Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:

Academy Coach

DEPARTMENT:

Academy

REPORTS TO:

Academy Lead Phase Coach / Head of Coaching

LOCATION:

Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground, Compton Park

HOURS:

37.5 hours per week, exact hours and days to be agreed, flexibility in this role is essential as


it includes evening and weekend work

DATE:

January 2026

We are Wolves. Progressive, determined, bright, unified and humble. A pack that is hungry for

success. Wolves is one of the fastest growing professional football clubs in the UK, and also boasts

one of the richest histories in the beautiful game.

Formed in 1877, Wolves was a founder member of the Football League, and was one of the


country's most successful sides in the fifties and sixties. During a two decade spell the Black


Country's most decorated side won three First Division titles and one of its four FA Cups.




Fast forward 70 years and Wolves are back amongst football's elite, in the Premier League for an


eighth successive season; but now we compete as a sports and entertainment business across


multiple brand verticals. As a challenger club, Wolves dare to be different, which is why creating


world class propositions in esports, fashion and music are all part of our ambitious plans.




At Wolves, we don't simply look to the future, we seize it.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and

adults at risk. We expect all colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment. This means that

the post-holder is required to apply all relevant policies and uphold the Club's commitment to

safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk

_____________________________________________________________

Job purpose

To be responsible for leading the coaching provision across an Academy age group, working


alongside the Phase Lead Coach, and Head of Coaching in the organisation and delivery of coaching


and games programme in line with the Coaching Competency Framework, Staff Development Plans,


Players ILP's, and Academy Training Needs Analysis. This will include delivery of all KPIs, as required


by the EPPP programme. In addition, the successful candidate will support all players within the


phase across the 4 corners (Technical/Tactical, Physical, Psychological, Social).

_____________________________________________________________

Key responsibilities

Be an ambassador of the W.O.L.V.E.S culture and philosophy. Lead the coaching provision and manage the multi-disciplinary team for an age group within
the Academy.
To be responsible for, and working alongside the Phase Lead Coach, and Head of Coaching in
the organisation, implementation of the Coaching Competency Framework, Players ILP's,


and having a major influence on the analysis & delivery of the Academy Coaching Philosophy


and individual pathway plan.
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Working with the Phase Lead Coach to ensure that all squads operate in accordance with
FA/FAPL and PL rules and regulations i.e. FAPL/PL Reporting, Team sheets.
Review of all sessions and information on the online management tool (FIP), relevant for
your age group.
Co-ordinate 6-weekly multi-disciplinary reviews for each player. To be committed to attend and deliver when required on the coach development
days/evenings as part of your continual professional development.Support with the organisation and delivery of the Coaching and Games Programme if your
age group/phase in line with Wolves values and behaviours.
A clear understanding of the Club Philosophy and Academy Performance Plan. Multi-disciplinary communication to ensure the well-being and holistic development of
Academy Players specific to your age group/phase.
Implementing and maintaining the Premier League's 'Elite Player Performance Plan' (EPPP)
rules and regulations for your specific age group/phase.
To ensure administration duties linked to management of player development is met. To work and support with the recruitment team to identify potential players for the
Academy programme.
To work and support across the U9-U16 Academy programme to ensure alignment is being
met in accordance with club philosophy and development.
To work and support in the delivery of the Development Centre training and Games
programme.
To support and deliver on any club in service CPD events linked to the role.

Coaching Responsibilities

Plan, deliver and evaluate every coaching session in accordance with the Club Philosophy,
Coaching Plan and Coach Competency Framework.
Along with relevant support staff, ensure that the training programme is clearly planned
with clear objectives on a Macro, Meso and Micro level.
Document each session plan prior to delivery of the coaching session, including individual
and team key coaching points and learning objectives for each player using the Football


Intelligence Platform (FIP).
Evaluate coaching sessions, documenting achievement of learning objectives on the FIP. Through effective planning and delivery, ensure that all individual and team learning
objectives are linked to the Club Philosophy.
Plan each coaching session in accordance with the individual player and team requirements
of the Sports Science and Medicine departments.
Ensure that the Performance Clock is maintained and updated daily for each player on the
FIP, reflecting all training and game information.
Ensure all sessions are delivered with a compliant approach to Health and Safety.
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Develop and maintain a positive learning environment to maximise each players learning
potential in line with the requirements of the Coach Competency Framework.
To ensure that equipment is sufficient and safe for training and ensure that all equipment is
correctly put away following training.To be committed to the Coach Mentoring programme, involving video and written
assessment as part of your continual professional development.

Match Day

Ensure that all teams play in line with the Club Football Philosophy Guide. To support with the organising and delivery of the Club's Games Programme. Document Match Day planning and evaluation using the FIP and Hudl analysis tool. Responsibility for co-ordinating the team sheets and match arrangements on match days. Document individual and team key coaching points in each Match Day plan that are linked to the
Club Football Philosophy and individual player aims on the FIP and Hudl analysis tool.
Evaluation of the player's performance against the players individual aims. Emphasise individual and team learning objectives during pre-match, half time and post-match
team talks and player interaction.
Ensure a warmup and cool down is conducted on each Match Day according to the Academy
Coaching Programme.
Evaluate all matches, documenting achievement of learning objectives or action plan for next
coaching session/Match Day.
Ensure that the Performance Clock is maintained and updated daily for each player on the FIP,
reflecting all training information.
Exhibit touchline behaviour according to the Coach Competency Framework.

Performance Reviews

Coordinate Player Performance Reviews for each player, involving MDT staff. Link Player Performance Reviews and individual learning plans to the learning outcomes of
the Academy Coaching Programme.
Maintain all Performance Review information on the FIP and the Hudl analysis tool.

General Duties

Work with the Lead Phase Coach, and Head of Coach & Player Development to ensure
individual coach development plan is in place with the appropriate CPD programme and


coach competency framework is being met.
Attend special events, dinners, induction seminars To attend National and International tours, tournaments and events across the programme.
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To ensure and maintain coaching qualifications and CPD hours are met. Carry out any other reasonable duties.

_____________________________________________________________

General responsibilities

Compliance with Club policies


Compliance with the Club's health and safety procedures


Compliance with the Club's safeguarding policies


To promote the Club's values of progressive, humble, determined, bright and unified


To work consistently to embed equality & diversity into the Club


To undertake such other duties as may be reasonably expected


To maintain professional conduct at all times

_____________________________________________________________

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

The post holder will demonstrate a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion,


supporting the organisation's strategic aims to remove barriers and address inequality. You will play


an active role in promoting an inclusive, discrimination-free environment that ensures fair access to


opportunities and resources. This includes fostering a culture of dignity, respect, and belonging


where everyone is empowered to contribute, perform, and reach their full potential.

_____________________________________________________________

Safeguarding Statement

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults


at risk. We expect all those associated with WWFC to share this commitment. This means that the


post-holder is required to apply all relevant policies and uphold the Club's commitment to


safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk.

__________________________________________________________

Key relationships

Academy Director Head of Academy Operations Head of Coach & Player Development Lead Phase Coach Age Group Academy Coaches Support Age Group Coach Lead Academy Goalkeeping Coaches Multi-disciplinary Team(s)
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Recruitment Staff Football Administration Department To ensure positive relationships with players, parents and host families

_____________________________________________________________

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Job Title: Academy Coach

Knowledge: the level and breadth of knowledge to do the job e.g. understanding of a defined system,


method or procedure, legal or regulatory frameworks etc


Essential


An understanding of Safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk and wellbeing


considerations.


Previous experience of working and leading a phase within an elite football academy environment.


A proven track record of developing youth players within the EPPP system.


A Licenced member of Football Association Coaches Club.


Understanding of maturation and long-term athletic development.


A strong understanding of key organisational and operational requirements, including safeguarding,


HR and Health & Safety.


Experience of working within an Academy multi-disciplinary team, to develop SMART targets.


Knowledge and experience of reflective practice and personal development.


An understanding of elite player behaviour and psychological aspects.





Desirable





Experience at a Category 1 EPPP Academy.





Technical/work-based skills: skills specific to the job e.g. language competence, typing skills, coaching skills


etc


Essential


Ability and experience to be able to work across the Academy Age Group Phases.


Good understanding technical demands of elite football.


Ability to connect with Academy players.


Understand of appropriate coaching strategies.


Ability to provide reflective feedback using FIP/Hudl.





General skills and attributes: more general characteristics e.g. flexibility, communication skills, team working


etc


Essential


Understanding of how to work safely with children, young people and adults at risk to uphold


Safeguarding best practice.


Understanding of how to work safely with children and/or vulnerable adults and uphold generally


accepted practice when working with those participants.


Promote, adhere to and implement the Club's Equality Policy and to work consistently to embed


equality and diversity within Club.


Understanding of how to work safely with children and/or vulnerable adults and uphold generally


accepted practice when working with those participants.


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Can work effectively within a team environment and independently.


Excellent interpersonal skills.


Ability to effectively liaise with players, parents, coaches, staff and senior management, including


being able to deal effectively with situations/tasks, in both a methodical and creative way.


Strong communication and public engagement skills.


Availability for flexible working hours.


Proven record of commitment to a long-term project.


Takes responsibility for always ensuring a high quality of work.


A genuine team player who leads from the front and will support and motivate other members of


the team.


An adaptive individual who can cope well under high pressure situations.


A proven ability to multi-task and manage multiple projects.


Hardworking and enthusiastic.


A good understanding of how to use Microsoft Office.


Experience: proven record of experience in a particular field, profession or specialism.





Essential


Proven experience in an Academy.


Member of F.A. Licensed Coaches Club


Working with children and/or vulnerable adults





Desirable


Proven experience in a similar coaching role. (I.e Academy Football)





Qualifications: the level of educational, professional and/or occupational training required





Essential


This position is subject to a satisfactory DBS check. The successful candidate must have a clear and


appropriate DBS certificate in place prior to commencing employment, in line with our safeguarding


obligations


FA Advanced Youth Award


UEFA B Licence


FA Youth Award


Up to date FA Emergency First Aid Certificate


Post-holder must hold or obtain at the earliest opportunity the relevant safeguarding training (i.e.


FA Safeguarding Children Workshop)





Desirable


UEFA A Licence


Associate degree (college diploma or above)





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