Job Description

Derby County are seeking to recruit an experienced Assistant U18 Coach to join the Academy Coaching Department at Moor Farm Training Centre.

Working for Derby County Football Club offers a unique opportunity to be part of one of England's most historic and passionately supported clubs. With a proud legacy, a dedicated fan base, and an exciting vision for the future, Derby County offers a dynamic and rewarding work environment both on and off the pitch. Whether you're joining the team in coaching, administration, marketing, or operations, you'll be contributing to a culture rooted in ambition, community, and progress. Employees benefit from a collaborative work environment and opportunities for professional development.

The successful candidate will play a key role in the Professional Development Phase at our Category One Academy, supporting the delivery of the Academy programme to the Under-18 age group and assisting the U18 Lead Coach on a daily basis. Working in alignment with the Academy vision and Game Craft Model, the role supports all operational and developmental aspects of the programme, contributing to a high-performance environment that nurtures player development.

Key Role Responsibilities:

Act as a key stakeholder in players' holistic development within the U18s.

Plan, deliver, and review training in line with the Academy Game Craft Model.

Support all U18 fixtures, including in-game analyst communication to achieve team and individual goals.

Maintain accurate player data and notes on Kitman Labs.

Assist the Lead Coach with team and individual analysis.

Contribute to MDT meetings to address player needs across all disciplines.

Support players' Individual Development Plans and holistic growth.

Help deliver the scholar education and life-skills programme.

Participate in player reviews with accurate objective and subjective data.

Support the retain and release process per club policies.

Build strong links with First Team, U21, and YDP staff to aid player transitions.

Undertake additional coaching tasks across Academy age groups.

Engage in personal CPD and follow your Development Action Plan per the Coach Competency Framework.

Promote good practice and challenge poor practice where identified.

Essential Personal characteristics and experience:

Experience of coaching within a Category 1 academy in the PDP

Experience in using the Performance Management Application (PMA)

Experience working as part of a Multi-Disciplinary Team

Ability to manage and motivate a team

Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively across all levels

Ability to organise, schedule and adapt work tasks to meet conflicting deadlines and respond to changing situations

Knowledge of the football recruitment process

Confidence and assertiveness

Team player

Committed to creating and upholding high standards

Qualifications:

Essential

UEFA A License

FA Youth Award

FA Advanced Youth Award

FA Level 2 Emergency Aid in Football

FA Safeguarding Children Certificate

Desirable

UEFA Pro License

Salary is competitive, dependent on experience.

This is a full-time role, and due to the demands of professional football, there is a requirement for weekend and evening work, as well as regular national travel.

Who are Derby County...

Derby County Football Club, established in 1884, is one of the founder members of the English Football League and has a rich and varied history, including two First Division titles in 1972 and 1975 and an FA Cup success in 1946. The club are currently playing in the Sky Bet Championship, the second tier of English Football following their promotion from League One in the 2023/24 season and is under the management of Head Coach John Eustace. The club also boasts a successful and respected Category One Academy, a status which has been held since 2014, and a Women's side competing in the FA Women's National League Northern Premier Division. Derby County recently embarked on an exciting new era following the change in ownership to Clowes Developments (UK) Limited, in the summer of 2022. Our track record of producing talent is outstanding, and we intend to protect that proud legacy, investing in key roles within the club to build on the foundations in place for success.

Everything we do as a Club is built around the three pillars of stability, integrity and progress. Our core values are:

We are proud of who we are and what we do

We are positive, inspired and passionate

We are ambitious and driven

We are prepared, honest and humble

We are the heartbeat of our community

We are the club of opportunity

Derby County employee benefits include:

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Two complimentary staff season tickets

Two complimentary staff away memberships, subject to availability

20% discount at DCFC Megastore

Company Pension with Aviva

Discounts with select Club partners and sponsors

Healthshield Cash Health Plan to support employee health and well-being and Perks for great deals and discounts

Participating in our employee forum, 'The Herd' and Staff Events!

Training and development opportunities

Access to programmes and volunteering opportunities with Derby County Community Trust

Subsidised lunchtime meals at Moor Farm

How to apply...

Derby County Football Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

As part of the Club's commitment to providing a safe environment for children and young people, applicants should be aware that this post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Criminal Record Check.

Derby County Football Club is an Inclusive Club for all and is committed to Equality and Diversity.

To apply for this role, please complete an application form, which can be found HERE.

Alternatively, please copy and paste - http://thera.ms/apply - to your chosen browser.

More information can be found at https://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/jobsandcareers

The closing date for receipt of applications is

Wednesday, 12 November 2025

. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early.

Strictly no agencies, please.

Derby County Football Club's Job Applicant Privacy Policy can be found at dcfc.co.uk.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person