Lewes FC is seeking coaches for its Girls pathway squads.

You will be working with and learning from Kelly Lindsey our Head of Performance, who played for the USWNT and coached the national teams of Afghanistan and Morocco before joining Lewes FC.

You will also work with our Pathway Coordinator, and other Pathway Coaches to effectively manage and coach a girls side ensuring the implementation and execution of the club’s pathway curriculum and game model to aid player development.

The successful candidate will be responsible for leading on planning, delivering and management of training sessions and match days with the sole focus of player development through our pathway. They will also be responsible for promoting Lewes FC ‘360 player development’ programme in conjunction with the Pathway Coordinator.

The post holder will play a vital role in the progression of players through our pathway into our 1st team.

This is an unpaid role requiring a minimum of 7 hours a week.

Do not be put off from applying for this role if you do not meet all the requirements described below in every way. First and foremost, we seek people with clear ambition and drive for success, who are fully aligned with the values and principles of Lewes FC and who have the attributes to contribute to the development and success of our football club.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

– Planning, delivering and reviewing a variety of coaching sessions to both individuals and groups, supporting players in the creation of individual development plans and using these to influence practice design and delivery.
– Liaise with other pathway coaches, monitor player load and performance and support individual players to progress up a level where appropriate.
– Complete individual player development plans and provide timely, accurate and constructive feedback to players and parents.
– Communicating with parents through the ongoing review process of players and via attendance at parents’ evenings.
– Work in conjunction with the Head of Performance and Pathway Coordinator to ensure the smooth operating and administration of the pathway.
– Be in attendance of all specified age group training sessions and fixtures.
– To attend staff meetings and club CPD as required to ensure alignment throughout the pathway.
– To report regularly to Pathway Coordinator regarding attendance, recruitment, performance, individual player development and general operational issues.
– Ensure the implementation and delivery of the pathway curriculum and club game model asdirected by the Head of Performance.
Further responsibilities

– To educate all coaches, players and parents in regards to what is required to play at the highest level
– To help instil the correct club ethos and culture within the Pathway
– Be familiar with best practice safeguarding requirements and be familiar with the clubs safeguarding policy to protect the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
– To work closely with the Head of Performance & Pathway coordinator
– The candidate should be flexible in regards to working hours – covering all training sessions and games
– To build relationships across departments of the club to improve the Lewes FC Pathway
– To attend staff meetings and club CPD as required
– To be aware of current trends and best practice in Youth Development and the Women’s game
– Work with the Head of Performance and Pathway Coordinator to implement a programme of continuous professional development

MAIN JOB REQUIREMENTS AND PERSON SPECIFICATION

Education/Qualifications/Training:

UEFA B / FA Level 3 Desirable – FA level 2 minimum
Up to date FA Emergency Aid Qualification – FA Basic First Aid for Sport Qualification (BFAS) or FA
Level 2 Emergency First Aid in Football (EFAiF)

Knowledge and understanding of child protection issues including holding a current FA Safeguarding Children Workshop certificate
An accepted FA Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Disclosure (previously known as an FA CRBDisclosure)

Abilities/Skills/Knowledge:

– An understanding and implications of Long-Term Player Development and how to develop young players and understanding on how to develop learning environments for athletes.
– Able to work as part of a coaching team and the ability to motivate others
– Able to build a strong rapport with the players in the age range
– Excellent organisational and time management skills
– Motivated and driven individual – able to work independently with good team collaboration
– Commitment and passion for the game – a positive custodian of the women’s game
– A dynamic, confident communicator (verbal, written) whilst able to adapt style and approach as and when required – calm, composed, solution-finder and able to manage difficult conversations with players and parents with the intent to support long term development
– Have experience of working with youth team players (ideally in an elite environment).

Application Process:

Please submit your formal interest in the position by sending an email (Subject: Pathway Coach | Your Name) with your CV and cover letter to: ryan@lewesfc.com

The deadline for submission is midnight on June 3, 2022.

Please clearly articulate in your cover letter how your experience and personal characteristics align with the values and ambitions of Lewes FC, as well as provide evidence of how your qualification and experience in the women’s professional game match the role described below.

Interview Process:

Please review the dates below and note in your application email if any of the below dates would not work with current commitments:

Formal Interview process: June 3rd onwards

Important

Lewes FC prides itself as an equal opportunity employer and we encourage and welcome applications from all candidates including those from under-represented backgrounds such as women, people with disabilities, BAME and LGBTQ+ candidates.

Given the low levels of diversity in football, we understand that candidates from under-represented backgrounds are unlikely to have been given adequate opportunity in the game. Consequently, we will ensure that the application process does not unduly favour candidates with such experience over applicants without it – within the restrictions posed by our License to play in the FA Women’s Championship.