YDP Academy Coach

Organisation

Stockport County Football Club

Salary

7,980

Location

Stockport Sports Village

Contract type

(Part time)

Closing date

31 July 2026

Job Description

About Stockport County

Stockport County is a club on the rise. For the past 13 years, we've finished higher every season, climbing from the National League North to finishing 3rd in League One, which has built on our rich and storied history that dates to 1883.
With bold ownership, a strong leadership team, and a forward-thinking board, we're embarking on our next chapter of growth. This includes significant investments in renovating our stadium and training facilities, and the recent reinstatement of our academy, laying strong foundations for the future.

Beyond the pitch, Stockport is transforming into a vibrant cultural hub in the Northwest. Our town boasts a thriving and rapidly growing arts, entertainment, and culinary scene, making it an incredibly dynamic place to live and work. We're passionate about our town and the local community, specially creating opportunities for young Stopfordians to find opportunities and thrive.

With our rapid progression and shared trajectory, we believe we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Stockport County and the wider community to rise together and establish ourselves on both the national sporting and cultural stage.

Founded in 1883, Stockport County are one of the country’s longest established football clubs. Initially formed as Heaton Norris Rovers, the Club officially became Stockport County in 1890 after the County Borough of Stockport and have been based at Edgeley Park since 1902.

The team currently competes in Sky Bet League One, the third tier of the English Football League, after winning the 2023–24 Sky Bet League Two title.

Role Overview
We are seeking an enthusiastic YDP Coach to join our Academy team. The postholder will support the delivery of the coaching programme and the development of individuals technically, tactically, physically, and psycho-socially. The postholder will also be the lead coach in the respective Games Programme.

Key Responsibilities
• To plan and deliver training sessions in line with EPPP criteria, club policy and which fulfils the criteria set out in the Academy coaching and playing philosophy.
• Implement the club’s training programme, and all associated factors (e.g., equipment, duration, logistics) for PDP players in association with the PDP management and staff.
• To lead with the practical delivery of the scholarship programme and ensure sessions are delivered to a high standard.
• Develop individual players allowing all players to achieve their maximum potential.
• Ensure the Coaching syllabus and Coaching Methodology is implemented daily.
• To lead daily MDT planning meetings prior to session delivery
• To communicate effectively with the PDP Lead Coach and other supporting staff
• To lead in the monitoring and assessment of PDP players in training and in match performances.
• To undertake personal CPD as appropriate to meet the demands of the role.
• To lead 6-week player reviews and participate in individual player meetings alongside PDP assistant Coach
• To work alongside the MDT to develop your coaching and personal professional development.
• To attend meetings as directed by the Head of Coaching
• Always maintain honesty and integrity when working with all young players and staff at the Club.
• Communicate and promote the club’s culture therefore creating a positive environment for the development of young players and people.
• Always monitor the wellbeing of the players.

General Responsibilities
• Compliance with Club policies
• Compliance with the Club’s health and safety procedures
• Compliance with the Club’s safeguarding policies
• Undertake such other duties as may be reasonably expected.
• Always maintain professional conduct
• Engage in an integrated appraisal process.
• Ensure cohesion, conflict resolution and support management of individual players

Skills Required
• Able to identify, develop and support football talent.
• An understanding and ability to work within a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to solve tactical problems within a competitive and fast-moving environment.
• A clear sense of purpose to drive actions and inspire innovations amongst staff.
• Set and maintain a high standard of work performance, delivering quality consistently and effectively.
• Plan around fixed deadlines, display excellent problem-solving skills, initiative & sensitivity.
• Possess communication skills that are clear, engaging, and responsive to the target audience.
• Develop networks, create, and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrate a strong knowledge of football tactics, player fitness and development.
• Strong IT skills with the ability to use e-mail, Excel, Word and FIP to a high standard

Knowledge and Qualifications Required
• Professional qualification at UEFA B-Licence level and Advance Youth Award
• Fully licensed FA Coach committed to annual CPD to maintain licence.
• Strong knowledge of football at relevant levels in terms of tactics, fitness, and player development.
• An understanding of a range of teaching / learning styles to optimise the development of young players and of learning overtime rather than band aid coaching.
• An understanding of optimal playing environments to develop young players in academy football.
• An understanding of the holistic approach to developing well rounded players and young adults.

Experience Required
• Coaching and/or Management of Players and Staff within professional football environments. Preferably with players in the YDP.
• Experience in delivering the method of team training scenarios (Setting tactical problems with one team for the opposite team to solve).

Personal Attributes
• Highly self-motivated with the ability to motivate others.
• Willingness to be flexible in approach to achieve targets and successful outcomes.
• Pro-active and engaging management style
• High work commitment
• Energy and enthusiasm
• Adaptable and curious

To apply, please send your CV and Cover Letter to Lee.fletcher@stockportcounty.com
Preferred Start Date: 8th August 2026

Stockport County Promotes equal opportunities in employment and we positively welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
We will screen all applicants and select candidates whose skills and experience seem to meet our needs. We will carefully consider your application during the initial screening and will contact you only if you are selected for an interview. Employment is subject to the provision of proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
Safeguarding: Safeguarding at Stockport County Football Club is everyone’s responsibility, and we strive to ensure it is the golden thread through all the work we do.
As part of our commitment to safeguarding children, young people and adults who engage in any club activities, all posts (including interns and volunteers) are subject to relevant background checks before an offer of employment is confirmed. This includes appropriate references, DBS and right to work checks.
Stockport County Football Club is committed to diversity, equality, and inclusion. If you think you would be suited to one of our roles, we welcome your application regardless of your background. Our goal is to create an inclusive and supportive workplace where every employee feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.

How to apply

To apply, please send your CV and Cover Letter to Lee.fletcher@stockportcounty.com Preferred Start Date: 8th August 2026

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