Youth Development Phase Coach

Job Title: Youth Development Phase Coach (Casual)

Department: Academy

Location: Dimensions / Alsager / Norton / Keele / Roe Lane

Reports to: Head of Coaching / Youth Phase Lead Coach

ROLE SUMMARY

To assist the Lead Development Coach in delivering the Youth Development Phase (YDP) performance plan. The role supports the progression of players from U12–U16, ensuring they graduate into the Professional Development Phase with a high standard of technical proficiency, tactical understanding, and readiness for the demands of elite football.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coach players within the Youth Development Phase (U12–U16).
• Apply age-specific coaching expertise to ensure players have developed strong ball mastery skills and can apply individual techniques effectively within team structures, supported by an increasing tactical understanding of their roles.
• Deliver developmentally appropriate coaching sessions and interventions tailored to the needs of the YDP age groups.
• Assist the Lead Development Coach in planning, delivering, and reviewing the YDP coaching programme.
• Maintain weekly training reports in line with requirements set by the Head of Coaching.
• Deliver both group and individual weekly performance plans.
• Support the ongoing monitoring, assessment, and development of players within the YDP.
• Liaise with parents/guardians at the request of the Lead Development Coach or Head of Academy Football to support player development and communicate key information.
• Assist in the accurate recording, reporting, and evaluation of player performance and progress within the Development Phase.
• Attend all relevant meetings, including in-service training, MDT meetings, and parent review meetings, as required by the Lead Development Coach and Head of Academy Football.
• Demonstrate an ongoing commitment to personal development through recognised qualifications, CPD events, and internal development opportunities.
• Contribute to in-house CPD events, parent evenings, and mid-season and annual player reviews.
• Attend Multi-Disciplinary (MDT) meetings every 12 weeks for player reviews to contribute to decisions regarding registration and de-registration.
• Undertake pastoral and welfare duties in conjunction with the Head of Education and Player Care, maintaining professional relationships with parents, teachers, and other relevant individuals while ensuring appropriate confidentiality.
• Carry out any other duties appropriate to the role as directed by Phase Leads/Academy Management Team.

Skills & Competencies

Essential Requirements

• UEFA C Licence and working towards UEFA B Licence.
• FA age-appropriate coaching certification.
• Enhanced DBS check (current).
• Experience working with the 12–16 age group.
• Safeguarding qualification.
• First Aid qualification.
• FA Youth Modules / FA Youth Award (desirable).

Preferred Experience

• Experience in a permanent coaching capacity within professional football.
• Experience working across a variety of schoolboy age groups.

General Information

This job description is not exhaustive. Duties and responsibilities may evolve based on the needs of the Club.

The post holder must undertake all relevant training, including ongoing CPD, and must always uphold the highest standards of professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical behaviour. Port Vale F.C. is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment.

All appointments are subject to:

• Satisfactory Enhanced DBS check (with children's barred list check)
• Appropriate references

The post holder must adhere to the Club's Coaches Code of Conduct, Child Protection Policy, Health & Safety Policy, and emergency procedures, and must take responsibility for the safety of all players under their guidance.

Evening training sessions and weekend match days are a required part of the role. Due to the nature of the position, flexibility is essential, and working hours will vary based on operational needs.

Safeguarding Statement

Port Vale Football Club is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and adults at risk. All employees are expected to share this commitment and promote a safe environment at all times. Applicants will be asked to declare any previous convictions, cautions, or reprimands, including those considered "spent" under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amended 2013).

Health & Safety

Core responsibilities:

• Lead by example in maintaining safe and responsible practice.
• Ensure safety and risk considerations are integrated into all activities, working with the Head of Academy Education, Safeguarding Lead, Player Care Officer, and relevant staff.
• Promote a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment to support holistic player development.

Equality Statement

Port Vale Football Club is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the grounds of race, ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, pregnancy or maternity.

All staff must conduct themselves in accordance with the Club's policies and demonstrate a positive commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Employees are expected to treat all internal and external stakeholders with fairness, dignity, and respect, and must not engage in any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation, or harassment of any kind.