Academy Coach: Grassroots & Junior Academy Lead Coach

The Opportunity

We are seeking a passionate, skilled and motivated Academy Coach: Grassroots & Junior Academy to play a key technical leadership role in the quality, consistency and continuous improvement of our grassroots soccer programs for players aged U7–U12.

This position focuses on introducing young players to the game, developing essential soccer skills and building the foundations for lifelong participation and future development.

Working within a large, progressive soccer organization, the successful candidate will combine outstanding on-field coaching ability with strong organizational skills, leadership qualities and professional standards to deliver exceptional soccer experiences.

The Academy Coach will play an important role in shaping the next generation of soccer players while helping establish a positive, inclusive and development-focused soccer culture.

The Role

The Academy Coach will support and oversee the delivery of engaging, age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate soccer programs for players in the early stages of their soccer journey.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Grassroots Player Development: Introduce young players to soccer through engaging, enjoyable and age-appropriate training experiences that build fundamental skills and confidence.

• On-Field Coaching: Deliver high-quality coaching sessions that promote technical development, creativity, teamwork and a lifelong enjoyment of the game.

• Program Quality and Consistency: Support the implementation of consistent coaching standards and development principles across grassroots and junior academy programs.

• Player Development Pathways: Help establish strong foundations for continued player development and progression through the club's programs.

• Coach Development: Support fellow coaches through collaboration, mentorship, knowledge sharing and the promotion of effective coaching practices.

• Program Design: Contribute to purposeful, developmentally sound programming that meets the needs of young players across different ages and stages.

• Positive Soccer Culture: Foster an inclusive, supportive and player-centred environment that encourages participation, learning and personal growth.

• Communication and Relationships: Build strong, professional relationships with players, parents, families, coaching colleagues and club staff.

• Operational Coordination: Combine strong organizational skills with effective on-field delivery to support programs operating across multiple age groups, locations and coaching teams.

• Continuous Improvement: Help evaluate and strengthen coaching practices, player experiences and program delivery in alignment with the club's technical standards.

The Person We Are Looking For

We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed soccer coach who understands the importance of delivering positive early experiences in sport.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong on-field coaching ability and a passion for grassroots and youth soccer development.

• A sound understanding of age-appropriate coaching methods and the developmental needs of U7–U12 players.

• The ability to create engaging, inclusive and enjoyable training environments.

• Strong organizational and program coordination skills.

• Leadership qualities and the ability to positively influence other coaches.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills when working with players, families and colleagues.

• A commitment to delivering consistent, high-quality coaching experiences.

• The ability to work effectively within a collaborative coaching and technical leadership structure.

• A professional, dependable and proactive approach to coaching responsibilities.

• A genuine commitment to player development, continuous learning and improvement.

Above all, we are looking for someone who believes that great grassroots coaching is about more than developing soccer skills. It is about creating positive experiences that inspire young players to develop confidence, enjoy the game and reach their potential.

Making an Impact

This position is central to the club's commitment to excellence in grassroots and junior academy soccer.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to:

• Make a meaningful difference in the early development of young soccer players.

• Help shape the quality and consistency of grassroots programming.

• Support the growth and development of fellow coaches.

• Contribute to a positive and inclusive club culture.

• Influence the foundations of the club's long-term player development pathway.

• Work within a progressive soccer environment committed to continuous improvement.

The Academy Coach will help ensure that every player receives a positive, inclusive and high-quality soccer experience, while every coach is supported in developing their practice and delivering against the club's technical standards.