 24 July, 14:00pm
Interviews: In person Thursday 30 July
West Ham United Academy Training Ground
Applicants that are successful should ensure they are available on the interview date.
️ COACH. DEVELOP. INSPIRE. BELONG. ️
Join a Club committed to developing outstanding coaches, nurturing young talent and creating opportunities for everyone to succeed.
Benefits on offer (may vary based on contract type and location)
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25 days annual leave plus your birthday off
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Pension and life insurance
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Healthcare cash scheme
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Travel season ticket loan
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Cycle to work scheme
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Priority access to apply for match tickets
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Discounted season tickets
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Staff discounts in the club store, café and our official partners products and services
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Discounted gym membership and onsite fitness room facilities
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Family friendly leave policies
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Company Social events
EDI Statement
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The successful candidate must demonstrate a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, aligning with the organisation’s business and tactical approach to eliminating barriers and addressing inequity. You agree to actively contribute to creating a discrimination-free and inclusive environment, ensuring equitable access to opportunities and benefits, while fostering a culture of dignity and respect that enables everyone to perform and achieve their potential.
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Candidates must demonstrate their capability and willingness to uphold best practices and procedures, promoting lasting positive change while eliminating biases and barriers to attracting, achieving, and supporting talent from all communities, regardless of background, circumstances, or protected characteristics.
Safeguarding
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The successful candidate must demonstrate a commitment to the safety and welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk of harm across all stakeholders. Everyone, including third parties who work with the Club or the West Ham Foundation, is responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals. Successful candidates must undergo essential background checks before starting their employment, which may include screening of social media. The type of DBS check required will depend on the responsibilities of the position and may be basic, standard, or enhanced.
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The successful candidate agrees to proactively identify and respond appropriately to any concerns, and follow the Club's Safeguarding reporting procedures to report allegations of abuse, poor practice, or anything that may impact the welfare of a child, young person, or adult at risk without delay, within 24 hours, or as otherwise directed by the Club’s or the West Ham Foundation Safeguarding Team.
Applications:
To apply, please submit your application via our career’s portal: https://www.careers.whufc.com
Deadline: 2pm Friday 24 July 2026
Please note: Due to the high volume of applications expected, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
