Organisation Stadium MK Salary 32000.00 Location Milton Keynes Contract type (Full time) Closing date 23 January 2026 Job Description Job purpose: Working with PDP staff and the Head of Coaching to coach and manage the PDP players at MK Dons. Create an environment that allows players to thrive and achieve their Sporting Excellence Professional (SEP) in areas such as football, education, life skills and physical development.
Role Competencies:
Planning Timescales:
•Deliver and maintain the coaching programme on a rolling 1–3 month cycle, ensuring plans are responsive to immediate player development needs.
• Monitor and evaluate players across the phase in line with short-term objectives and session outcomes.
• Coordinate and lead weekly MDT meetings, recording key actions and ensuring timely follow-up on short-term priorities.
• Support the integration of U16 players into the PDP by facilitating appropriate training and playing opportunities within the monthly plan.
• Provide weekly updates to the PDP schedule and ensure operational information is communicated effectively across departments.
• Maintain accurate weekly attendance and activity records using EMS to support phase administration.
Decision Making:
• To implement and coach Individual Development Plans for all players across age groups U17-U18
• Lead the collection of opinions and feedback from multi-disciplinary staff on the selection for scholars by November of each season alongside the YDP lead and APG
• Competitive team selection for the U18s
• Take part in discussion and give rationale behind youth loan/work experience decisions for U17-U20 age groups through the APG
Impact & Influence:
• To support and effectively monitor and evaluate the progression of players into the Development Group and 1st Team squad
• Design and deliver a programme of guest speakers for the Scholar group that reinforce the Principles and Competencies at the Academy
• Support and deliver on the SEP education programme, liaising with the Head of Education and LFE to ensure that scholars are on track to achieve Distinction
Skill Level:
• Support the daily operations of the phase by working closely with senior staff and the multi-disciplinary team to maintain consistent coaching and development standards.
• Monitor the use of HUDL across the phase and assist in ensuring relevant video content is accessible to coaches for session support and review.
• Reinforce expectations around professional behaviour and personal discipline among scholars, supporting them in meeting day-to-day standards.
• Assist in coordinating tasks across the phase by helping to allocate responsibilities to appropriate staff members.
Communication:
• Provide prompt and up to date scheduling for the PDP to all staff. Utilise the MDT staff to manage changes to the schedule as and when they happen
• Support Development Group staff with regular player updates
• To support the progression of players transitioning into scholarship with other relevant members of staff. (Working closely with other Lead Phase Coaches)
• Work closely with the Head of Coaching and regularly feedback from training and matches on individual progress / performance
• Liaise with relevant PDP staff involved with the PDP to regularly review and update departments of team performance through weekly MDT meetings
• Ensure weekly schedule is available to all departments in advance through operations meetings
Budget Management:
• Maintenance and suitable use and care of all company equipment
Lead & Develop:
• Coach and manage the pathway (Training, Fixtures, Reviews, Development Plans, SEP and Feedback) for all players across the Academy age groups of U17-U18
• Manage multi-disciplinary staff that work alongside the scholar group to deliver the best possible programme on and off the pitch
• Engage with coaches across the Academy and offer support and guidance through observation, peer feedback and analysis
• To deliver and support delivery of Academy coaching sessions to a high standard. Including support of U15/16 players attempting to gain scholarship at least once per training week
• Liaise and operate with the U16 and U15 coaching staff on a weekly basis.
• Provide clear direction for multi-disciplinary staff working with players in the U17-U19 age groups.
Operating Parameters:
• To accurately report and record multi-disciplinary information relating to all aspects of the phase (U17-U18) including players who ‘play up’ on the FIP
• Evaluation of player progress using internal auditing system and player depth charting (including trialists)
• Attend and contribute to club CPD events
• Complete other tasks for the benefit of the organisation when required
• Attend additional fixtures as required by the organisation
Essential & Desirable Job Criteria:
• IT literate with a willingness to learn how to use all internal systems including the FiP effectively (E)
• Previous Experience working in Academy Coaching across various phases (E)
• Previous experience line managing and delegating tasks effectively (E)
• Have a personable approach (E)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal service skills (E)
• Have a flexible attitude to work (E)
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team (E)
• Have a polite and courteous manner (E)
• Be organised, have good time management skills (E)
• The ability to meet deadlines (E)
• Be able to adapt to changing circumstances (E)
• Have the drive and enthusiasm to set high standards and achieve company objectives (E)
• Be prepared to work evenings and weekends. (E)
• Compliant to company policies/procedures and regulations relating to your role in the Academy (E)
• Motivated to develop professionally and keeps accurate records that support the CCF and Coaching DAP’s (E)
• Playing experience at Senior level (D)
• Coaching experience at Senior level (D)
Qualifications:
• UEFA ‘A’ Licence Coaching Certificate (E)
• FA Learning Safeguarding Children Certificate (E)
• FA BFAS or EFAiF (Fist Aid Certificate) (E)
• FA Youth Award (Modules 1,2 and 3) (E)
• FA Advanced Youth Award (E)
• Full Driving Licence – The role will require driving a minibus during the week (E)
• D1 Category (Minibus) Driving Licence (D)
• UEFA ‘Pro’ Licence (D)
This role will require the successful candidate to have an Enhanced DBS check
Safeguarding - We are committed to safeguarding and protecting children and young people (CYP) and at-risk Adults (ARA) Our expectation is that you will fully accept your responsibility for the safety and welfare of all CYP and ARA by being fully conversant with all our safeguarding policies and reporting anything that does not appear to be correct. The post maybe subject to an enhanced DBS check and yearly self-declarations.
Equality & Diversity – must be able to demonstrate that equality, diversity and inclusion will be maintained and developed across all programmes and areas of the business.
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