Foundation Phase Coach

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

• 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.

• 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, and sound decision-making within a high-performance environment.
• A growth mindset with a commitment to continuous professional development and reflective practice.
• A commitment to creating an inclusive environment where every player is valued, challenged, supported, and able to thrive.
• Professionalism, integrity, and behaviours that consistently reflect Crystal Palace Academy values.
• UEFA B Licence (working towards UEFA A desirable)
• FA Advanced Youth Award (working towards)
• FA Safeguarding Children Qualification
• FA Emergency First Aid in Football
• Experience working within an Elite Player Performance…