SUW U21 Head Coach

Organisation: Sheffield United Football Club
Salary: Dependent on Experience
Location: Sheffield United Training Academy, Shirecliffe, Sheffield
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 17 June 2025
Job Description: Contract Type: Full Time
Hours: 40 Hours Per Week
Location: Sheffield United Training Academy, Sheffield Hallam Sports Park and various opposition clubs
Line Manager: Academy Manager
Salary: Dependent on experience
Post Reference: SUW062025-P21HC

To apply, please complete our official application form, found on our website's vacancy page.

Sheffield United Football Club are seeking a driven and experienced Head Coach to manage the coaching and matchday programme for our Under-21 PGA team. This key role will focus on supporting the transition of Academy players into the First Team by implementing the Club's Game Model and maintaining the high standards expected across all levels of the football department.

The successful candidate will play a central role in creating a high-performance environment and values-led culture, ensuring that players are technically, tactically, physically, and mentally equipped to meet the demands of professional football while aligning with the identity and principles of Sheffield United FC.

Key Role Responsibilities:

-Deliver the Club's Game Model, in conjunction with the coaching framework.
-Manage the Under 21s fixture programme, ensure the team is set up to compete in all fixtures.
-Provide leadership, in conjunction with the Academy Manager to the Under 21s MDT staff.
-Deliver pre and post-match team and individual analysis, in line with the club framework.
-Work closely with the 1st Team technical staff, and observe training, analysis etc. In order to ensure the Club's Game Model, Standards and ways of working is successfully implemented at Under 21s level.
-Support the Academy Manager with the delivery of coaching and training sessions other than the Under 21s squad, as requested by the Academy Manager.
-Work with the Academy Operations Manager to ensure appropriate communication of schedule (times/dates) at which specific elements of the coaching programme and match day programme will be delivered (and any amendments to this schedule).
-Implement and maintain Club appropriate standards, practices and procedures, referred to as 'The Blades Way', for the safe and effective operation of the Under 21s Squad. Creating a high-performance environment and values-based culture that maximises the potential of players and staff.
-Establish and maintain, through the use of Kitman Labs and other club systems, the comprehensive and up-to date records of players within the Under 21s squad.
-Lead on the footballing IDP's for all Under 21s players, delivering them to players/parents in line with the Academy programme.
-Work with the Academy medical team in relation to the fitness and medical treatment of all players in the Under 21s squad.
-Work with the Academy S&C team in relation to all sports science and physical performance matters relating to the Under 21s squad.
-Work with the Academy Player Support team (Safeguarding, Player Care, Education and Psychology) in relation to all relevant Player Care, Wellbeing and Safeguarding matters relating to the Under 21s squad.
-Make recommendations regarding the recruitment / retention or otherwise of youth players in the Under 21s squad, and in cooperation with the Clubs Technical Board, Academy Manager and 1st Team Head Coach.
-Create and maintain a positive relationship with all local/regional clubs to provide dual registration and stretching opportunities for players.
-Regularly attend, and positively contribute towards the Clubs Technical Board, Academy Leadership Team and Academy Operational Group, providing reports as and when required.

Club Wide Responsibilities:

-Act and behave at all times to project a proper professional image of Sheffield United Football Club and act in the best interests of the Club.
-Carry out/take part in training requests and CPD as directed by the Club.
-Any other reasonable requests as directed by management.
-Adhere to all Sheffield United Football Club's Safeguarding Policies and Procedures to foster an environment which protects from harm those defined as children and adults at risk.
-Report any concerns of a Safeguarding nature to the relevant parties and remain fully compliant with any applicable Safeguarding checks and due diligence and recognise your responsibility to the Club's Safeguarding agenda.
-Report any concerns of discrimination to the relevant parties and promote a welcoming and inclusive club environment for all.
-Adhere to the Club's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies, supporting the Club to create an environment which is inclusive and all-encompassing.

Essential Criteria:

-UEFA B Licensed Coach.
-FA Licensed Coach (Member of the Licensed Coaches Club)
-Experience of and enthusiasm for coaching mentoring elite youth players and/or coaches.
-Track record of producing high performing youth players who have reached First Team Level.
-Empathy with young players with an ability to inspire
-Excellent communication skills with the ability to build meaningful, strong strategic relationships with club staff at all levels including 1st team
-Understanding of learning, development and high performance with a proven ability to create optimum learning environments for players.
-Awareness of diversity and equality challenges in football
-Empathy and commitment to the long-term development of the game
-Strong existing relationships within the Academy Network.
-Completion of an Enhanced DBS check upon offer acceptance.

Desirable Criteria:

-UEFA A Licensed Coach.
How to apply: Application Process Please download and save the application form before inputting information. If you require a paper copy please contact the HR department careers@sufc.co.uk or call 0114 253 7200. Completed application forms must be submitted via email to careers@sufc.co.uk stating the vacancy title in the subject or posted to HR, Sheffield United Football Club, Bramall Lane, Sheffield, S2 4SU. Closing Date: Tuesday 17th June 2025 Please note that in the instance of high volumes of applications we may close this vacancy earlier than the closing date noted above. Sheffield United Application Form Please download and save the application form before inputting information. Eligibility for Employment in the UK In accordance with current legislative requirements the successful applicant must produce documentary verification of their eligibility to work in the UK and will not be allowed to start work until this has been received. Equality and Diversity Sheffield United 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. Sheffield United FC are a Disability Confident Committed Employer. If you would like further information regarding the scheme and how we are able to support disabled persons within the workplace, then please contact our HR team at careers@sufc.co.uk Safer Recruitment Sheffield United FC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. The successful applicant will be required to undertake appropriate safeguarding checks as well as providing proof of right to work in the UK. For further information on the Club's Safeguarding Statement please access the following link: sufc.co.uk/club/policies/safeguarding-policy