Academy Coach

Organisation: Southampton Football Club
Salary: Competitive
Location: Southampton
Contract type
Closing date: 28 May 2026
Job Description: Be part of our journey...
Location: Staplewood Campus

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Permanent

Criminal Record Check: DBS Enhanced with Childs Barred List

What is the role?

We are seeking an Academy Coach to lead and manage the planning, delivery and ongoing evaluation of an age-specific coaching programme including, age specific curriculum delivery, individual development plans, player assessment and interdisciplinary review and planning.

What will you be doing?

You will lead the delivery of an age-specific coaching programme, ensuring it aligns with the Academy methodology and the club-wide game model. A key part of your role will involve delivering and reviewing interdisciplinary individual development plans for players, tailored to age-specific needs and in line with the club’s Player Profiles. You will also take ownership of the player review process, leading interdisciplinary meetings and ensuring all relevant TMA tasks are completed for your designated age group.

In this role, you will be responsible for producing detailed reports and maintaining accurate, up-to-date records on both individual and team progress, as required by the Tactical Development Manager and Academy Leadership Team. You will implement an effective feedback and review programme, working closely with players and their families to monitor development and provide ongoing support. Building strong, positive relationships through clear and consistent communication with parents and key stakeholders will be essential.

You will play a leading role in supporting the wellbeing of players, working collaboratively with the Player Care department to ensure each individual is fully supported both on and off the pitch. Attendance at Academy games will be a regular expectation, where you may lead or assist across various age groups as needed.

Additionally, you will contribute to cross-departmental projects aimed at enhancing the use of data and video as feedback tools for both staff and players. You will support the Tactical Development Manager in delivering internal education initiatives for staff, players, and parents, and share relevant resources through Academy platforms.

As part of a collaborative Academy environment, you may also be required to carry out other reasonable duties, including working across different age groups within your phase or across the wider Academy.

Is this you?

To be the ideal candidate for this role you will have good leadership and interpersonal skills that allow you to build and maintain relationships with players and staff across the club. You are able to manage your workload proactively whilst taking an innovative approach to developing elite talent with the ability to demonstrate a strong level of technical and tactical football knowledge and game understanding

Essential Skills and Experience

UEFA B Licence
FA Advanced Youth Award (or working towards)
Undergraduate degree in sports coaching, sports science, performance analysis, or related subject (desirable)
Minimum of three years experience within Academy or International Youth coaching environment at relevant age groups.
Experience of performance analysis or another discipline within an academy setting at relevant age groups.
Depth and quality of experience within individual player development in coaching setting.
Ability to demonstrate a strong level of technical and tactical football knowledge and game understanding
Experience in leading and developing a phase and/or team of staff in an Academy environment
Track record of developing elite talent
How this benefits you…

If you are successful, you can look forward to a healthy benefits package;

Access to 2 free match tickets for every home league game
Access to our staff Health & Wellbeing initiatives (Mental & Physical Health).
Discounted Southampton Football Club merchandise.
25 days’ holiday per year excluding bank holidays plus your birthday off each year.
Contributory Pension Scheme.
Worldwide Travel Insurance for you and your family.
Learning & Development opportunities - supporting you to develop your potential and achieve in your career.
Free onsite parking.
Cycle to Work Scheme.
Collaborative & inclusive working culture.
How can I apply?

Just click on the apply button and enter your details.

Please Note: We are using masked recruitment for this role. Please make sure you complete all required fields with as much detail as possible as uploaded CVs will not be viewable in the first stage.

The closing date for this role is 28 May 2026.

*We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if a high volume of applicants are received. *

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect everyone to share this commitment. You will be required to adhere to all relevant policies and uphold the Club’s commitment to safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk and to ensure that Southampton Football Club is free from discrimination and harassment.

The post holder will demonstrate a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, supporting the organisation’s strategic aims to remove barriers and address inequality. You will play an active role in promoting an inclusive, discrimination-free environment that ensures fair access to opportunities and resources. This includes fostering a culture of dignity, respect, and belonging where everyone is empowered to contribute, perform, and reach their full potential.
How to apply: https://saintsfc.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/SFC001/job/Staplewood-Campus/Academy-Coach_RQ-037550