We have an exciting opportunity within our Academy for the 2026/27 season, commencing 22nd June 2026 - Prime-Time Age Group Coach

Coaching role

Within the designated age group, the successful candidate will be responsible for proactively taking forward the ‘Next Generation Plan’ and incorporating the specific needs of the players & staff. Supporting, guiding and directing talented young players to maximise their potential in sporting performance & personal excellence within the Academy and supporting the delivery of relevant, innovative & enjoyable coaching practices.

Job Description

Purpose & Role function

• Support, guide and direct talented young players to maximise their potential in sporting performance & personal excellence within the Academy.
• Support the delivery of relevant, innovative & enjoyable coaching practices.
• Uphold and demonstrate the values, standards and behaviours expected by ECFC both inside & outside the Club.

Other Key relationships

• Head of Coaching & Player Development
• Academy Director
• Other Cell Lead Coaches
• Academy multi-disciplinary team across phases
• Parents & guardians
• EFL & FA staff 

Role Summary

• Develop young players who aspire to play high quality possession-based football for ECFC and beyond.
• Prepare for & coach one training session per week with a designated age group.
• Prepare for & coach an age group match as part of the games programme with a designated age group.
• Attend all age group player reviews, contributing to feedback on progress and IDP’s.
• Work from an aligned & periodised coaching curriculum that is constantly reviewed.
• Progress talented young players through the Academy.
• Combine and collaborate with the multi-disciplinary team.
• Liaise with Cell Lead regarding trialist performance and contribute to feedback.
• Commit to the Excellent Coaching Framework, continually reflecting and developing as a practitioner.

Safeguarding

• Attend seasonal safeguarding training as required by the Club.
• Adhere to all guidelines contained within the Club's Safeguarding Policy.
• Utilise the ‘MyConcern’ system to ‘recognise, respond, report and record’ any safeguarding incidents in a timely and detailed manner.
• Place player safety and welfare as a top priority at all times.
• Ensure all technical equipment is safe & stored securely 

About The Candidate

Qualifications required

• Level 3 framework: UEFA B, FA Youth Award (essential)
• Level 4 framework: UEFA A, FA Advanced Youth Award (desirable)
• FA Emergency Aid (EFAiF)
• Safeguarding upkeep CPD (internal & external)
• FA Talent ID qualifications (desirable)
• Sport Science / S&C qualifications (desirable)
• Undergraduate / post graduate qualification (desirable)
• Teaching qualification (desirable)

Qualities

• Capable planner (essential).
• Effective communicator & relationship builder (essential).
• Capable of working collaboratively with players, staff & others (essential).
• Personable, approachable & friendly manner (essential).
• Committed learner & willing educator (essential).
• Willingness and enthusiasm to cooperate & take responsibility when necessary (essential).

Experience

• Professional Game playing background (desirable).
• Coaching young & youth team age players in a professional Club/Academy (essential).
• Sports Science (athletic, strength & conditioning) background (desirable).

Other

• High degree of personal drive & motivation (essential).
• Current full & clean driving licence
• Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) enhanced certification (essential).
• Upkeep & update all professional & industry qualifications through related external CPD (essential).

How to Apply

Only completed applications that are completed by clicking here will be accepted. Any applications after the closing date will not be accepted. Click HERE to apply.

The closing date is 30th April 2026 – if you are interested in this role, please do not delay applying as the vacancy could be closed early if we receive a high level of applications.

Interview date: To be confirmed – interviews are expected to take place during May 2026

All candidates will require an enhanced DBS Check and must be able to prove their eligibility to work within the UK.

ECFC is an equal opportunities employer and committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and employees to share this commitment.