Cardiff City Academy is an integral part of the Club’s strategic vision. A fantastic opportunity has arisen to lead the Cardiff City Pre-Academy programme. The Pre-Academy is often a child’s first contact with the football club, and it is essential that this is a positive experience. With a focus on fun, expression, and exploration, a diluted form of the Academy blueprint will guide a largely technical approach. The successful candidate will be provided with support in their professional development by the Foundation Phase Lead, Head of Academy Recruitment, and Head of Coaching.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide engaging and life-enriching experiences for young players.
* Lead, manage, and coordinate the Pre-Academy programme across ages U6-U8, planning, delivering, and evaluating coaching sessions in line with the club’s game model and Academy Blueprint.
* Manage and periodically audit all Advanced Development Centres (ADC) to ensure consistent application of the Academy Blueprint.
* Serve as the main point of contact for all ADCs and oversee their constant development and evolution.
* Liaise with the Head of Academy Recruitment to identify and successfully transition talented players into the Academy in a timely manner.
* Facilitate a holistic learning environment and player-centered approach among all practice.
* Ensure a thorough working knowledge of the content and functions of the Academy Coaching Philosophy.
* Execute, monitor, and review player entry and exit throughout the Pre-Academy and work with the Head of Recruitment to identify and engage with high potential, local players to access the academy pathway.
* Facilitate an effective review process for the parents of players within the Pre-Academy, communicating progress and pathway development.
* Attend staff meetings as required (unless exceptional circumstances apply).
* Coaching will be a fundamental aspect of the role, which may involve some travel.
* Maintain current and up-to-date status with all work and communication involving the Pre-Academy.
* Adhere to a strict code of confidentiality regarding any information related to Cardiff City Football Club and its operation.
* Maintain Cardiff City Football Club’s Safeguarding, Health, Safety, and Equal Opportunity procedures and practice.
About The Candidate
Qualifications
* UEFA B Licence (or on the course)
* FA Youth Award (modules 1, 2, and 3)
* EFAiF First Aid
* Valid Enhanced Level DBS Certificate
* FA TiD Level 2 (or working towards)
* FA Advanced Youth Award
* UEFA A License
Experience
* Experience of working with young players in a Pre-Academy environment.
* Experience in young player recruitment and retention.
* Experience of working with young players within the Foundation Phase Academy age groups.
Knowledge
* Knowledge of the local football landscape and key contacts.
* Organized in planning, preparation, and execution of coordinated developmental activities.
* Demonstrable competency in effective reviewing of coaching sessions and fixtures.
* Ability to deliver information to players, staff, and parents through various means both on and off the field.
* Functional IT skills in relevant software.
* Ability to work across multiple functions of Player Management Application (PMA).
Skills
* Adaptability to be effective and efficient in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
* Strong communication skills in various settings.
* Ability to work as part of a broader multidisciplinary team.
* Open-minded approach to adopting best practices and current research-backed methods.
* Self-awareness and reflective skills as part of a continuous improvement process.
* Passionate and hardworking.
* Proactive ‘can-do’ approach to work and those around them.
* A person who shares our ‘we not me’ culture and ethic.
* Self-motivated within a team and capable of motivating those around them.
About The Club
Equality Statement
Cardiff City Football Club promotes equal opportunities in employment and positively welcomes 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.
Safer Recruitment Policy
Cardiff City Football Club operates a ‘safer recruitment policy’ and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, expecting all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appropriate reference checks and Enhanced Level Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks form a significant part of this recruitment process.
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