Head of Foundation Phase (Pre-academy to U13s)

Job Title : Head of Foundation Phase (Pre-academy to U13s)

Place of Work : Foundation Park, Tannadice Park, RPC and Baldragon Academy

Status : Full time, Permanent. Full-Time, regular evenings & weekends

Reporting to : Academy Director

Key Relationships : All Academy staff, players and parents

Start Date : Immediate start following completion of PVG.

Purpose:

To lead the foundation phase of the academy, overseeing our youngest age groups and establishing strong links from the local community into the early stages of our academy pathway.

This is a key leadership role overseeing all foundation phase football activity and operations. You will create a positive learning environment for players and coaches at all stages of the foundation phase and work closely with our head of academy recruitment to identify future talent for the academy.

Role Responsibilities and Duties: 

To oversee the pre-academy and club academy Scotland (CAS) squads programme up to U13 age level. 

• Design and deliver a high-quality coaching programme relevant to the respective stage of development and ensuring all football activity is aligned with the DUFC academy methodology.

• To develop and maintain professional relationships with the relevant parents/guardians of players within the phase, including regular communication of training and match day information.

• Attend and contribute to all Academy leadership, MDT and staff working group meetings as requested by the Academy Director.

• Maintain and update all administrative information including player, staff and phase related data.

• Work closely with the academy head of coaching to recruit, develop and lead the foundation phase coaching staff team.

• Ensure all foundation phase staff are aligned to our football methodology with high quality content delivery and completion of detailed individual player feedback reports on a weekly basis.

• Co-ordinate the weekly coaching and games programme activity for the academy U9 to U13 groups (evening and weekends requirement).

• Plan and design a fixture programme for U7 to U9 (Pre-Academy) players working closely with pre-academy coaching and recruitment staff.

• Attend tournaments and trips in our additional games programme as required

• Periodically lead phase football sessions and squad matchday activity, with a requirement to work with a specific stage of the pathway on a regular basis.

• Support the coaching programme of our performance school players.

• Manage the trialists process in co-operation with the Head of Academy Talent ID and Recruitment.

• Ensure all foundation phase players have up to date individual development plans aligned to our academy long term player development objectives.

• Collaborate with the head of youth phase and academy coaches to manage the transition of players from the foundation phase to youth phase.

• Work closely with the head of player care to deliver educational workshops on healthy lifestyle, diet, drug awareness, education and other performance related topics.

• Create strong links with local grassroots clubs through our club partnerships programme.

• Take responsibility for the care and maintenance of all age group training equipment and playing kit.

• Abide by all club policies including, but not exclusive to, Safeguarding, Equality and Health & Safety.

• Maintain your coaching qualifications by attending a minimum of fifteen hours of recognized Continuous Professional Development every three years.

• Maintain a valid and up to date PVG every three years.

• Any other reasonable duties requested by the Academy Director.

Qualifications and Training: 

Essential:

• Must have a current valid Scottish FA Advanced Children’s Licence

• Must have a valid national sports first aid certificate.

• High level knowledge and experience in child development with an understanding of how to develop cognitive, movement and functional skills in a sporting environment.

• Prior experience of working in a professional club academy at foundation phase level up to the U13 age group (coaching and administration experience).

• Experience of working with parents of young players.

• Excellent communication skills specific to develop strong relationships with parents and external partners./p>

• Proficient IT skills, with experience of Microsoft management tools.

• Ability to relate to and understand young people, demonstrating personality and enthusiasm.

• Committed to working evenings and weekends including training sessions, fixtures and attending staff development events.

• Full driving licence and access to own vehicle.

• Record of Continuous Professional Development with Scottish FA or equivalent (minimum of 15 hours over last 3 years).

Desirable: 

• In addition to the SFA Advanced children’s licence, hold a UEFA coaching qualification (Elite Youth A Licence or A Licence).

• Proficiency in using performance analysis tools such as Hudl.

• Further education in relevant field (e.g. Hons, Masters).

• Experience of managing a children’s coaching programme.

• Experience of designing and developing Individual Development Programmes in line with the long-term objectives for player development.

• Experience in delivering coach education clinics.

• Experience in organising trips and tours domestically, cross border and internationally.

• Child and Adolescent Mental Health course or equivalent.

Application Details

To apply, please send your CV and covering letter to academy.recruitment@dundeeunitedfc.co.uk, or upload your CV via our website link.

Closing date for applications is 18th March 2025 at 5pm.

This job description is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. It is intended as an outline indication of the areas of activity and may be amended in light of changing Club requirements.

Dundee United FC is committed to ensuring equal opportunities are given to all and welcomes applications from all areas of the community regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnerships.