Foundation Phase Lead Coach

Location:

Milton Keynes

Vacancy Type:

Permanent

Position:

Academy Coaching

Advertising End Date:

10 Oct 2025

Job purpose:

The Foundation Phase Lead is responsible for facilitating Recruitment, Coaching and Managing the players and staff at MK Dons Academy ages U8-U12. They will also support the transition of players from the Pre-Academy into the Foundation Phase alongside the Academy multi-disciplinary staff.

Planning Timescales:

• Manage the pathway (Training, Fixtures, Reviews, Development Plans and Feedback) for all players across the Academy age groups of U8-U12
• Ensure the Coaching syllabus and Coaching Methodology is implemented daily to prepare players for the Foundation Phase and transition to the Youth Development Phase.
• Plan, deliver & review coaching of Academy players through Individual Development Plans and formal reviews
• Plan, deliver & review the games programme for Foundation Phase players

Decision Making:

• Evaluation of player progress using internal auditing system and player depth charting (including reporting on trialists)
• Recruitment of new players using the internal auditing system evaluating the performances of all players across the Academy Principles and Competency Framework

Impact & Influence:

• To deliver and support delivery of Academy coaching sessions to the highest standards with a sharp focus on technical core skills
• To implement and lead Individual Development Plans for all players across age groups U9-U12
• Complete other tasks for the benefit of the organisation when required

Skill Level:

• To facilitate part-time coach delivery of Academy coaching sessions to a high standard.
• To assist with the practical delivery of the schoolboy programme

Communication:

• To accurately report and keep records relating to all aspects of the phase (U8-U12)
• To work closely with the coaching staff to ensure knowledge of all Academy players is communicated up and down the age groups
• Work closely with the Head of Coaching and regularly feedback from training and matches on individual progress / performance
• Accurate and Prompt communication of schedules

Budget Management:

• Be responsible for the condition and cleanliness of Academy equipment and report any faulty or broken equipment to Lead Phase Coach.
• Ensure the facility and equipment is left in a tidy and safe state for the next user.

Lead & Develop:

• To support the progression of players into and through the pathway with relevant members of staff. (working closely with other Lead Phase Coaches and the Multi-Disciplinary Team)
• To line manage and provide clear direction for part-time coaches working with players in the U8-U12 age groups. Including implementation of the appraisals (PDR’s) of all relevant staff
• Facilitate weekly multi-disciplinary meetings for the Foundation Phase

Operating Parameters:

• To attend and contribute to club CPD events
• To ensure that all relevant Football Intelligent Platform (FIP) administration is kept up to date for the Foundation Phase

Essential & Desirable Job Criteria:

• IT literate with a willingness to learn how to use all internal systems including the PMA effectively (E)
• Have a personable approach (E)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal service skills (E)
• Have a flexible attitude to work (E)
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team (E)
• Have a polite and courteous manner (E)
• Be organised, have good time management skills (E)
• The ability to meet deadlines (E)
• Be able to adapt to changing circumstances (E)
• Have the drive and enthusiasm to set high standards and achieve company objectives (E)
• Be prepared to work evenings and weekends (E)
• Compliant to company policies/procedures and regulations relating to your role in the Academy (E)
• Motivated to develop professionally and keeps accurate records that support the CCF and Coaching DAP (E)
• Experience of working in an Academy environment (E)
• Previous experience line managing and delegating tasks effectively (E)
• UEFA ‘B’ Licence Coaching Certificate (E)
• FA Learning Safeguarding Children Certificate (E)
• FA EFAiF (Fist Aid Certificate) (E)
• FA Youth Award (E)
• Full Driving Licence (E)
• D1 Category (Minibus) Driving Licence (D)
• UEFA ‘A’ Licence (D)
• FA Advanced Youth Award (FP) (D)