Coach Inclusion & Diversity Scheme (CIDS)
Academy Coach – Role Profile
Role Title: CIDS Academy Coach
Contract Type: 23-month fixed-term
Reports To: Academy Manager / Head of Coach Development
Location: Meadow Lane Stadium & Training Venues
Salary: Competitive
Notts County Football Club, in partnership with the Premier League, is proud to support the Coach Inclusion & Diversity Scheme for the 2026/27 season. We're offering a 23-month, full-time academy coaching role to the successful candidate to support the development of the next generation of football coaches. The scheme is open to all, and we particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and mixed heritage backgrounds, and women, as they are underrepresented groups amongst the coaching roles that exist across the professional game.
What’s Involved?
You’ll split your time between Academy coaching at Notts County Football Club and the Premier League’s accredited Coach Development Programme. You’ll gain experience across development phases and work with multi-disciplinary teams.
Your development journey will include:
· Mentoring and bespoke support
· Immersive learning experiences
· Peer learning
· Access to FA/UEFA qualifications (based on development need and subject to availability)
On successful completion of all programme elements, you’ll be awarded a Diploma in Professional Football Coaching from Leeds Beckett University.
Role Purpose
This role combines practical coaching experience within the Academy alongside a structured Coach Development Programme. The successful candidate will contribute to the delivery of the Academy’s Player Development Strategy, while undertaking a comprehensive learning journey designed to support progression into the professional game.
Key Responsibilities
Coaching & Player Development
* Support the planning, delivery and review of coaching sessions aligned to the club’s Game Model and Coaching Philosophy
* Create engaging, developmentally appropriate learning environments for players
* Contribute to the delivery of individual player development through ILPs and ongoing feedback
* Support matchday delivery and player exposure across positions and challenges
Learning & Development (CIDS Programme)
* Fully engage in the Premier League Coach Development Programme
* Attend all workshops, mentoring sessions and learning events
* Engage in reflective practice and applied learning within the Academy environment
* Work towards agreed individual development goals
Collaboration & Environment
* Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary staff (coaching, medical, education, player care)
* Build positive relationships with players, parents and staff
* Contribute to an inclusive, safe and high-performance environment
* Act as a positive role model within the Academy
Operations & Professional Standards
* Maintain accurate records in line with EPPP requirements (e.g. FIP)
* Support player reviews, feedback processes and ILP tracking
* Adhere to all safeguarding, equality and club policies
* Demonstrate professionalism in all aspects of the role
Development Opportunity
* As part of the CIDS programme, the successful candidate will receive:
* Dedicated mentoring and coach developer support
* Access to immersive learning experiences and peer learning
* Opportunities to work across development phases
* Access to FA/UEFA qualifications (subject to availability)
* The opportunity to achieve a Diploma in Professional Football Coaching
Person Specification
Essential
* UEFA B Licence (minimum)
* Experience coaching in grassroots, education, community or academy settings
* Commitment to player development and learning
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills
* Willingness to engage fully in a high-performance development programme
* FA Safeguarding & First Aid (or willingness to obtain)
Desirable
* UEFA A Licence (or working towards)
* Experience supporting holistic player development
* Experience working within structured development environments
Personal Attributes
* Highly motivated to work in the professional game
* Passion for inclusive coaching and player development
* Resilient and adaptable within a high-performance environment
* Desire to be a positive role model and ambassador for diversity in football
How to Apply
Reasonable adjustments are available for applicants with a disability, please contact the (club lead) for further support in applying for this role.
Please submit a two-part cover letter:
1. Part 1 (max 500 words) to demonstrating how you fulfil the “What We’re Looking For” criteria. Please structure your responses under the following headings:
a) The essential criteria I fulfil
b) The desirable criteria I fulfil
c) My desire to be a role model and ambassador for diversity in the game
2. Part 2 (max 500 words) to answer all the following questions.
Please structure your responses under the following headings:
a) My motivations for applying for the CIDS academy coach role and Premier League Coach Development Programme
b) How the CIDS academy coach role and development programme fits with my career ambitions
c) How my unique expertise, and lived experience, will benefit the club and players
3. Complete the Club’s Application Form by clicking on this link: CAREERS - Notts County FC
Key Dates
· Application Deadline: 1st June 2026
· Application Queries To:
· Assessment Activities: Stage 1 w/c 8th June & Stage 2 w/c 15th June
· CIDS Induction, Lake District September 2026 (4 days)Safeguarding & Equality
The Club is fully committed to safeguarding children and young people. All staff must adhere to safeguarding policies and safer recruitment practices.
The Club and the Premier League are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups within coaching, including individuals from Black, Asian and mixed heritage backgrounds, and women.