DEPARTMENT: BCFC Academy
REPORTS TO: Head of Coaching
LOCATION: Robins High Performance Centre, BS8 3TN
HOURS: Full Time, 37.5 hours per week
SALARY: £30,000 per annum
Overview
We are looking for a committed and exceptional person to join us as an Academy Lead Cell Coach U9/10s and Pre-Academy Lead within our team:
Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Lead the coaching and individual development of players within the specific age group cell.
- Oversee and Line manage our Pre Academy Program. Work closely with our coaches and recruitment team regarding the selection and retention of Pre Academy Players (U7 and U8).
- Lead matchday organisation and distribute team sheets for the squads in your cell.
- Lead the match day for the team(s) within the cell.
- Ensure all sessions are logically planned against the coaching curriculum, with clear learning objectives, applicable to each individual.
- Responsible for ensuring all players have comprehensive understanding of their individual tailored learning objectives applicable to both training and matches.
- Ensure all players within the cell receive comprehensive, 6 week (informal) and 12 week (formal) reviews as per the Academy’s required format and clearly relate to their learning objectives.
- Lead on the continual assessment and audit of players within your cell
- Support IDP Coaching Sessions across the Professional Development Phase where possible.
- Demonstrate the ability to adapt curriculum practice to the needs of the individual and group.
- Responsible for the welfare and supervision of Academy players engaged on the Part-Time Training Model, while they are present at the Club’s facilities
Delivery Standards:
- Ensure coaches within your cell meet delivery standards in the following areas (non-exhaustive):
- Planning, preparation and review, dress, behaviour, referees, parents, opposition, collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, autonomy, use of appropriate learning aids to elevate coaching messages, appropriate application of safeguarding practice, take part in regular review of coaching principles.
Essential Qualifications:
- UEFA B Licence
- FA Youth Award
- FA Advanced Youth Award (or working towards). Ideally with the age-specific specialist element relevant to the Development Phase which they coach.
- An up to date EFAIF qualification
Desirable Qualifications:
- UEFA A Licence
Essential Competencies:
- Extensive experience of developing players in a player-centred model within the schoolboy development phase of an Academy.
- Understanding of the requirements to play professional football.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of the team, and lead with own initiative.
- Be empathetic, supporting and encouraging to help others.
- Have an open, growth mindset.
- Be an honest, clear communicator.
- High Level planning and organisation.
- Attention to detail.
- Ability to create a development environment.
- Ability to communicate with a variety of stakeholders.
How to Apply
Applications are to be sent by email to careers@bcfc.co.uk. Applications should include a covering letter (max. 1 page) on the experience you have that makes you suitable for the role and should be accompanied by a current CV (max. 2 pages).
Closing date: Midday on Monday 22nd December 2025
Due to the high volume of applicants we receive, if you have not been contacted one month after applying, please assume your application has been unsuccessful. We reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of any of our job vacancies if we receive a suitable number of quality applications from which to make a shortlist. Therefore, we recommend that you apply as soon as possible rather than wait until the published closing date.
Safeguarding Statement
Bristol City Football Club and Academy are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to endorse this commitment.
This post requires Enhanced Criminal Records Checks and may include checks against the Barred Lists, as such it is exempt from Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). Therefore all convictions including spent convictions that have not been subject to filtering by the DBS should be declared.
Equality Statement
The successful candidate must ensure a positive commitment towards equality and diversity by treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation or harassment of any description and to promote positive working relationships between all internal and external stakeholders. We are an equal opportunities employer.
EFL BAME Declaration
The EFL (English Football League) has introduced positive action measures aimed at tackling the under-representation of coaches and managers from Black, Asian and Minority Ethic (BAME) backgrounds. Regulations require clubs to shortlist at least one suitably qualified BAME candidate (where an application has been received) for all roles in Academy football that require a UEFA A or UEFA B Licence.