Academy Lead Phase Coach (Under 15/Under 16)

Organisation: Leeds United FC
Salary: Competitive
Location: Leeds United Training Grounds, Thorp Arch, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS23 7BA
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 23 July 2025
Job Description: ABOUT THE ROLE
To take responsibility for the overall organisation/development, management and delivery of an inspirational and innovative Under 15 -16 training and games programme in line with the values and coaching & playing philosophy of Leeds United academy (The Leeds Way).

Develop a learning environment and maintain a culture that prioritises Individual development with a modern and adaptable approach to playing and coaching.

MAIN COACHING & PLAYER DEVELOPMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Building relationships and working closely with Academy Manager, HOC, MDT, recruitment and academy operations:
- Lead the planning, delivery and review of all coaching and player development activities in the phase driven by Individual player needs with particular focus on top talents and performance requirements of the modern game.
- Develop simple and clear Individual Learning Plans and a first-class holistic individual development experience, supporting players on and off the field.
- Create and deliver engaging and challenging training sessions that cater for the specific needs of each player, utilising innovative coaching techniques and technology.
- Adapts and responds to the needs of the group and individual players during training and games whilst respecting the playing and coaching philosophy/ principles of Leeds United academy.
- Providing a challenging and varied games programme for the players, providing each player with a minimum of a game a week, during key scholarship decision periods.
- Monitor and review individual player progress and potential against club’s scholarship & first team standards and expectations.
- Conduct player meetings to discuss & support performance, establish trust, and agree/ evolve development plans.
- Build strong long-lasting parental/ guardian relationships that connect both families and players with Leeds United, involve them in the player’s journey and become a voice of trust during a key phase of development.
- Drive personal and professional development, engaging in all Academy staff development initiatives and best practice from across the game.
- Contribute to the wider academy coaching culture, challenging others, and showcasing best practice by actively looking to work with coaches across the academy.
- Seek out feedback from peers and senior staff on personal practice whilst also canvasing opinion on the needs of the individual players within the group and how to most effectively deliver best practice.
- Attending other Academy games, to ensure awareness of playing demands/ level across the pathway, to help champion players and create a connected academy.
- Record and track all player development activities on the club Intelligence Platform (iP) to inform and consistently challenge the specific development programmes of our top talents.
- Ensure the highest possible standards with players and staff both on and off the field. Living the values of the club, championing our culture and modelling best practice in areas such as safeguarding, health and safety and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
- UEFA B License
- FA Youth Award
- FA EFAiF certificate
- FA Safeguarding children certificate
- A clear DBS check & history
- UK Driving License

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
- UEFA A License
- FA Advanced Youth Award
- Academic qualifications relating to sport, teaching or child development

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE
- Experience working Full time in a Category 1 Academy
- Academy and/ or Professional playing experience
- Understand Leeds united football club and its culture/ history

BEHAVIOURAL/ TECHNICAL ATTRIBUTES
- A strong knowledge of skill development underpinned by a deep understanding of the elite/ Premier league technical/ tactical requirements within the modern game
- Possesses a passion for talent development, has a strong work ethic and is motivated to work with and inspire young people/ players.
- Has strong personal values, demands high standards of themselves and others and has an attention to detail
- Works collaboratively, can offer and listen to opinion, always making decisions in the best interests of the players and the club.
How to apply: To apply for this role please complete our online form via this link: https://forms.office.com/e/qVuwt7YhTj