U21s Lead Coach

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week on a flexible basis to include evening and weekend working Department: Academy Reporting to: Academy Manager & Academy Head of Coaching Job purpose To support and deliver on the football and holistic development of players within the Professional Development Phase of the Academy. To be responsible for planning and implementing of the Academy Blueprint at the U21 age group, directly leading on the pitch-based activities for the age group. To lead and manage across the MDT including daily planning and reflection activities to ensure appropriate levels of challenge required in the search for constant improvement. To liaise directly with PDP coaches to progress individual players through the pathway. Liaise with 1st team staff in supporting 1st team training needs through efficient, clear and succinct communication. Background information The Academy works to an explicit player development blueprint and principle-based game model. We place value on player development and progression over short-term results. As part of our ongoing development, we are striving for an environment that delivers a holistic individualised development programme and this replacement role will form a central figure alongside a strong and experienced MDT. Main duties

• To ensure a thorough working knowledge of the content and functions of the Academy performance plan.
• In collaboration with the Academy Manager and Academy Head of Coaching contribute to the individual succession planning process from U16 to U21.
• To work as part of a multidisciplinary support team to ensure a holistic development plan for each player is adhered to on a daily basis.
• To develop, challenge and buy into the value of IDP working for players within the U21s age group and execute, monitor, prioritise and review the delivery of such programmes, with the support of the HOC and other MDT staff.
• Monitor and evaluate progress of age group players, via the academy player audit tool.
• Provide 6 weekly updates on player progression to the Academy Manager & Head of Coaching in reference to key Blueprint KPI's
• Ensure all weekly meetings are recorded and shared with key personnel.
• To take an active role in the induction process for trialists, providing a positive reflection of the Academy Blueprint to all parties involved (e.g. player, parents)
• To adhere to a strict code of confidentiality in respect of any information relating to Cardiff City Football Club and its operation.
• To be an exemplary role model for young players and to promote the search for excellence in daily habits and behaviours.
• To maintain Cardiff City Football Club's Safeguarding (Child Protection), Health, Safety and Equal Opportunity procedures and practice
• Any other task deemed relevant and appropriate by the Academy Manager.
  
  Essential
-UEFA A Licence -FA Youth Award (modules 1, 2 and 3) - FA Advanced Youth Award (or working towards). -Emergency Aid, Valid DBS Certificate, Valid Safeguarding certificate - Post- holder will be subject to a DBS check at the appropriate level & be cleared by Cardiff City FC Desirable -UEFA Pro Licence - BSc (Hons)/MSc in a relative subject Experience Essential -Experience of working in football elite environments. -Experience working with young players in an Academy environment - preferably within the PDP age groups. -Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team Desirable -Experience working within a Category 1 Academy environment -High level of professional playing experience at club and/or international level -Experience working at senior/1st team professional level -Experience working with relevant age phase staff Knowledge Essential -Organised in planning, preparation and execution of a coaching syllabus (blueprint) -Demonstrable competency in the effective and efficient review of coaching sessions and fixtures. - Ability to deliver information to players and staff through a variety of means on and off the field -Ability to engage young players and stimulate a love of learning - Desirable Ability to utilise FIP for both reporting procedures and to enhance player development. - Functional IT skills in relevant software (Microsoft Office, FIP, WyScout, SportsCode, Spiideo, HUDL) Skills Essential -Adaptability to be effective in a dynamic, fast-paced environment -Strong communication skills in a variety of settings -Ability to work as part of a broader multidisciplinary team - Open-minded approach to adopting best-practice and current research-backed principles Desirable -Self-awareness and reflective skills as part of a professional development process Attitude Essential -Passionate and hard working -Proactive 'can-do' approach to work and those around them. -Self-motivated within a team and capable of motivating those around them.