Foundation Phase Coach

Job Location: Academy Training Ground, BR3 1NZ

Contract Type: Full-time

Who we are:

We are Crystal Palace Football Club, a Premier League Football Club with more than 160 years of proud history. Spread across three different sites - brand new main offices at Selhurst Park Stadium, our London office, and our Training Ground/Academy, we offer the best atmosphere and culture for our fans and our employees.

We strive for excellence in the workplace with a philosophy of high standards, professionalism, and a strong work ethic from our employees. We are constantly trying to grow, diversify and build with not only our team on the pitch, but also our team in the offices and on the ground.

About this role:

The Foundation Phase Coach will lead and coach an Academy age group within the Foundation Phase (U9–U12), delivering high‑quality training that supports individual player development in line with the club’s philosophy, values and long‑term player pathway.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the coaching programme for an Academy Foundation Phase age group.
• Design and deliver high‑quality coaching sessions that reflect the Academy Playing Philosophy, Coaching Methodology, and Foundation Phase curriculum.
• Develop and maintain Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for every player, with clear technical, tactical, physical, psychological and social objectives.
• Lead Individual Development Reviews and contribute to formal player review meetings, using observations to inform planning and player progression.
• Create a positive, inclusive and challenging environment where every player feels valued, supported and motivated to achieve their potential.
• Learn and implement both the Academies playing philosophy and coaching culture.
• Support player transitions within the Foundation Phase and into the Youth Development Phase.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary staff to provide an integrated approach to player development.
• Build effective relationships with Sports Science, Medical, Psychology, Education, Player Care and Recruitment departments.
• Attend and actively contribute to weekly multidisciplinary meetings.
• Ensure consistency of coaching standards and behaviours across all Foundation Phase age groups, both during training and matchdays.
• Mentor, observe and provide constructive feedback to assistant coaches to support their ongoing development.
• Maintain accurate records on the club's management system, including session plans, evaluations, attendance and player reviews.
• Contribute to long‑term curriculum planning and seasonal programme design.
• Support talent identification through recruitment events, trial activities, player profiling and succession planning.
• Build positive and professional relationships with parents and guardians, promoting effective communication and Academy values.
• Promote and uphold the Academy's values, culture, professionalism and integrity in all interactions.
• Support Academy‑wide initiatives, projects, events and other duties as requested by the Academy Director or Head of Coaching.
• Promote and safeguard the welfare of all children and young people in accordance with safeguarding policies.
• Ensure all coaching activities comply with the Academy Performance Plan, Premier League standards and club policies.
• Complete all mandatory safeguarding, compliance and continuous professional development requirements.
• Demonstrate leadership by setting high standards, fostering a culture of excellence and contributing to the continuous improvement of the Academy programme.
• Other duties and responsibilities as required by line manager.
• Upholding and promoting the Club’s policies and procedures, including Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities policies and procedures.

Experience, Skills and

Qualifications:

• Outstanding leadership, interpersonal and relationship‑building skills.
• A player‑centred approach with high standards, attention to detail and the ability to inspire players to achieve their potential.
• A collaborative working style, building effective relationships across multidisciplinary teams and with stakeholders.
• Strong organisational, planning and strategic thinking skills.
• Adaptability, resilience…