Lead Coach – Youth Development Phase

Job Title: LEAD COACH – YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PHASE

Department: Youth Section

Reports to: Head of Youth Development Phase

Direct Reports: Youth Development Phase Assistant Coaches at U16s, U15s, U14s, and U13 levels

Location: Inver Park/The Cliff

Contract Type: Voluntary (Expenses)

Job Purpose: Reporting to the Head of Youth Development Phase (YDP) the Youth Development (YDP) Lead Coach will be responsible for delivering the YDP programme at the assigned level, ensuring players are developed technically, tactically, physically and socially. Coaches have responsibility and a duty of care to create a safe and positive environment in which our talented young people can thrive.

The post holder(s) will have specific coaching responsibility for one of the Youth Development Phase levels ie U13, U14, U15 and U16 and will contribute to the overarching aim of providing a talent pipeline for LFC and a route to first team football for young talented players.

Essential Criteria:

A current UEFA B Licence
Previous experience of coaching youth football
IFA Child Safeguarding Certificate
Complete a full AccessNI Enhanced disclosure
Emergency First Aid in Football
Committed, Enthusiastic and passionate about coaching young people
Ability to work as part of a team as well as using own initiative in developing players
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Excellent planning and organisational skills
Ability to implement coaching strategy and structure
Ability to motivate, support and develop others
Full driving licence

Desirable Criteria

Additional coaching qualifications
Mini-Bus licence

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The main responsibilities of the YDP Coach are as follows:-

Plan, prepare and deliver coaching sessions in the Youth Development Phase for your assigned group, ensuring these are aligned with the Club ethos and coaching syllabus.
Responsible for the development of players technically, tactically, physically and socially in line with LFC ethos.
Organise logistics for all training sessions, fixtures, tournaments, trials and events for your assigned group.
Record all relevant information in respect of training sessions, fixtures and player reviews.
Responsible for the maintenance of training/match balls, bibs, cones and all other relevant equipment as required by your assigned YDP level.
Recommend new players for the Youth Development Phase and lead the decision-making process regarding the recruitment and registration/retention of players ensuring the involvement of the Assistant Coaches and the Head of YDP in the process.
In conjunction with other relevant coaches develop detailed individual player progress reports and conduct routine progress evaluations with players and parents as required.
Motivate Players and provide ongoing feedback to them in a positive, encouraging and constructive way, whilst maintaining discipline within the group.
Create and maintain a positive, fun learning environment encouraging respect, teamwork and sportsmanship. Address poor behaviour, disrespect of coaches/team-mates and bad language from Players immediately or at the earliest opportunity.
Address poor behaviour displayed by parents/spectators on the sidelines and if poor behaviour escalates implement sanctions in line with Parent Protocol and Codes of Practice (eg removal from pitch side; prohibit attendance at games/training sessions for a period of time etc).
Work with the other coaches to create effective communication channels between staff, players and parents to ensure optimal well-being and development of all YDP Players.
Build and maintain strong relationships with other coaches in the Foundation Development and Professional Development phases to ensure alignment of LFC ethos and values across all teams and at all levels.
Comply with the Code of Conduct for Coaches and Volunteers (attached) and prioritise the Health, Safety and Wellbeing of the children and young people in your care at all times. Liaise with the Head of Youth Development and/or the Designated Safeguarding /Welfare Officer for any welfare concerns.
Support and participate in team trips to competitions and tournaments across the UK.
Ensure that honesty and integrity are maintained at all times.
Attend all coaching training sessions as required by the Head of YDP and participate in the Personal Development programme for coaches based on UEFA licencing.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Committed, enthusiastic and passionate about the development of players in the Youth Development Phase.
Ability to work as part of a team as well as using own initiative in developing players and coaching sessions.
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to bring out the best in young players.
Able to communicate effectively with players, parents and fellow coaches.
Willing to follow and promote the ethos of Larne FC.
Be an Ambassador for Larne FC, presenting the Club in a positive light at all times.
Promote a positive and fun environment and be prepared to challenge inappropriate behaviour.

CLUB RESPOSNIBILITIES

Health and Safety

Take responsibility for your own health, safety and welfare, ensuring compliance with LFC’s Health and Safety Policy, Procedures and Codes of Practice.

Training & Development