Part-Time U16 Academy Coach

Training Ground

Oxford United are excited to announce a new opportunity within our Academy for a part-time U16 Coach. This role plays a key part in developing our young players through high-quality coaching, matchday leadership, and a commitment to the Club’s long-term player development philosophy.

Job Title: Part-Time U16 Academy Coach

Reports To: Head of Academy Coaching  

Location: Oxford United Training Ground, Oxford Road, Horspath, OX33 1RT 

To apply, please send a current CV and covering letter to hlaughton@oufc.co.uk no later than 5:00pm on Friday 28 November 2025

Role & Responsibilities – General:

  • Plan, deliver, and evaluate engaging, innovative, and enjoyable coaching sessions in line with the Academy coaching syllabus and the club’s playing philosophy.
  • Lead weekly matchday fixtures, including pre-match preparation, in-game management, and post-match evaluation.
  • Create a positive, challenging, and supportive environment that promotes player development, confidence, and holistic growth across technical, tactical, physical, psychological, and social areas.
  • Lead and contribute to the player review process, providing regular, constructive feedback.
  • Support player recruitment, retention, and progression within the Academy pathway.
  • Maintain accurate and timely records of training sessions, attendance, game time, results, and player performance.
  • Collaborate closely with Lead Coaches and Academy staff to organise player logistics for training, fixtures, and events.
  • Ensure efficient and effective session operations, including equipment setup, management, and security.
  • Liaise effectively with relevant staff across departments to support the holistic development of each player.
  • Uphold and demonstrate the club’s values, standards, and behaviours in all interactions with players, parents, and staff.
  • Ensure compliance with all safeguarding policies and procedures, always promoting the welfare of all players.
  • Contribute to the continuous development and delivery of the Academy coaching curriculum and wider Academy initiatives and events in line with Oxford United’s strategic aims and long-term development vision.

Key Skills & Experience Essential:

  • UEFA B Licence (minimum requirement).
  • FA Youth Award or equivalent Youth Coaching Modules.
  • FA Safeguarding Children Certificate.
  • Emergency First Aid in Football (EFAiF) qualification.
  • Experience coaching in a professional academy or elite youth environment (Category 1–3 preferred).
  • Experience working with U15–U16 age groups or within the Professional Development Phase.
  • Good understanding of the EPPP framework and long-term player development principles.
  • Ability to plan, deliver, and review high-quality sessions aligned with an academy curriculum and playing philosophy.
  • Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to work effectively with players, parents, and staff.
  • Committed to safeguarding, player welfare, and professional standards.
  • Knowledge of modern coaching methods and player-centred development.
  • Flexible to work evenings, weekends, and matchdays as required.
  • Full UK Driving Licence and access to transport.
  • Desirable: UEFA A Licence (or working towards).
  • Desirable: Experience contributing to academy curriculum design or development projects.

Personal Attributes:

  • Passionate about youth development and player progression.
  • Professional, dependable, and organised in approach.
  • Positive and engaging, fostering motivation and growth in players.
  • Strong communicator who builds effective relationships with players, parents, and staff.
  • Collaborative team member, aligned with Academy values and objectives.
  • Adaptable and proactive in a dynamic coaching environment.
  • Committed to ongoing learning and professional development.
  • · Acts as a role model, upholding the club’s standards and safeguarding responsibilities.

Code of Conduct 

Oxford United Football Club expects the highest standards of integrity and conduct in all matters concerning the Club and its employees. The Code of Conduct makes clear the standards of conduct expected from its employees and explains the responsibilities of the Club as the employer. All employees are expected to always act wholeheartedly in the interests of the Club. Any conduct detrimental to its interests or its relations with its customers, suppliers, the public, or damaging to its public image shall be a breach of Club rules and policies. Discriminatory, offensive, and violent behaviour is unacceptable, and any complaints or concerns will be dealt with and acted upon. 

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Oxford United Football Club are committed to ensuring that equality, inclusion, and diversity of opportunity are at the very heart of everything we do to ensure we provide fair and non-prejudicial access to the services across the Club. We uphold everyone’s freedom of rights and choice to be different and aim to provide opportunities for everyone to succeed. It is the policy of the Club that no person, whether player, job applicant, employee, volunteer, or customer, shall be discriminated against. The Club opposes all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination, either direct or indirect, or harassment, on the grounds of the following ‘protected characteristics’: Age, Disability, Gender Reassignment, Marriage & civil Partnership, Pregnancy & Maternity, Race, Religion or Belief, Sex and Sexual Orientation. Anyone who is found to be in breach of this could receive disciplinary action, which may well include suspension and dismissal. 

The Club is fully committed to the EFL Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Standards, and as we are underrepresented in these areas, we particularly welcome ‘entry level’ applications from women, individuals from Black and Minority Ethnicities, the LGBT community, and anyone with a disability. 

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment

Oxford United Football Club are committed to and has both a moral and legal obligation to ensure that all children and vulnerable adults are protected and kept safe from harm whilst engaged in services organised and provided by the Club, and believes that the general well-being, welfare, and safety of all children and vulnerable adults engaged in Club activities is of the utmost importance. The Club will fulfil its responsibilities by ensuring it displays best practice in safeguarding matters – including Safer Recruitment - carried out in a spirit of partnership and openness with the child or vulnerable adult, families, and the relevant local authority.