Job title: Senior Academy Goalkeeping Coach Department: Academy Coaching Based at: Blackburn Rovers Academy, Brockhall Village, Old Langho, Blackburn, BB6 8BA. Reports to: Head of Academy Coach Development Responsible for: Academy Goalkeeping Coaches Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week plus any additional hours necessary for the performance of duties. This will include regular evening and weekend work. Contractual status: Permanent Job purpose: To lead the holistic development of all Academy goalkeepers, ensuring their progression aligns with the Blackburn Rovers Academy Vision of developing “top ‑ tier players and people” by Skill & Hard Work. The role drives a goalkeeper pathway consistent with the Academy Performance Plan’s 5 Pillars — IDENTIFY, DEVELOP, BUILD, ENABLE, PROTECT — ensuring GK development contributes directly to the Club’s long ‑ term goal of becoming a sustainable Premier League club with a leading academy. 2. Duties and responsibilities: Safeguarding & Welfare Ensure the highest standards of safeguarding, embedding the Academy’s commitment to psychological safety, trust and inclusion across all interactions with players and families. Integrate weekly welfare check ‑ ins and ensure all concerns are reported appropriately through MyConcern in line with the Academy’s Safeguarding Strategy To be committed to ensuring the safeguarding and welfare of all elite players, promoting their well-being whilst maintaining professional boundaries. Programme Design & Implementation (Aligned to the APP Pillars) Identify Contribute to the identification of high ‑ potential goalkeepers by aligning goalkeeper profiles with Academy Player Profiles and the club’s technical/physical benchmarks. Collaborate with Recruitment and Performance Analysis to integrate video/data insights into GK ID and development planning. Develop Implement, review and continuously enhance the Academy Goalkeeping Programme to align with the coaching philosophy, EPPP expectations, and the Academy Coaching Competency Framework. Co ‑ create and manage Individual Development Plans (IDPs) and Development Action Plans (DAPs) for all goalkeepers, ensuring they are age ‑ appropriate, aligned with the APP, and reviewed regularly. Lead CPD for GK staff, embedding reflective practice, evidence ‑ based coaching and consistent session delivery standards. Build Work collaboratively with Sports Science & Medicine to integrate physical development principles (e.g., maturation monitoring, injury ‑ prevention strategies, load management) into GK training plans. Use performance monitoring tools (GPS, wellness data, video analysis) to inform planning for individual GKs. Enable Foster a high ‑ challenge, high ‑ support environment that aligns with the Academy’s education and player ‑ care frameworks, encouraging resilience, independence, and continuous learning in goalkeepers. Support delivery of life ‑ skills, academic and personal ‑ development programmes by embedding these principles into goalkeeper culture and expectations. Protect Ensure all GK activities are conducted with risk management and safety at the forefront, following safeguarding and safe ‑ activity procedures embedded within the APP. Coaching Delivery & Operational Expectations Plan, deliver, and evaluate high ‑ quality GK coaching sessions that reflect the Academy Coaching Programme and support the overall curriculum aims. Organise match ‑ day goalkeeping operations across all phases. Ensure all coaching content, session uploads, feedback, video clips and performance reviews are completed accurately and on time using relevant digital systems. Communication & Multidisciplinary Collaboration Lead weekly goalkeeper MDT discussions aligned with the AMT/SMT reporting structure to ensure transparent communication on player progress, well ‑ being, and programme delivery. Collaborate with outfield coaches to integrate GK development needs into team ‑ training environments and match preparation. Liaise with the First Team Goalkeeping Department to align pathway expectations and ensure continuity of coaching principles. Leadership & Management Line-manage all Academy GK coaching staff, ensuring they follow APP ‑ aligned coaching and safeguarding standards. Conduct appraisals, performance reviews, support DAP creation and ensure all staff engage with CPD and competency frameworks. Drive innovation across the GK programme by integrating new methodologies, technologies and evidence-based practices. Additional Duties Attend all relevant meetings across the Academy programme. Undertake personal development opportunities including club visits, CPD events and internal workshops. Carry out any other reasonable tasks as directed by the Head of Academy Coach Development, Head of Academy or Head of First Team Goalkeeping. 3. Skills required: Strong leadership and management capability, aligned with the Academy’s expectations for staff development and competency frameworks. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary model, contributing to shared departmental goals. Analytical skills and competency in using performance data, video tools and digital systems. Capacity for independent work, problem solving, innovation and meeting tight deadlines. High levels of professionalism, confidentiality and reflective practice. 4. Knowledge required: Strong understanding of Academy legislation, safeguarding procedures and EPPP frameworks. Knowledge of the Academy Vision, the 5 APP Pillars and how they shape daily coaching and long-term development strategies. Deep understanding of GK development across Foundation, YDP and PDP phases. Familiarity with physical development, S&C and medical principles relevant to modern goalkeeping. Knowledge of the multidisciplinary model and collaborative practices expected within the Academy structure. About The Candidate 5. Qualifications required: GK UEFA A; FA AYA (desirable); Outfield UEFA B Licence; Youth Modules 1-3; FA Safeguarding; and EFAiF (Level 2 First Aid) DBS check required: Yes (Enhanced) About The Club Job vacancies | rovers.co.uk