Academy Coach (Coach Inclusion and Diversity Scheme) Organisation Blackburn Rovers Football & Athletic Ltd Salary Commensurate with experience Location Blackburn Rovers Academy, Brockhall Village, Old Langho, Blackburn, BB6 8BA. Flexibility regarding location is required. Contract type Fixed Term (Full time) Closing date 1 August 2025 Job Description Step Into the Game: A Career-Changing Coaching OpportunityContract Type: 23-month fixed-termSalary: Up to £30,000 per annumRole & Development Programme: The successful candidate will divide their time between Blackburn Rovers Football Club, Academy Coach employment and the Premier League Coach Development ProgrammeLocation: Blackburn Rovers Academy, Brockhall Village, Old Langho, Blackburn, BB6 8BAJoin the Coach Inclusion & Diversity Scheme (CIDS)Blackburn Rovers Football Club in partnership with the Premier League, is proud to support the Coach Inclusion & Diversity Scheme for the 2025/26 season. We're offering a 23-month, full-time academy coaching role to the successful candidate to support the development of the next generation of football coaches. The scheme is open to all, 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.What’s Involved?You’ll split your time between Academy coaching at Blackburn Rovers Football Club and the Premier League’s accredited Coach Development Programme. You’ll gain experience across development phases and work with multi-disciplinary teams.Role purpose:To nurture and develop young football talents within the academy, ensuring they receive comprehensive training that encompasses technical skills, tactical understanding, physical conditioning, and psychological resilience. This role is pivotal in creating a supportive and stimulating environment where young players can thrive, both on and off the pitch, aligning with the academy's commitment to excellence and the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP). The coach will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the players, fostering a love for the game, and instilling our club motto of by “Skill & Hard Work”Key responsibilities:• Planning, delivery and evaluation coaching sessions/games in line with club training methodology & game model• Planning, delivery and evaluation of team/unit and individual analysis sessions• Participation and input into weekly multidisciplinary meetings• Logistical organisation and administration associated with training and games programmes• Providing weekly games feedback via Hudl• Completion of micro-cycle player reviews• To undertake and complete all relevant training, development & qualifications in accordance with CIDS programmeYour development journey will include:• Mentoring and tailored support• Immersive learning experiences• Workshops, peer learning, and reflective practice• Access to FA/UEFA qualifications (based on development need and subject to availability) On successful completion of all programme elements, you’ll be awarded a Diploma in Professional Football Coaching from Leeds Beckett University.What We’re Looking ForEssential criteria:• UEFA B Licence as a minimum• No prior full-time 1st Team or Academy coaching role at a Premier League or EFL club• Experience of coaching in one, or more, of the following environments: grassroots, community, education, development centre or part-time academy football settings• FA Safeguarding Certificate, Emergency First Aid, and Enhanced DBS (to be completed prior to role commencement)Desirable criteria:• Experience of coaching a team or group of players on a regular basis• Experience of holistic youth development activities within, or beyond, sport• UEFA A Licence or FA Advanced Youth Award• Teaching experience You’ll bring:• A drive to coach in the professional game• Passion for player development & developmentally appropriate learning environments• Commitment to fulfilling duty of care for children, young people, and adults in healthy, high performance environments• Resilience and commitment to high-performance environments• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills• A desire to be a role model and ambassador for diversity in the game How to apply Due to high-levels of interest, this post may close early so early application is advised, otherwise the closing date for this role is 12pm on Friday 1st August 2025. To apply, please email your application form, CV and covering letter to recruitment@rovers.co.uk Please submit a two-part cover letter: 1. Part 1 (max 500 words) to demonstrating how you fulfil the “What We’re Looking For” criteria. Please structure your responses under the following headings: a) The essential criteria I fulfil b) The desirable criteria I fulfil c) My desire to be a role model and ambassador for diversity in the game 2. Part 2 (max 500 words) to answer all the following questions. Please structure your responses under the following headings: a) My motivations for applying for the CIDS academy coach role and Premier League Coach Development Programme b) How the CIDS academy coach role and development programme fits with my career ambitions c) How my unique expertise, and lived experience, will benefit the club and players Equality and Diversity Blackburn Rovers FC is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment and its employment policies for recruitment, selection, training, development and promotion are designed to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, ethnic and national origin, disability or gender reassignment. Safer Recruitment Blackburn Rovers FC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. The successful applicant will be required to undertake appropriate safeguarding checks as well as providing proof of right to work in the UK. Share X LinkedIn Email