Organisation Sheffield United Football Club Salary Dependent on Experience Location Sheffield United Training Academy, Shirecliffe, Sheffield Contract type Permanent (Full time) Closing date 23 February 2026 Job Description
Contract Type:Permanent
Hours:40 Hours Per Week
Location:Sheffield United Training Academy and various opposition clubs
Department:Academy Coaching
Line Manager:Lead Academy Goalkeeping Coach
Salary:Dependant on Experience
Post Reference:AC022026-PLGKC
Only applications submitted via our official application form, completed in full, will be considered. Please visit the vacancies page on our website to download and complete the form digitally, or alternatively print and post it following the instructions provided below.
Sheffield United FC Academy is committed to being one of the leading and most innovative developers of talent in the country, driven by our ambition to Out Run, Out Fight, Out Play the opposition. An opportunity has arisen for a Lead Goalkeeping Coach (U16s-U21s) to join the Academy at Sheffield United Football Club and play a key role in the development of goalkeepers across the professional development phase.
The role requires the ability to plan, deliver, and review high-quality, age-appropriate coaching sessions, monitor goalkeeper progression through individual learning plans, and work collaboratively with coaches and multi-disciplinary staff. The successful candidate will also contribute to the identification and recruitment of future talent, helping to support the long-term success of the Academy's goalkeeping pathway.
Role Responsibilities:
- Development of goalkeepers from U16s-U21s, including monitoring and providing support to the club's Head of Goalkeeping.
- Ensure the monitoring of goalkeepers performance across the Academy, ensuring all goalkeepers in the Academy have an 'Individual Learning Plan' which is consistently delivered, reviewed and adapted, with appropriate opportunities to practice on the areas highlighted.
- Liaise closely with the Lead Phase Coaches and Academy Coaches throughout the age groups regarding training, games and progress.
- Along with the Goalkeeping Department, develop and monitor age-appropriate coaching curriculums and development programmes across the Academy and ensuring there is an integrated approach with outfield players.
- Plan, deliver and evaluate coaching sessions in line with the Academy's GK coaching curriculum.
- Work effectively with other departments to ensure the Academy operates in a multi-disciplinary environment and to ensure all goalkeepers are fully prepared and have a comprehensive development programme.
- Assist with administrative tasks related to the role, including general organisation, recording of sessions, player reviews, learning objectives, and weekly reflections through the PMA and other systems.
- Contribute to the scouting and recruiting process where appropriate.
- Attend and contribute to meetings as directed by the Head of Goalkeeping/Head of Academy/Head of Coaching
- Attend at least five hours of FA in-service training per year and ensure license maintenance requirements are kept up to date.
- Actively support the Coaching Competency Framework (CCF) and undertake CPD organised by the club and take responsibility for your own professional development by accessing development opportunities provided by governing bodies and external organisations.
- Any other reasonable duties as requested by the Head of Goalkeeping/Head of Academy/Head of Coaching
Club Wide Responsibilities:
- To adhere to all Sheffield United Football Club's Safeguarding Policies and Procedures to foster an environment which protects from harm those defined as children and adults at risk.
- To report any concerns of a Safeguarding nature to the relevant parties and remain fully compliant with any applicable Safeguarding checks and due diligence and recognise your responsibility to the Club's Safeguarding agenda.
- To report any concerns of discrimination to the relevant parties and promote a welcoming and inclusive club environment for all.
- To adhere to the Club's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies, supporting the Club to create an environment which is inclusive and all-encompassing.
Essential Criteria for the Role:
- Minimum UEFA B Goalkeeping Coaching Award
- FA First Aid (Level 2 Emergency First Aid in Football)
- FA Safeguarding Children Workshop
- Completion of an Enhanced DBS Check upon offer acceptance
- FA Youth Modules 1,2,3
- Experience of coaching young players
- Experience in Youth Development
- Experience of working within an Academy
- Organisational Skills
- Excellent communication skills:
- Ability to communicate with parents/guardians
- Ability to communicate with players of all age ranges
- Ability to communicate with coaches across all phases
Desirable Criteria for the Role:
- UEFA A GK Award
- Advanced Youth Award (GK Specific)
- Played to Academy level or beyond
- Experience working with 1st Team or Senior Goalkeepers
Our Benefits:
- Hybrid Working Policy
- 25 days annual leave as a minimum + Bank Holidays
- Free eye care tests and vouchers for DSE users
- Enhanced maternity & paternity schemes
- Life insurance package
- 20% discount on top of sale in the Club Shop
- 2 Volunteering days per year
- 2 Tickets to every Men's Home league game
- 4 Tickets to every Women's Home league game
- Professional development opportunities
Westfield Health:
- 24/7 advice and information line, Online Health e-Hub, Structured counselling
- 24/7 Doctorline (Phone or Webcam)
- MRI, CT and PET scanning service
- Gym discounts and wellbeing resources via Westfield Health
- Cash payouts in the event of death or permanent disability as a result of an accident
- Exclusive rewards, discounts, and special offers from over 1,000 leading retailers, restaurants, and destinations
Expected Interview Process:
- Stage 1 - Standard Competency Based Questions
- Stage 2 - Practical Delivery Session