U11 - U12 Cell Lead Coach

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Club as U11 - U12 Cell Lead Coach on a full-time basis for the 2025/26 season, commencing 23^rd June 2025 

As part of this role the successful candidate will proactively take forward the ‘Next Generation Plan’; incorporating the specific needs of the players & staff within the U11-U12 ‘Entry’ Cell. Providing evaluative reports, making recommendations and supporting, guiding and directing young players to maximise their potential in sporting performance & personal excellence as they transition through the U11-U12 Cell.

As U11 - U12 Cell Lead Coach you will oversee & deliver relevant, innovative & enjoyable coaching practice across the Cell and uphold & demonstrate the values, standards & behaviours expected by ECFC both inside & outside the Club.

Other duties to include:

• Manage and oversee all coaching & multi-disciplinary activities within the U11-U12 Cell to a high professional standard.
• As part of the Academy Management Team; assist with the overall development and progression of the Academy with specific focus on the U11-U12 Cell.
• Lead and coach an individual age group within the U11-U12 Cell.
• Develop & progress adaptable young players who aspire to play high quality possession-based football for ECFC.
• Guide players to smoothly transition from the U8-U10 Cell into the U11-U12 Cell and onto the U13-U14 Cell, feeding talented young players into the next level.
• Produce & communicate individual player development plans (IDP’s) in collaboration with Age Group Coaches within the Cell, with a key focus on each player’s ‘Star Quality’.
• Watch and clip footage of designated age group, providing IDP related feedback to players and team-based feedback to the group on a weekly basis.
• Organise 12-weekly player review meetings for all U11-U12 Cell players and complete 6-weekly written reports for one designated age group.
• Ensure all U11-U12 players & staff fully understand and adhere to rules & guidelines.
• Ensure required staffing for Cell Age Groups and communicate weekly.
• Support and develop coaching staff within the Cell, utilising the Excellent Coaching Framework as a guiding mechanism.
• Demonstrate high levels of organisation & communication to ensure staff are aware of the syllabus and parents have all schedule details available to them in good time.
• Manage all aspects of practice and game planning within the U11-U12 Cell, collaborating with other Cell Lead Coaches & organising extra games where required.
• Work from an aligned & periodised coaching curriculum that is constantly reviewed.
• Combine and collaborate with the multi-disciplinary team.
• Liaise & collaborate with the Recruitment Department regarding trialists & signings.
• Assist with the planning and delivery of coaching sessions twice a week with a second schoolboy Academy age group.
• Plan and deliver coaching sessions with the U18 age group at least once a week, as designated within their schedule.
• Observe other Cell practice & games to ensure alignment across the Programme

Qualities

• Capable planner & innovative programme creator & writer (essential).
• Effective communicator & relationship builder (essential).
• Capable of working collaboratively with players, staff & others (essential).
• Personable, approachable & friendly manner (essential).

• Committed learner & willing educator (essential).
• Willingness and enthusiasm to cooperate & take responsibility when necessary (essential).

Experience

• Professional Game playing background (desirable).
• Coaching young & youth team age players in a professional Club/Academy (essential).
• Sports Science (athletic, strength & conditioning) background (desirable).

Other

• High degree of personal drive & motivation (essential).
• Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) enhanced certification (essential).
• Upkeep & update all professional & industry qualifications through related external CPD (essential).

Who are we?

Exeter City Football Club is a special club with over 20 years of Supporters’ Trust ownership something we are very proud of. Our ownership model places our supporters and community engagement at the forefront of everything we do and we are proud to have a special place in the heart of the community. Trust ownership is reflected in our commitment to balancing on-field success with long-term sustainability and we have a remarkable track record of nurturing talent through our Academy, promoting players to the first team, and maximising their performance.

Culture

We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce with a broad range of skills, diversity of experiences and perspectives and we embrace the creativity and innovation this brings. We pride ourselves on having an inclusive culture and a workplace that brings opportunity, development and growth. We embrace a culture of accountability where we set clear expectations and goals, open lines of communication and strong leadership.