U11 / U12 Cell Lead and BTEC Tutor

Training Ground

Oxford United Academy are recruiting an Under-11 and Under-12 Cell Lead and BTEC Tutor to lead the holistic development of players across the Foundation Phase and early Youth Development Phase, ensuring all programmes align with the Club’s Academy Philosophy, values and Academy Performance Plan.

The successful candidate will lead and manage the multidisciplinary team (MDT), oversee the delivery and evaluation of the coaching and games programme and monitor player progress in line with current EPPP requirements. They will also champion high standards of player welfare, parent communication and staff development.

Alongside their Academy responsibilities, the role will involve delivering the BTEC National Sporting Excellence and Performance qualification to scholar-age players, providing high-quality teaching, assessment and learner support in line with LFE requirements.

Position: U11& U12 Cell Lead and BTEC Tutor
Term: Permanent Hours of Work: 40hrs
Department: Academy
Location: Oxford, UK
Reports To: Head of Coach Development and Ideology/ Head of Education

Key Responsibilities:

  • Line management of the U11 and U12 MDT staff.
  • Organise and chair regular MDT meetings to discuss the development of the players within cell.
  • Lead the delivery and monitoring of the Academy Performance Plan and EPPP KPI’s across cell.
  • Oversight of Kitman Labs, coaching and games programme across cell.
  • Responsibility for parent communication and player welfare across cell.
  • Modelling of elite coaching across cell through delivery of regular practical sessions.
  • Work with Academy Head of Coach Development to deliver a high-quality CPD programme for staff.
  • Contribute to the retain/release process at the end of each season for age groups within the cell.
  • Deliver the BTEC National Sporting Excellence and Performance qualification for the scholar age groups.
  • Produce a scheme of work and lesson plans that are available for review at any time by the LFE or its appointed representative(s).
  • Ensure all LFE assignments are used to assess learners via the Education Management System (EMS).
  • Ensure learners' assignments are marked and returned to them no later than 10 working days following submission.
  • Any other duties as required by the football club within the reasonable demands of the role.

Candidate Profile:

The successful candidate will be an outstanding and adaptable football coach with experience of working within an elite academy environment across the Foundation Phase and/or early Youth Development Phase. They will demonstrate strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to develop staff, collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team and create a positive, player-centered learning environment. A genuine passion for developing young people, combined with excellent communication, empathy and organisational skills, is essential. As is the ability to engage effectively with players, parents and colleagues. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the EPPP framework, player development
processes and performance monitoring.

Alongside the coaching skills, the successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the ability to deliver high-quality education and support learner progress. They will be organised and efficient with an ability to manage the BTEC programme both on their own and as part of a wider group
of staff. They will be committed to continuous professional development, uphold Oxford United’s values and philosophy, and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to safeguarding, player welfare and creating an environment, both in the classroom and on the pitch, in which young people can reach their potential.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • This role involves regular work with children and is subject to the Club’s safer recruitment process. Appointment will be conditional upon satisfactory completion of all checks that are lawful, relevant and proportionate to the role, which are expected to include:
  • Assessment against the role's safeguarding responsibilities through shortlisting and a values and safeguarding-focused interview.
  • Proof of identity, right to work in the United Kingdom and verification of relevant qualifications or professional registrations.
  • Satisfactory professional references, including the most recent relevant employer, where appropriate.
  • An Enhanced DBS check with the relevant barred-list check where the duties meet the legal eligibility criteria, together with any additional football-authority vetting required for the post.
  • Consideration of overseas criminal-record information where the successful candidate has lived or worked abroad and checks are appropriate and available.
  • Satisfactory completion of safeguarding induction, the Club code of conduct, role-specific training and any probationary review requirements.
  • An ongoing duty to disclose matters that may affect suitability to work with children, in accordance with Club policy and the law.

Qualifications / Skill Requirements:

Essential

  • Level 5 Teaching (OfQual), (QTS, QTLS)
  • UEFA A Licence (or working towards)
  • FA Youth Award (Module 1, 2 and 3)
  • FA Safeguarding Children Course
  • FA Emergency First Aid in Football
  • Enhanced DBS Clearance
  • Fully licensed FA Coach committed to ongoing annual CPD to maintain licence
  • Experience of working within the Youth Development Phase at an elite level

Desirable

  • FA Advanced Youth Award (YDP desirable)
  • Experience of EPPP Audit process
  • Experience of working within a Cat 1/Cat 2 Academy
  • Previous experience of delivering a BTEC qualification
  • Based geographically close to Oxford

How to Apply:

Please send CV & Cover letter to Hlaughton@oufc.co.uk by Friday 20 November 2026.