Derby County are seeking to recruit a Foundation Phase Assistant Lead Coach to join the Academy Coaching department at Moor Farm Training Centre.
Working for Derby County Football Club offers a unique opportunity to be part of one of England’s most historic and passionately supported clubs. With a proud legacy, a dedicated fan base, and an exciting vision for the future, Derby County offers a dynamic and rewarding work environment both on and off the pitch. Whether you're joining the team in coaching, administration, marketing, or operations, you'll be contributing to a culture rooted in ambition, community, and progress. Employees benefit from a collaborative work environment and opportunities for professional development.
The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting the delivery of an elite Foundation Phase programme for U9 – U11, working with the Foundation Phase Lead Coach, ensuring a high-performance environment is upheld and continuously enhanced. Setting the standard for high levels of conduct and coaching excellence, inspiring staff to support and strengthen the club’s high-performing Foundation Phase.
Key Role Responsibilities:
Coaching & Player Development
* Assist in implementing the Academy’s Foundation Phase development framework, aligning with the club’s vision and values.
* Design and deliver high-quality, age-appropriate coaching sessions in line with the club’s philosophy for an age group within the U9-U11 Foundation Phase.
* Support and mentor a team of coaches and support staff, ensuring high standards of professionalism and commitment.
* Conduct player assessments, provide feedback, and implement Individual Development Programmes (IDPs).
* Ensure optimal progression pathways, preparing players for transition into the next development phase, leading on the Player Audit process for the Foundation Phase.
* Deliver a comprehensive curriculum that aligns with Premier League guidelines.
* Foster an elite learning and training environment that prioritises player development and progression, support the Foundation Phase Lead to ensure games programme provides the appropriate challenges including, tours and competitive opportunities.
* Organise and oversee match-day preparation and performance analysis for specific age group.
* Maintain detailed records on player progression, performance data, and performance clocks using the appropriate platforms.
* Ensure appropriate session planning and cover is in place throughout the season.
* Champion the player/parent feedback process and ensure a transparent, no-surprise mantra is adhered to throughout the phase, you will be a key point of contact for players/parents across the phase, ensuring a professional approach is always a priority.
Leadership & Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Management
* Support the Foundation Phase Lead Coach to mentor a team of academy coaches and support staff, fostering professional development.
* Lead when required on suitable meetings to track player development and progress.
* Collaborate with the Medical, Physical Performance, Analysis and Lifelong Learning teams to ensure a holistic player approach.
* Drive best practices in coaching methodology and player welfare.
* Uphold high standards in safeguarding and ethical conduct within the academy structure.
* Maintain adherence to Premier League regulations and best practices in youth development.
* Sit amongst a decision-making group for all Pre-Academy decision-making.
* To uphold and promote organisational policies and procedures, promoting those specifically applicable to this area of work and including equality, diversity and inclusion.
* To present and promote an appropriate public image representing the organisation.
Personal characteristics and experience:
* Experience of football coaching in a professional environment
* Experience in implementing policies and procedures and reviewing practices to ensure continuous improvement
* Previous experience of leading a Foundation Phase age group (desirable).
* Ability to manage and motivate a team
* Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively across all levels
* Ability to organise, schedule and adapt work tasks to meet conflicting deadlines and respond to changing situations
* Ability to work effectively as part of a team as well as independently.
* Commitment to continuous personal and professional development
* Knowledge of the football recruitment process (desirable).
Qualifications:
* UEFA B / Coaching License
* FA Advanced Youth Awards
* Level 2 Emergency First Aid in Football
* UEFA A Coaching License
Salary is competitive, dependent on experience.
This is a full-time role, and due to the demands of professional football, there is a requirement for weekend and evening work, as well as regular national travel.
Who are Derby County…
Derby County Football Club, established in 1884, is one of the founder members of the English Football League and has a rich and varied history, including two First Division titles in 1972 and 1975 and an FA Cup success in 1946. The club are currently playing in the Sky Bet Championship, the second tier of English Football following their promotion from League One in the 2023/24 season and is under the management of Head Coach John Eustace. The club also boasts a successful and respected Category One Academy, a status which has been held since 2014, and a Women’s side competing in the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division. Derby County recently embarked on an exciting new era following the change in ownership to Clowes Developments (UK) Limited, in the summer of 2022. Our track record of producing talent is outstanding, and we intend to protect that proud legacy, investing in key roles within the club to build on the foundations in place for success.
Everything we do as a Club is built around the three pillars of stability, integrity and progress. Our core values are:
* We are proud of who we are and what we do
* We are positive, inspired and passionate
* We are ambitious and driven
* We are prepared, honest and humble
* We are the heartbeat of our community
* We are the club of opportunity
Derby County employee benefits include:
* 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
* Two complimentary staff season tickets
* Two complimentary staff away memberships, subject to availability
* Discounts with select Club partners and sponsors
* Healthshield Cash Health Plan to support employee health and well-being and Perks for great deals and discounts
* Participating in our employee forum, ‘The Herd’ and Staff Events!
* Training and development opportunities
* Access to programmes and volunteering opportunities with Derby County Community Trust
* Subsidised lunchtime meals at Moor Farm
How to apply…
Derby County Football Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
As part of the Club's commitment to providing a safe environment for children and young people, applicants should be aware that this post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Criminal Record Check.
Derby County Football Club is an Inclusive Club for all and is committed to Equality and Diversity.
To apply for this role, please complete an application form, which can be foundHERE .
The closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday 20 August 2025. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early.
Strictly no agencies please.
Derby County Football Club’s Job Applicant Privacy Policy can be found at dcfc.co.uk.
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