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Academy Youth Development Phase Lead
Wrexham AFC
Wrexham AFC are a professional football club based in Wrexham, North Wales. Formed in 1864 by a group of cricketers looking for a winter sport, Wrexham are now the third oldest professional football club in the world.
Job Posted- 7 Nov 2026
Status- Full Time
Location- Wales
Closing date- 6 Dec 2026
JOB PURPOSE
To work closely with the Academy Manager and Academy Head of Coaching to develop the Coaching Strategy/Programme appropriate to the Youth Development Phase players. Leading on and ensuring a developmental approach to individual player development is adopted and evident in line with the academy performance plan, whilst supporting and leading a team of age specific coaches within the phase. The development of players, coaches, and environment conducive to the development of elite footballers is an integral aspect of the Youth Development Phase Lead role.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead on the delivery of the Coaching Curriculum for players in the Youth Development Phase.
Oversee a team of age specific coaches and ensure the YDP programme is delivered to the relevant high standards expected.
Development of strong working relationships with Academy Manager, Head of Coaching, Head of recruitment and Head of Academy Administration.
Contribute to the multi-disciplinary reviews of all Academy Players in the YDP Phase – actively participating in the decision-making process that sees Academy players progress from the YDP into the Professional Development Phase (PDP).
Provide individual, small group and full team coaching sessions to develop the skill level of Academy players.
In conjunction with the Designated Safeguarding Officer, ensure all policies, practices and procedures relating to the safeguarding of young people are implemented.
Ensure each Academy Player in the YDP has access to an individual coaching plan tailored to their specific needs.
Ensure each YDP Academy Player and Parent is made aware of their individual coaching plan (and any changes thereto) as soon as reasonably practicable in advance of their being coached.
Ensure all coaching is recorded on the Academy Player’s Performance Clock
Ensure that all sessions are planned by Coaches setting out the learning objectives which the session is designed to achieve and the coaching which will be given to achieve them.
Work with relevant coaches and support staff to plan, deliver and evaluate coaching sessions and game plans, using a variety of coaching methods that meet the needs and demands of all players.
Confirm fitness programmes relative and beneficial to an elite group of athletic Academy players.
Follow the Club playing strategy when delivering coaching sessions in accordance with the club playing philosophy.
Provide a comprehensive programme of training and produce relevant Session Plans to meet the demands of the Academy.
Participate in Academy Management Team Meetings (and other meetings) when required, to update the meeting on the progress and development of players in the YDP.
Assist in the identification and recruitment of players in the YDP.
Assist in the analysis and review the YDP coaching programme on a regular basis to adapt the programme to meet specific player and squad needs.
Liaise with the Academy Head of Coaching, Head of Academy Administration regarding fixtures in the Games Programme
EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
UEFA ‘A’ Licence (or actively working towards this)
FA Youth Award (Assessed – YDP u12-u16 or actively working towards this)
FA EFAiF qualification in first aid.
A current FA/FAW Safeguarding Children Workshop Certificate (or willingness to complete within 1 month of appointment)
PERSONAL SPECIFICATION - SKILLS/ABILITIES REQUIRED
Demonstrates enthusiasm and is committed to achieving agreed objectives within Academy activities.
Ability to lead staff members and change.
Effective at preparing, planning and implementing all aspects of academy administration that are aligned with whole-club objectives for coaching young talented football players.
A dynamic, hardworking individual that can relate to all staff members and participants engaged in academy and coaching activities.
Proactive decision maker with excellent verbal and written communication skills that is effective in communicating across all departments within a multi-disciplinary approach.
Takes responsibility for ensuring a high quality of work and maintaining standards in line with the responsiveness needed for delivering against the club’s coaching objectives and philosophies.
Is receptive to feedback about own behaviour, strengths and areas for improvement that identifies improvement strategies relating to academy coaching activities.
Displays a high level of confidentiality and transparency and can contribute to team meetings in a professional manner.
Displays an understanding of the academy’s coaching curriculum and can transfer and communicate information in an informative and constructive manner.
Committed to, and an understanding of, equality and diversity in sport
Flexible approach to meet the nature and demands of the business
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