Academy Coach

Be part of our journey...

Academy Coach (Professional Player to Coach Scheme)

Hours: Full time (no set hours)

Location: Staplewood Training Ground

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract for 23 months

Criminal Record Check: DBS Enhanced with Child's Barred List

In partnership with the Premier League, Southampton Football Club aim to improve the diversity of football coaches in the professional game to make this area more representative of society and our playing population. As part of our commitment to increasing the number of highly skilled and diverse coaches, we are proud to be able to support the Professional Player to Coach Scheme, providing a high-quality fixed-term employment and development opportunity for one aspiring coach.

The Role

Southampton FC aim to identify and recruit a high potential former professional player and aspiring coach on a 23-month fixed-term employment opportunity. Our Academy he will act as the 'base' of employment and the individual will work across a variety of football functions within the club to broaden their learning experience. The successful candidate will divide their time between their Southampton FC employment and their individual development plan which includes enrolment to the Premier League's Coach Development Programme.

This scheme will include coaching Academy age groups, observations across Academy departments, and working in collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams to support the individual development of Academy players. Successful applicants will enter the Premier League's Coach Development Programme which is accredited by Leeds Beckett University. Upon successful completion of the programme, coaches will receive a Diploma in Professional Football Coaching. The development programme includes mentoring, workshops, peer learning, projects, and need-led access to FA/UEFA coaching qualifications.

This is a positive action scheme aimed at addressing some currently under-represented groups within the English professional football coaching workforce. PPCS is open to PFA members who are Men and Women from Black, South-Asian and Mixed Heritage backgrounds. Applications will only be accepted from individuals from these backgrounds.

The role will commence in the season, starting in July/ August 2024.

Is this you?

We are looking for a former professional player and PFA member who has the drive to become a football coach in English professional football, to help individual players and teams to successfully develop and perform. In addition to this, you must have the passion to create engaging learning environments for players whilst being fully committed to fulfilling the duty of care for children, young people, and adults in a healthy, high performing environment.

This individual requires excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with others. Furthermore, you have resilience for the everyday rigours of high-performance football environments.

Essential Experience

PFA member

Must not have previous experience of holding a full-time coaching role in a Premier League or EFL club.

Essential Qualifications

UEFA B Licence

Current FA Safeguarding Certificate (Prior to commencing role)

Emergency First Aid Certificate (Prior to commencing role)

How this benefits you...

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

Access to x2 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?

Applications are welcome from male and female PFA members from Black, South-Asian and Mixed Heritage backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments will be made for any applicant with a disability, and these should be requested directly to

To apply, just click the apply button, enter your details, and answer a quick pre-screening questionnaire, then attach your CV and a covering letter that addresses the following criteria:

Please demonstrate in your covering letter of no more than one page, that you meet each of the criteria for this role and the Professional Player to Coach Scheme.

Why you are attracted to the PPCS, and your ambitions for this specific role?

Why have you specifically identified Southampton FC as your club of choice for PPCS and to develop your coaching skills?

How does PPCS fit into your career plan, and the personal and professional development you have undertaken to prepare yourself for this role?

How would your unique expertise positively impact upon the club, and the players we support?

Southampton FC will only consider applications from PFA members who are Men and Women coaches from Black, South-Asian and Mixed Heritage backgrounds.

The closing date for applications is Friday 31st May 2024.

RQ-027586