JOB TITLE: Head of Coaching (U12-U15)
LOCATION: Cobham Training Ground
CONTRACT: Permanent – 40 hours across any 7 days
The Opportunity
This is a key leadership role within the Academy, responsible for driving high‑quality coach and player development across the Youth Development Phase (U12–15). Working closely with the Head of Coach Development and Academy Manager, you will shape and deliver a coaching programme aligned to the Chelsea Way, ensuring consistency, progression, and excellence across training and games. A core element of the role is developing and supporting coaches through mentoring, observation, and feedback, raising coaching standards and enhancing the long‑term development of academy players within an elite environment.
Closing date: 24th April
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and manage the U12–15 coaching programme, ensuring high‑quality training, games, staffing, and operational delivery
* Oversee player development through structured review processes, talent management, transitions, and clear parent/guardian communication
* Develop and support coaches through individual development plans, mentoring, reflective practice, and the Chelsea Learning Methodology
* Co‑construct and deliver Academy CPD provision in partnership with the Head of Coach Development
* Lead weekly phase meetings and debriefs to embed a strong culture of reflection and continuous improvement
* Foster strong collaboration across departments to maximise holistic player development opportunities
* Uphold Academy values, safeguarding standards, and a positive public representation of the club
What You’ll Bring
Essential
* UEFA B Licence and FA Advanced Youth Award
* Proven coaching experience within the U12–15 age groups in an Academy or elite development environment
* Demonstrated ability to lead, support, and develop coaches
* Strong interpersonal skills with experience managing players, parents/guardians, and staff
* Highly organised with excellent communication, IT, and time‑management skills
* Willingness to travel (UK & Europe), valid driving licence, and enhanced DBS
Desirable
* UEFA A Licence
* Degree in a sport or education‑related discipline
* Premier League EHoC or FCD qualification
Our Expectations
* To embody the club’s BLUE behaviours (Brave, Lead, Unity, Edge) in the approach to work and interaction with others
* To adhere to the club’s policies and procedures, including Health & Safety, Financial Authorisation, Confidentiality and GDPR
* To act as an ambassador for diversity, equality, and inclusion, and demonstrate a positive commitment by treating others fairly in line with our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy and reporting any acts of discrimination through appropriate channels
* To create a safe environment and act to protect all young people and vulnerable adults that are either in your care or attending club premises, and report any concerns to the Safeguarding Lead
* To report any misconduct or suspected misconduct to the HR Department
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Chelsea we recognise that the diversity of our people is one of our greatest strengths and we are taking positive action to ensure our existing colleagues and job applicants can fully be themselves and bring their own unique experiences and perspectives to Chelsea FC. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity.
If you need reasonable adjustments made to the recruitment process, please reach out to your recruiter, who will be able to advise and support you.
Chelsea FC is fully committed to ensuring the safety and well‑being of all children, young people and adults at risk (vulnerable groups). We therefore require all successful applicants to complete a DBS Check prior to starting employment. Depending on the role, successful applicants may also be required to undergo other child protection screening where appropriate.
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