U21 Assistant Coach

We are looking for someone to join our Professional Development Phase coaching team as our U21 Assistant Coach. Reporting to the Senior Professional Development Phase Coach, you will be responsible for supporting the football and holistic development of the players within the U21 Professional Development Phase of coaching. You will also be responsible for the planning and implementing of Individual Learning Plans of players within the Professional Development Phase (U17 – U21). You will be a role model for all Club values and ways of working

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Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

Reading Football Club are committed to ensuring equal opportunities are given to all and welcomes applications from all areas of the community regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnerships

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Safeguarding Statement

Reading Football Club recognises that the safety and protection of children and young people engaged in club activities must take priority over all other considerations.  Due to this post being in regulated activity, the potential employee will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check at the appropriate level. It is a criminal offence for a barred person to attempt to engage with vulnerable group.  Engagement will be subject to sight of a satisfactory DBS disclosure and stringent background and reference checks

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Key Accountabilities

• To support the Senior Professional Development Phase Coach and maintain a current and up to date status with all work and communication of the Kitman Labs (including coaching sessions, game details, and all aspects of the individual learning plans (ILP’s)
• To debrief on a 1-to-1 basis with U21 players on game performance weekly
• To work on individual technical aspects with U21 players
• To observe U17/18 games where possible to identify potential U21 players
• To be responsible for age group equipment ensuring it is fit for use at all times and checked in & out
• To take an active role in the induction process for triallists, providing a positive reflection of the Academy philosophy to all parties involved (eg player, parents)
• To ensure a 4 x 7’s report is completed for each trialist for each game and submitted to the Academy recruitment department
• The support the daily, weekly, and cyclical transport requirements of the Professional Development Phase
• To ensure player welfare is the primary consideration in all player activities

Person Specification

Qualifications: Essential – UEFA A Licence; FA Advanced Youth Award; Emergency First Aid in Football (EFAiF).

Experience: Essential – Experience of working in a fast paced Elite sport environment; Previous experience working as part of a multidisciplinary player development team. Desirable – Previous experience of working with players from diverse cultural backgrounds in the professional  development phase in a Category 1 academy setting

Knowledge: Essential – Key Pillars of Player Development. Desirable – knowledge of EPPP

Skills: Essential – Ability to give & receive feedback; proficient IT skills

Attitude: Essential – Proactive ‘can-do’ approach to work and those around them; Resilient to difficult situations; Passionate and hard working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment; Self-motivated and capable of motivating those around them