Cambridge United are recruiting for a Head of Coach Development to lead and enhance coaching across the Academy…
The successful candidate will lead the development of all Academy coaches, supporting them to fulfil their potential through the creation of a sustainable coach development model.
The role will also oversee the development, implementation and ongoing evolution of the Academy curriculum, coaching programme and playing philosophy, while managing and supporting the day-to-day performance of the Academy’s full-time coaching staff.
Key Job Outcomes:
- Undertake self-development to ensure knowledge in relation to all aspects of coaching and coach development is up to date and forward thinking
- Enrolment and commitment to the EHOC development Programme
- Professional Development Phase Coach, Youth Development Phase Coach, Foundation Phase Coach, Emerging Talent Coach (U14-U19) and Head of Academy Goalkeeping Coach staff appraisals and regular performance management
- Working closely with all Academy coaches, acting as mentor and developer, to ensure the Programme is being delivered to the highest possible standards and coaches develop to their potential
- Leading a Programme of continuing professional development and coach development plans for the full time and part time Academy coaches at the club to ensure the implementation of the Programme and their development
- To manage and continually develop the process for the evaluation of Academy players
- Provide a clear up to date training needs analysis (TNA) for every coach
- Observe coach performance and provide feedback to aid performance
- Ensure every coach has a personalized development action plan
- Implementing the Coach Competency Framework, specifically to the needs of Cambridge United
- Utilize external partners and governing bodies to help support the coach development Programme
- Ensure compliance with the necessary EPPP regulations with all Academy sessions, with a focus on the development of individual players
- Leading the continued development of the Academy’s coaching curriculum alongside the clubs coaching and playing philosophy
- Ensure that there is an age-appropriate approach to training and fixtures
- Work closely with relevant staff to ensure the coaching Programme is correctly aligned to individual player development
- Ensure all coaches hold the required mandatory qualifications and are in date with the licensing requirements
- Establish and maintain an agreed methodology of communication with coaches each week to ensure a collaborative approach
- Department reports prepared for Academy Management Teams upon request
- Fully contribute to Academy Management Team meetings, reporting back on agreed KPI’s
- Lead the annual publication of the coach’s handbook, detailing ways of working within the Academy
- Ensure players’ welfare and safeguarding is protected at all times
- Undertake administrative tasks related to the role, e.g. Kitman labs, database input
For more information and to view a full job description, please click here to view the Recruitment Pack.
To apply for the role, please complete our Application Form and submit it with your CV and Cover Letter via our Application Portal. The closing date for applications is Monday 25 May 2026.
Cambridge United FC is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a supportive and inclusive working environment in which all individuals can make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit.
We do not discriminate against staff on the basis of age, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religious or political belief or affiliation, trade union membership, gender, gender reassignment, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, sexual orientation, disability, socio-economic background or any other inappropriate distinction or characteristic covered by the Equality Act 2010.
