Professional Development Phase Lead Coach (U18)
Department Academy
Reports to Academy Manager & Head of Academy Coaching 
Location Club’s Training Ground(s) and Stadium  
Salary £32,000 - £36,000
Hours 40 hours a week, including evenings and weekends.

Role Summary
The Professional Development Phase Lead Coach will work with the U18 players daily and create a challenging and supportive coaching environment that gives players the best opportunity to fulfil their potential.

Planning and delivering high-quality coaching sessions, evaluating player progress, and ensuring a positive and engaging learning environment will be expected as we support players to bridge the gap to the senior team.

Aligned with the Academy Mission and Vision, the PDP Lead will support the process, with all relevant departments to ensure a multi-disciplinary approach to developing players who can contribute to the first team.

Key Job Outcomes
• To ensure the coaching and playing philosophy is implemented and embedded daily on the training pitch.
• To co-ordinate the daily operations of the PDP and manage the Under 18’s monthly programme working closely with the MDT team.
• To ensure the Football Intelligence Platform is up to date – including all training sessions, fixtures and player reviews.
• To review the progress of the scholar's development and conduct 6 weekly meetings in accordance with the academy review process.
• To work closely with the multi-disciplinary team and conduct meetings prior to the delivery of player reviews ensuring there is an integrated approach.
• To communicate effectively with the Emerging Talent Coach & Youth Development Phase Lead to help manage the Under 16 day release logistics and monitor the transition of players into the Under 18’s squad.
• To work closely with Academy coaching staff around the implementation of Individual Development plans including grass-based and analysis sessions for the PDP players.
• Work closely with other staff to support the transition of players within the Professional Development Phase (PDP) into a First Team environment.
• To demonstrate a holistic understanding of the Academy objectives and contribute to the overall recruitment and development process; supporting the Club’s loan and work experience strategies.
• To attend and contribute (when required) to all CPD as required.
• To carry out any other duties as directed by the Academy Manager and Head of Coaching. 

This job description sets out the key outcomes required. It does not specify in detail the activities required to achieve these outcomes. As a term of your employment, you may reasonably be expected to perform duties of a similar or related nature to those outlined in the job description.
Person Specification

Skills, Knowledge, Qualifications & Experience Required/ Desirable
UEFA Pro Licence
UEFA A Licence
FA Youth Modules
First Aid qualification
FA Safeguarding Children workshop
Experience of working in the professional game previously
Able to communicate effectively
Experience of individual and small-group coaching
Good interpersonal skills
Experience of working in an academy environment previously
 
Attitude/Behaviours
Takes responsibility for ensuring a high quality of work
A genuine team player who will support and motivate other members of the team
Is willing to go above and beyond to help others
Hard working, honest and humble

Personal Qualities
Hardworking and enthusiastic
Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
Loyal and committed
Excellent team player and motivator
Growth Mindset

Application Process
Application Instructions Interested applicants should apply by submitting their application form, CV and Cover Letter, applications which do not include all documents will not be reviewed. 

Application Closing Date Tuesday 23rd June 2026
Interview Date(s) Friday 26th June & Monday 29th June
Start Date July 2026 

Mission, Vision & Values Mission
Cambridge United aspires to compete at the highest level of the English Football League, whilst operating a financially sustainable football club embedded within the heart of its community.
We are custodians with a collective responsibility to protect and enhance the Club for future generations.

Vision
Creating Memories  
We engage current and future generations of supporters by creating memorable moments.
Driving Standards & Performance 
We will evolve by driving standards and performance through self-reflection and education. 
Enhancing Lives
We are an inclusive Club that is United in Endeavour to enhance lives through the power of sport.  

Values
We engage positive and inspiring characters who are committed to serving and strengthening our community, by adopting our 3 keys values.
Teamwork  We achieve more through working together than alone and are United in Endeavour.
Hard Work We are committed to learning and working towards our pursuit of excellence in everything we do. 
Humility  We will celebrate each other’s successes and recognise that no individual is greater than the collective.

Employability Statement Cambridge United FC is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff.  We aim to create a supportive and inclusive working environment in which all individuals can make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit.

Safeguarding Statement Cambridge United FC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.
For those positions where a criminal record check (DBS) is identified as necessary, this will be carried out in line with other safer recruitment checks.
The post holder will be required to undergo Safeguarding training periodically.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Cambridge United FC is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from disabled candidates. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. 
We aim to create a supportive and inclusive working environment in which all individuals can make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit. We do not discriminate based on age, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religious or political belief or affiliation, trade union membership, gender, gender reassignment, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, sexual orientation, disability, socio-economic background or any other inappropriate distinction or characteristic covered by the Equality Act 2010.
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