Youth Development Phase (YDP) Coach

Organisation: Swansea City AFC
Salary: Competitive
Location: Swansea
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 3 July 2026
Job Description: JOB TITLE Youth Development Phase (YDP) Coach
DEPARTMENT Academy
RESPONSIBLE TO Head of Academy Coaching (direct), Youth Development Phase Lead Coach
SALARY Competitive
CONTRACT Full-time, 40 hours a week
WORK FLEXIBILITY The position will involve working irregular hours; evenings, weekends and bank holidays)
Purpose of Role
Responsible for the coaching, development and wellbeing of players within the YDP. Aiming to develop the players technically, tactically, physically and psychosocially in line with the Academy’s Player Development Philosophy. The role consists of on-pitch coaching, reviewing training and matches, player monitoring and close collaboration with the wider multidisciplinary team.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES
Personal Growth
• Undertake self-development to ensure knowledge in relation to all aspects of your role is up-to-date and forward thinking.
• Build strong working relationships throughout the academy and broader club and network.

Coaching & Player Development
• Plan, deliver and review high-quality person-centred training sessions for a YDP age group.
• Lead and manage match day duties, including team selection, tactical preparation, squad management, post-match feedback and match report completions.
• Support individual players development through the Individual Development Plan (IDP) process, tracking their targets throughout the season.
• Contribute to Player Development meetings to ensure that all players have a plan to aid their development in each mesocycle.
• Adapt coaching style and content to support players through physical, emotional and social changes whilst they move through adolescence.

Planning & Administration
• Produce session plans, periodised schedules and progress reports to support individual player development.
• Maintain accurate records of player attendance and activity, utilising the Kitman Labs system.
• Work with the Analysis department to gather footage of players to support review meetings.

Collaboration & Communication
• Work closely with coaches within the Youth Development Phase to ensure coherent and consistent messages are delivered to parents and players.
• Collaborate closely with sports science, medical, education, player care and safeguarding to ensure a holistic approach to player and person development.
• Communicate effectively and appropriately with players, parents/guardians and schools regarding development, behaviour and welfare matters.

Safeguarding & Compliance
• Promote and safeguard the welfare of all children and young people in line with the club’s safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Act as a positive role model, maintaining high standards of professionalism and confidentiality at all times.
• Ensure compliance with Youth Development rules set out by the EPPP.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Essential
• Minimum UEFA B Licence
• Enhanced DBS check and up to date Safeguarding Children certification
• Valid Level 2 Emergency First Aid qualification (i.e FRS or EFAiF)
• Experience of coaching in an elite academy environment
• Strong understanding of long-term player development models, especially players moving through adolescence.
Desirable
• UEFA A Licence
• FA Advanced Youth Award
• Coaching or Sport Science degree
• Full UK Driving License

General Accountabilities
• Continue to challenge, learn and set standards within the coaching department
• Creative and open-minded
• Being proactive in organization
• Attentive to detail and driven to succeed
• To always maintain a flexible approach to work
• To build and maintain good working relationships both internally and externally

CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK REQUIREMENT

This role will require an Enhanced DBS Check.

GENERAL STATEMENT
Should an adequate number of applications be received prior to the closing date, Swansea City AFC reserve the right to remove this advert.

Due to a high demand in applications the Club will be unable to respond to those applicants who have not been shortlisted for interview.

SAFEGUARDING & WELFARE
The Company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people involved in activities and event at the Company. As part of the Company’s recruitment and selection process any offers of work involving working in regulated activity with children are subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS Disclosure and barred list check (depending on the level of supervision, frequency, and nature of contact with children).

The Company may also conduct online searches of candidates who have been shortlisted as part of its safer recruitment procedures. Appropriate references will be required.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT
Swansea City AFC strives to ensure it provides an environment where everyone's rights, dignity and individual worth is respected and takes a zero-tolerance approach to any form of discrimination. Equal Opportunity is an integral part of our recruitment and selection process, and we welcome applications from all individuals who feel they meet the core requirements of the role.

We are particularly encouraging applications from women, disabled people and individuals from diverse ethnic communities who are currently under-represented within the
organisation.

All appointments will be made on merit of skill and experience relative to the role.
How to apply: https://irecruit.efl.com/vacancies/2996/youth-development-phase-ydp-coach.html