Foundation Phase Coach

Job Location:      Academy Training Ground, BR3 1NZ

Contract Type:    Full-time

Deadline:            July 9th 2026

Who we are:

We are Crystal Palace Football Club, a Premier League Football Club with more than 160 years of proud history. Spread across three different sites - brand new main offices at Selhurst Park Stadium, our London office, and our Training Ground/Academy, we offer the best atmosphere and culture for our fans and our employees. 

We strive for excellence in the workplace with a philosophy of high standards, professionalism, and a strong work ethic from our employees. We are constantly trying to grow, diversify and build with not only our team on the pitch, but also our team in the offices and on the ground.

About this role:

The Foundation Phase Coach will lead and coach an Academy age group within the Foundation Phase (U9–U12), delivering high-quality training that support individual player development in line with the club’s philosophy, values and long-term player pathway.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the coaching programme for an Academy Foundation Phase age group.

• Design and deliver high-quality coaching sessions that reflect the Academy Playing Philosophy, Coaching Methodology, and Foundation Phase curriculum.

• Develop and maintain Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for every player, with clear technical, tactical, physical, psychological, and social objectives.

• Lead Individual Development Reviews and contribute to formal player review meetings, using observations to inform planning and player progression.

• Create a positive, inclusive, and challenging environment where every player feels valued, supported, and motivated to achieve their potential.

• Learn and implement both the Academies playing philosophy and coaching culture.

• Support player transitions within the Foundation Phase and into the Youth Development Phase.

• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary staff to provide an integrated approach to player development.

• Build effective relationships with Sports Science, Medical, Psychology, Education, Player Care, and Recruitment departments.

• Attend and actively contribute to weekly multidisciplinary meetings.

• Ensure consistency of coaching standards and behaviours across all Foundation Phase age groups, both during training and matchdays.

• Mentor, observe, and provide constructive feedback to assistant coaches to support their ongoing development.

• Maintain accurate records on the club's management system, including session plans, evaluations, attendance, and player reviews.

• Contribute to long-term curriculum planning and seasonal programme design.

• Support talent identification through recruitment events, trial activities, player profiling, and succession planning.

• Build positive and professional relationships with parents and guardians, promoting effective communication and Academy values.

• Promote and uphold the Academy's values, culture, professionalism, and integrity in all interactions.

• Support Academy-wide initiatives, projects, events, and other duties as requested by the Academy Director or Head of Coaching.

• Promote and safeguard the welfare of all children and young people in accordance with safeguarding policies.

• Ensure all coaching activities comply with the Academy Performance Plan, Premier League standards, and club policies.

• Complete all mandatory safeguarding, compliance, and continuous professional development requirements.

• Demonstrate leadership by setting high standards, fostering a culture of excellence, and contributing to the continuous improvement of the Academy programme.

• Other duties and responsibilities as required by line manager.

• Upholding and promoting the Club’s policies and procedures, including Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities policies and procedures.

Experience, Skills and Qualifications:

• Outstanding leadership, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.

• A player-centred approach with high standards, attention to detail, and the ability to inspire players to achieve their potential.

• A collaborative working style, building effective relationships across multidisciplinary teams and with stakeholders.

• Strong organisational, planning, and strategic thinking skills.

• Adaptability, resilience, and sound decision-making within a high-performance environment.

• A growth mindset with a commitment to continuous professional development and reflective practice.

• A commitment to creating an inclusive environment where every player is valued, challenged, supported, and able to thrive.

• Professionalism, integrity, and behaviours that consistently reflect Crystal Palace Academy values.

• UEFA B Licence (working towards UEFA A desirable)

• FA Advanced Youth Award (working towards)

• FA Safeguarding Children Qualification

• FA Emergency First Aid in Football

• Experience working within an Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) Academy.

• Excellent understanding of Foundation Phase player development.

• Experience designing and delivering individual player development programmes.

• Strong understanding of contemporary coaching methodology and learning theory.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Experience mentoring or developing coaches.

• Strong organisational and planning skills.

Benefits:

• Complimentary match day ticket

• Reward and Discount Scheme through our Tech Scheme and Simple Health app

• Health and Wellbeing benefit scheme

• 20% Discount in our Retail Stores

• Discounts in various gyms through GymFlex

• Volunteering Day - 1 Workday off to support a charity of your choice.

• Travel Season Ticket loan

• Holiday allowance: 25 Days 

Our commitment to Equality

At Crystal Palace Football Club, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion is spirited and continues to grow due to the working environment, which makes all staff feel appreciated and welcomed. Crystal Palace Football Club do this by encouraging good relations and practices towards different groups and are committed to promoting employment opportunities that celebrate diversity.

We are committed to attracting, recruiting, and retaining the most talented candidates and the club intends to ensure that everyone who wishes to engage with the club, whether as matchday fans, staff, players, board members, participants in Foundation programmes and any other person engaged with the club's activities, has a real and equal opportunity to do so.

Reasonable Adjustment

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role, ensuring equitable opportunities for everyone.

If you require disability-related adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact View email address on careers.cpfc.co.uk (DLO inbox is for disability-related queries only, if you wish to gain further information regarding this vacancy, please contact cpfc. View email address on careers.cpfc.co.uk ). We are here to help you through the whole recruitment process including trying to apply for a vacancy, getting in touch with us through the process, and/or helping with access in case you are required to come in for an interview.

Safeguarding

Crystal Palace Football Club is committed to safeguarding and ensuring the welfare and protection of children and vulnerable people and expects all staff to share this commitment. As such, the post holder will be required to undergo any relevant security checks, including a comprehensive background check, Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to ensure the safety and protection of children and vulnerable individuals.