Youth Development Phase Lead (U15-16s Programme)

Training Ground

Oxford United Academy are seeking an ambitious and forward-thinking Youth Development Phase Lead to guide our Under 15 and Under 16 age groups in alignment with Oxford United’s Academy Philosophy and Academy Performance Plan. 

In this pivotal role, you will take ownership of ensuring all Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) KPIs are consistently measured, assessed, and achieved, maintaining full compliance with audit requirements.

Job title: Youth Development Phase Lead (U15-16’s Programme)
Reporting to: Head of Coach Development and Ideology 
Department: Academy
Direct Reports: Stevie Kinniburgh 
Location: Oxford United Training Centre
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, variable and subject to the demands of the role
Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent   

To apply, please send a CV and Cover Letter to hlaughton@oufc.co.uk. Applications will close at 5:00pm on Thursday 18 December.

Key Objectives of the Role

  • To lead and manage the Under 15s and Under 16s groups in line with the club’s Academy Philosophy and the Academy Performance Plan.
  • To take responsibility for ensuring the core KPI’s of EPPP are effectively measured, assessed and achieved within the phase in line with the audit processes.
  • To line manage the delivery of the coaching programme within the phase.
  • To oversee the holistic development of players and effectively use Kitman Labs to record all data in respect of player development.
  • To instil and develop the academy values across players and staff within the phase.

Main Responsibilities 

  • Line management of the Youth Development Phase MDT staff.
  • Organise and chair regular MDT meetings to discuss the development of the players within the phase.
  • Leadership on the delivery and monitoring of the Academy Performance Plan, and EPPP KPI’s across the phases.
  • Oversight of Kitman Labs, coaching and games programme across the phase.
  • Responsibility for parent communication and player welfare across the phase.
  • Modelling of elite coaching across phases through the delivery of regular practical sessions.
  • Working with the Academy Head of Coach Development to deliver high quality CPD programme for staff.
  • Contribute to the scholarship process and programme with specific responsibility for transition from YDP to PDP.
  • Any other duties as required by the football club within the reasonable demands of the role.

Role Requirements

  • Outstanding on-field coach with experience working across phases.
  • Committed, enthusiastic and passionate about the development of young people.
  • Experience in managing and delivering player and parent review meetings.
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
  • Strong empathy and communication skills are suitable for Youth Development Phase parents and players.
  • Strong IT skills and a strong understanding of and commitment to entering data into Kitman Labs to a high standard.
  • Able to adapt to the demands of the job and the needs of the players and other staff.
  • Dedicated to self-improvement and continuous professional development.
  • Commitment to working and promoting the values and philosophy of Oxford United.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience 

Essential

  • 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 the EPPP Audit process
  • Experience of working within a Cat 1/Cat 2 Academy
  • Based geographically close to Oxford

About The Club

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 wellbeing, 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.