Join to apply for the Lead Academy Athletic Development Coach role at Crystal Palace Football Club
Job Location: Academy Training Ground BR3 1NZ
Contract Type: Full-time
Salary/ RO P: Competitive
Deadline: 5th October 2025
About this role
The Lead Academy Athletic Development Coach oversees the gym-based athletic development of players in the YDP and supports alignment into the PDP. The role is player-facing while also contributing to system design across both PDP and YDP phases, bridging between individual needs and broader player development. You will also contribute to the wider performance team strategy and ensure full compliance with Premier League standards.
Responsibilities
* Programming and Session Design
o Lead the design of the YDP gym-based athletic development programme.
o Assist the Head of Performance in designing the PDP gym-based athletic development.
o Assist the Head of Player Development in the management of YDP high-potential and transitional players.
o Lead innovation and development of research into the athletic development system.
* Delivery
o Assist delivery of PDP gym-based athletic development sessions.
o Deliver gym-based athletic development sessions for YDP teams.
o Assist pitch-based athletic development sessions for YDP teams as needed.
o Contribute to delivery of high-potential individual player programmes within YDP and PDP.
* Monitoring and Analysis
o Lead on Premier League fitness testing for YDP.
o Lead on delivery of departmental gym-based physical testing protocols for PDP and YDP.
o Manage, design and deliver screening and monitoring across YDP and PDP.
o Prepare and deliver longitudinal team and HPP load management reports to coaches and medical staff.
* Interdisciplinary Collaboration
o Lead weekly YDP technical coach, performance coach and medical meetings.
o Support PDP/YDP match day operations in collaboration with performance and medical staff.
* Management and Leadership
o Line manage undergraduate studentship programme.
o Mentor the masters studentship programme.
o Other duties and responsibilities as required by line manager.
o Upholding and promoting the Club’s policies and procedures, including Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities policies and procedures.
* Experience, Skills and Qualifications
o Postgraduate Degree in Strength & Conditioning or a related degree.
o CASES Sport and Exercise Scientist Accreditation.
o UKSCA Accreditation (or ability to obtain within 6 months).
o Current FA safeguarding and emergency aid certifications.
o Experience delivering within the framework outlined in the job requirements above.
o Expertise in long-term athlete development, growth and maturation.
o 3+ Years of experience leading athletic development in youth environments (YDP/PDP), preferably academy or elite sport.
o In-depth knowledge of the demands and position specific demands of football.
o Competence in performance profiling, data management, and applied performance technology (GPS, force plates, movement screening).
o Excellent communication with coaches, MDT, and players.
o Ability to manage and mentor staff/students.
Benefits
* Complimentary match day ticket
* Reward and Discount Scheme through our Tech Scheme and Simple Health app
* Health and Wellbeing benefit scheme
* 20% Discount in our Retail Stores
* Discounts in various gyms through GymFlex
* Volunteering Day - 1 Workday off to support a charity of your choice
* Travel Season Ticket loan
* Holiday allowance that increases every year of service
Equality and Safeguarding
Our commitment to Equality: Equality, Diversity & Inclusion is valued and promoted across the club. We are committed to attracting, recruiting, and retaining talented candidates and ensuring equal opportunity for everyone who engages with the club.
Reasonable Adjustment: We are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer. We guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. If you require disability-related adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact DLO@cpfc.co.uk. For more information on this vacancy, contact cpfc.recruitment@cpfc.co.uk.
Safeguarding: Crystal Palace Football Club is committed to safeguarding and ensuring welfare of children and vulnerable people. The post holder will be required to undergo relevant checks, including an Enhanced DBS.
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