Foundation Phase Lead Coach

Organisation: Stadium MK
Salary: 28000
Location: Milton Keynes
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 3 October 2025
Job Description: Job purpose: The Foundation Phase Lead is responsible for facilitating Recruitment, Coaching and Managing the players and staff at MK Dons Academy ages U8-U12. They will also support the transition of players from the Pre-Academy into the Foundation Phase alongside the Academy multi-disciplinary staff.

Role Competencies:

Planning Timescales:
• Manage the pathway (Training, Fixtures, Reviews, Development Plans and Feedback) for all players across the Academy age groups of U8-U12
• Ensure the Coaching syllabus and Coaching Methodology is implemented daily to prepare players for the Foundation Phase and transition to the Youth Development Phase.
• Plan, deliver & review coaching of Academy players through Individual Development Plans and formal reviews
• Plan, deliver & review the games programme for Foundation Phase players

Decision Making:
• Evaluation of player progress using internal auditing system and player depth charting (including reporting on trialists)
• Recruitment of new players using the internal auditing system evaluating the performances of all players across the Academy Principles and Competency Framework
Impact & Influence:
• To deliver and support delivery of Academy coaching sessions to the highest standards with a sharp focus on technical core skills
• To implement and lead Individual Development Plans for all players across age groups U9-U12
• Complete other tasks for the benefit of the organisation when required

Skill Level:
• To facilitate part-time coach delivery of Academy coaching sessions to a high standard.
• To assist with the practical delivery of the schoolboy programme

Communication:
• To accurately report and keep records relating to all aspects of the phase (U8-U12)
• To work closely with the coaching staff to ensure knowledge of all Academy players is communicated up and down the age groups
• Work closely with the Head of Coaching and regularly feedback from training and matches on individual progress / performance
• Accurate and Prompt communication of schedules

Budget Management:
• Be responsible for the condition and cleanliness of Academy equipment and report any faulty or broken equipment to Lead Phase Coach.
• Ensure the facility and equipment is left in a tidy and safe state for the next user.
Lead & Develop:
• To support the progression of players into and through the pathway with relevant members of staff. (working closely with other Lead Phase Coaches and the Multi-Disciplinary Team)
• To line manage and provide clear direction for part-time coaches working with players in the U8-U12 age groups. Including implementation of the appraisals (PDR’s) of all relevant staff
• Facilitate weekly multi-disciplinary meetings for the Foundation Phase

Operating Parameters:
• To attend and contribute to club CPD events
• To ensure that all relevant Football Intelligent Platform (FIP) administration is kept up to date for the Foundation Phase
• To monitor the use of video analysis ensuring best practice sessions/clips are available for FP coaches and players
Essential & Desirable Job Criteria:
o IT literate with a willingness to learn how to use all internal systems including the PMA effectively (E)
o Have a personable approach (E)
o Excellent communication and interpersonal service skills (E)
o Have a flexible attitude to work (E)
o Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team (E)
o Have a polite and courteous manner (E)
o Be organised, have good time management skills (E)
o The ability to meet deadlines (E)
o Be able to adapt to changing circumstances (E)
o Have the drive and enthusiasm to set high standards and achieve company objectives (E)
o Be prepared to work evenings and weekends (E)
o Compliant to company policies/procedures and regulations relating to your role in the Academy (E)
o Motivated to develop professionally and keeps accurate records that support the CCF and Coaching DAP (E)
o Experience of working in an Academy environment (E)
o Previous experience line managing and delegating tasks effectively (E)
o UEFA ‘B’ Licence Coaching Certificate (E)
o FA Learning Safeguarding Children Certificate (E)
o FA EFAiF (Fist Aid Certificate) (E)
o FA Youth Award (E)
o Full Driving Licence (E)

o D1 Category (Minibus) Driving Licence (D)
o UEFA ‘A’ Licence (D)
o FA Advanced Youth Award (FP) (D)
o

Safeguarding - We are committed to safeguarding and protecting children and young people (CYP) and at-risk Adults (ARA) Our expectation is that you will fully accept your responsibility for the safety and welfare of all CYP and ARA by being fully conversant with all our safeguarding policies and reporting anything that does not appear to be correct. The post maybe subject to an enhanced DBS check and yearly self-declarations.
Equality & Diversity – must be able to demonstrate that equality, diversity and inclusion will be maintained and developed across all programmes and areas of the business.
How to apply: To apply for this vacancy, please visit : https://irecruit.efl.com/vacancies/2199/foundation-phase-lead-coach.html