Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:

U15-18 Academy Goalkeeping Coach

DEPARTMENT:

Academy

REPORTS TO:

Head of Academy Goalkeeping

LOCATION:

Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground

HOURS:

37.5 hours, flexible as evening and weekend work around football schedule

DATE:

April 2025

We are Wolves; progressive, determined, bright, unified and humble. A pack that is hungry for

success. Wolves is one of the fastest growing professional football clubs in the UK, and also boasts

one of the richest histories in the beautiful game.

Formed in 1877, Wolves was a founder member of the Football League, and was one of the


country's most successful sides in the fifties and sixties. During a two decade spell the Black


Country's most decorated side won three First Division titles and one of its four FA Cups.




Fast forward to 2022, three seasons at Molineux saw Wolves clinch the Sky Bet Championship


trophy with 99 points, followed by a seventh-place finish in the Premier League, which included


memorable wins over Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Arsenal. The next


season saw the team complete a memorable double over the reigning champions, equal the


previous season's seventh place finish and reach the quarter finals of the Europa League all as part


of the 'longest season' in league history, either starting before or finishing after all other teams.




But this post is about not what we have done, but what we will achieve next.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at

risk. We expect all colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment. This means that the post-holder

is required to apply all relevant policies and uphold the Club's commitment to safeguarding children,

young people and adults at risk and to ensuring that Wolves is free from discrimination and harassment.

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Job purpose

To help develop the goalkeepers and goalkeeping department within the clubs Academy.




To deliver coaching sessions across the whole goalkeeping pathway from U7-21 and lead on the


U18 Goalkeeping development programme.




This person would need to have a clear understanding of the Club Philosophy and Academy Performance Plan.


They will play an active role in the ongoing development of a training philosophy to ensure all goalkeepers are capable


of meeting the highest possible standards.




Maintaining the Premier League's 'Elite Player Performance Plan' (EPPP) rules and regulations.


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Key responsibilities

To help develop the goalkeepers and goalkeeping programme within the Academy. To lead on the U18 goalkeeping programme and support the U7-21 Goalkeeper provision. To work as part of an U18 MDT staff. To ensure each U18 goalkeeper has an Individual Development Plan (IDP). To support with the reporting and communication of Goalkeepers on loan. Support recruitment by scouting potential goalkeepers.

Coaching

The U15-18's Academy Goalkeeping Coach will deliver the programme of development and
holistic support specifically tailored to the needs of the players, both in training and games.


Plan, deliver and evaluate every coaching session in accordance with the Club Philosophy,
Coaching Plan and Coach Competency Framework.


Along with relevant support staff, ensure that the training programme is clearly planned
with clear objectives on a Macro, Meso and Micro level.


Document each session plan prior to delivery of the coaching session, including individual
key coaching points and learning objectives for each player using Kitman Labs.


Evaluate coaching sessions, documenting achievement of learning objectives on the Kitman Labs Link all individual and team learning objectives to the Academy Coaching Programme Plan each coaching session in accordance with the individual player and team requirements
of the Sports Science and Medicine departments.


Plan, deliver and evaluate every coaching session using methodology specified within the
Club Philosophy Guide.


Plan, deliver and evaluate every coaching session using vocabulary detailed within the Club
Philosophy Guide.


Ensure that the Performance Clock is maintained and updated daily for each player on
Kitman Labs, reflecting all training and game information.


Ensure all sessions are delivered with a compliant approach to Health and Safety. Develop and maintain a positive learning environment to maximise each players learning
potential in line with the requirements of the Coach Competency Framework.


Play an active role in decisions on recruitment and release of Junior Goalkeepers.

Match Day

o Document Match Day planning and evaluation using Kitman Labs.


Document individual key coaching points in each Match Day plan that are linked to the Club
Football Philosophy and individual player aims on Kitman Labs.


Evaluation of the player's performance against the players individual aims. Emphasise individual and team learning objectives during pre-match, half time and post-
match team talks and player interaction.


To support with the planning and delivery of set plays. Ensure a warmup and cool down is conducted on each Match Day according to the
Academy Coaching Programme.


Evaluate all matches, documenting achievement of learning objectives or action plan for
next coaching session/Match Day.


Exhibit touchline behaviour according to the Coach Competency Framework.

Performance Reviews

Prepare and conduct Player Performance Reviews for each player, involving MDT staff in the
process.


Link Player Performance Reviews to the learning outcomes of the Academy Coaching
Programme.


Provide video evidence to support each Player Performance Review. All the above information to be maintained on Kitman Labs.

General responsibilities

Attend Academy Management meetings to ensure appropriate departmental
communication, planning and evaluation.


To participate in in-service initiatives as required and maintain CPD. To attend internal/external meetings on behalf of the Club as requested. Compliance with Club policies. Compliance with the Club's health and safety procedures. Compliance with the Club's safeguarding policies. To promote the Club's values. To work consistently to embed equality & diversity into the Club. To undertake such other duties as may be reasonably expected. To maintain professional conduct at all times.

Safeguarding

This role involves working with children and/or vulnerable adults in a Regulated Activity (or in
close proximity to children and/or vulnerable adults). This means that the post-holder is


required to apply all relevant policies and uphold the Club's commitment to safeguarding


vulnerable people.
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Key relationships

o Head of Academy Goalkeeping, U18 Lead Coach, U21 Goalkeeping Coach and


Academy Goalkeeping Coaches (U9-U16's).


Academy Management team which includes Head of Coach Development, Elite Player Development Manager,
Head of Education & Welfare, Head of Medical, Head of Academy Operations,


Head of Sports Science, Head of Academy Recruitment, Head of Analysis, Head of Psychology.
Players.
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Scope of job

o This role has a remit to manage the U18's Goalkeeping provision and support the goalkeeping programme from


U7 up to U21's level.


You will be expected to undertake travel as is necessary to fulfil your job requirements. There is a need to be flexible
as the role will require working evenings and weekends to meet the needs of the football programme / calendar.


The post holder may also be required to attend any special events/dinners/induction seminars/parent evenings. Carry out any other reasonable duties that may arise or be assigned by the Head of Academy Goalkeeping,
First Team Goalkeeping Coach, Head of Coach Development and/or senior management staff.







Knowledge: the level and breadth of knowledge to do the job e.g. understanding of a defined system,


method or procedure, legal or regulatory frameworks etc

Essential

'B' Licence in Goalkeeping Experience in coaching and developing goalkeeping skills within an Academy up to U18's level to a
meet the highest possible standards


Experience in coaching across Academy environments Ability to plan, deliver and evaluate every coaching sessions to a Competency Framework

Desirable

Knowledge of the FA and Premier League rules and regulations with regard to Academies
Technical/work-based skills: skills specific to the job e.g. language competence, typing skills, coaching skills


etc

Essential

Capability to develop and maintain a positive learning environment to maximise each players
learning potential in line with the requirements of the Coach Competency Framework


Good understanding technical demands of elite football

Desirable

Understand of appropriate coaching strategies Ability to provide reflective feedback using PMA/Hudl
General skills and attributes: more general characteristics e.g. flexibility, communication skills, team working


etc

Essential

Can work effectively within a team environment and also independently Ability to effectively liaise with players, parents, coaches, staff and senior management, including
being able to deal effectively with situations/tasks, in both a methodical and creative way


Strong communication and public engagement skills Availability for flexible working hours Own transportation and clean driving licence Takes responsibility for ensuring a high quality of work at all times A genuine team player who leads from the front and will support and motivate other members of
the team


An adaptive individual who can cope well under high pressure situations A proven ability to multi-task and manage multiple projects Hardworking and enthusiastic Promote, adhere to and implement the Club's Equality Policy and to work consistently to embed
equality and diversity within Club

Desirable

IT Literacy Excellent interpersonal skills Dedicated to self-improvement and personal development - a growth mindset Ability to communicate effectively Understanding of how to work safely with children and/or vulnerable adults and uphold generally
accepted practice when working with those participants



Experience: proven record of experience in a particular field, profession or specialism.

Essential

Proven experience in a similar role Member of F.A. Licensed Coaches Club Working with children and/or vulnerable adults

Desirable

At least 2 year's experience in a similar role or in a professional football capacity. Proven experience
In a coaching role



Qualifications: the level of educational, professional and/or occupational training required

Essential

Educated to "B" Licence level (Goalkeeper Specific) Up to date FA Emergency First Aid Certificate or BFAS FA Youth Awards (Modules 1-3) Post-holder will be subject to a DBS check at the appropriate level and cleared by the Wolves
Safeguarding Manager

Desirable

UEFA 'A' Goalkeeping Licence Youth Coaches Advanced Award * Educated to UEFA "B" Licence level (Outfield Qualification)