To lead and oversee the delivery of the Academy Foundation Phase (U9–U12) coaching programme at Stevenage Football Club. The post holder will work closely with the Head of Coaching and other Phase Leads to ensure departmental performance targets are achieved and maintained in line with the Club Philosophy and the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP). The Foundation Phase Lead Coach will manage and coordinate all operational aspects of the phase, supporting and developing coaches to plan, deliver, and evaluate coaching sessions and player development programmes. The role will ensure all coaching practice, player reviews, and administrative processes are accurately recorded on the KML system and aligned with Academy standards. The successful applicant will be responsible for creating a positive, engaging, and development-focused learning environment that supports individual player progression and prepares players for transition into the Youth Development Phase. Keyboard Shortcuts F9 - Move focus from the edit area to the Footer Toolbar F10 - Move focus from the edit area to the first toolbar button Shift TAB - Move focus from the edit area to the last toolbar button About The Candidate Essential Requirements UEFA B Licence (minimum). FA Advance Youth Award (or working towards). FA Safeguarding Children Certificate. FA Emergency First Aid in Football (EFAiF). Experience coaching within an Academy (Foundation Phase, YDP, or PDP). Experience mentoring or supporting other coaches. Understanding of child development and age-appropriate coaching practice. Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and matchdays Desirable Attributes UEFA A Licence (or working towards). Knowledge of EPPP requirements and audit processes. Experience leading a coaching programme or age group. Experience with performance analysis tools (e.g., Veo, video platforms). Knowledge of the KML system and player review processes. Personal Characteristics Passionate about long-term player development. Strong leadership and organisational skills. Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with players, parents, and staff. Positive role model with high professionalism and integrity. Collaborative, reflective, and committed to continuous improvement. Keyboard Shortcuts F9 - Move focus from the edit area to the Footer Toolbar F10 - Move focus from the edit area to the first toolbar button Shift TAB - Move focus from the edit area to the last toolbar button About The Club Founded in 1976 as Stevenage Borough Football Club, we dropped the 'Borough' from our name in 2010 when we won promotion to the English Football League for the first time in our history, although it has stuck as our nickname. We currently play in Sky Bet League One, the third tier of English football. Our home games are played at The Lamex Stadium, which has a capacity of 7,800 supporters. Over the years, we have achieved a huge amount in our relatively short history: including 2 FA Trophies, 2 Conference National titles, a League Two Play-Off Trophy & automatic promotion to League One in 2023. Safeguarding Statement Stevenage Football Club is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to endorse this commitment. This post requires Enhanced Criminal Records Checks and may include checks against the Barred Lists, as such it is exempt from Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). Therefore all convictions including spent convictions that have not been subject to filtering by the DBS should be declared”. Relevant information and / or documents will be distributed as part of the recruitment process. BAME Declaration The English Football League has introduced positive action measures aimed at tackling the under-representation of coaches and managers from Black, Asian and Minority Ethic (BAME) backgrounds. New regulations require clubs to shortlist at least one suitably qualified BAME candidate (where an application has been received) for all roles in Academy football that require a UEFA A or UEFA B Licence. As part of the application process, you will therefore be asked to declare your ethnicity. Equality and Diversity Statement – Stevenage Football Club is an equal opportunities employer and staff will be regarded equally and will be given equal opportunities irrespective of sex, age, race, religion or belief, marriage or civil partnership, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, ethnic or national origin. Further training on Anti-Discrimination and Inclusion is available to all. Keyboard Shortcuts F9 - Move focus from the edit area to the Footer Toolbar F10 - Move focus from the edit area to the first toolbar button Shift TAB - Move focus from the edit area to the last toolbar button