Professional Girls Academy U21’s Head Coach & Operations (FTC)

Professional Girls Academy U21’s Head Coach & Operations

WORK AT THE HEART OF FOOTBALL

Charlton Athletic Football Club

Charlton Athletic Football Club is more than a workplace. It is a club with deep roots in Southeast London, built on community, resilience and ambition.

Founded in 1905, Charlton has a proud history that includes an FA Cup triumph in 1947 and generations of supporters who see the club as part of their identity.

From our historic home at The Valley to our high-performance training ground at Sparrows Lane, every role at Charlton contributes to something bigger than a job – helping deliver elite performance on the pitch and unforgettable experiences for supporters.

We are proud to be a family club with ambition, where passionate and committed people can build meaningful careers in football.

“Working at Charlton means you’re part of something bigger than yourself. On a matchday you feel the energy of the supporters and know the work you do matters.”

Simon Lenagan – Group Sporting Director



Job Details

Job Title: Professional Girls Academy U21’s Head Coach & Operations

Location: The Valley / Sparrows Lane Training Ground

Salary: £30,000 (dependent on experience)

Hours: Full time / 40 hours / matchdays inclusive

We are looking for a FTC Professional Girls Academy U21’s Head Coach & Operations to join our team and play an important role in supporting the club’s continued growth and success.

Working within a fast-paced professional football environment, you will contribute to delivering high standards across the club while helping create an environment where players, staff and supporters can thrive.

You will lead and deliver an outstanding player development programme within the Professional Development Phase (PDP), creating a high-performance environment that supports players to maximise their potential and successfully transition into senior football.

You will play a key role in driving a positive learning culture, delivering excellence in coaching, and ensuring all activity aligns with the Club's philosophy, standards, and long-term player development objectives. As a leader within the programme, they will champion the values of the women's game while fostering an environment where players can learn, perform, and thrive.

What You'll Be Doing

• Plan, deliver and evaluate high-quality coaching sessions aligned to the Academy coaching programme and playing philosophy.
• Contribute to the ongoing development and enhancement of the coaching curriculum and player development framework.
• Create an engaging learning environment that promotes player ownership, decision-making, curiosity and understanding.
• Support and develop volunteer coaches through mentoring, feedback and shared learning opportunities.
• Contribute to player identification, recruitment and selection activities, including trials and talent identification events.
• Support player development through the setting, monitoring and review of individual development plans and performance objectives.
• Provide regular, constructive feedback to players and parents/carers, utilising performance analysis and technology where appropriate.
• Work collaboratively with coaching, medical and performance staff to support player development, wellbeing and injury management.
• Ensure all training sessions and matchday experiences are delivered within a player-centered and development-focused framework.
• Foster positive behaviors, high standards and a culture that reflects the Academy's values and expectations.
• Provide guidance and support to players on both football and personal development matters.
• Maintain accurate player records and contribute to monitoring, reporting and compliance processes.
• Support the planning and delivery of fixtures, travel and operational requirements across the Academy programme.
• Ensure safeguarding, welfare and player wellbeing remain central to all activities and decision-making.
• Contribute to the Academy's ongoing compliance with FA Professional Game Academy licence requirements and club standards. This role will involve working collaboratively with colleagues across the club in a dynamic sporting environment where flexibility, teamwork and professionalism are essential.
  
  

What We're Looking For

• A team-first mindset and pride in contributing to collective success
• The ability to perform and make sound decisions in a high-pressure sporting environment
• Relentless attention to detail and commitment to elite standards
• Accountability, professionalism and a willingness to go the extra mile
  
  

Essential

Essential Experience / Qualifications

• Desirable
• FA Advanced Youth Award (AYA).
• Additional qualifications or professional development relating to female athlete development.
• Knowledge of growth and maturation, female athlete physiology and menstrual cycle considerations.
• Understanding of talent identification and talent development principles, including Relative Age Effect and unconscious bias.
• Qualifications or experience in athlete lifestyle support, mentoring or holistic player development.
• Experience working within an academy, elite youth or high-performance football environment.
  
  

Desirable

• FA DBS clearance.
• FA Safeguarding Children certification.
• FA Introduction to First Aid in Football (IFAiF).
• Commitment to completing the Effective Coaching in the Female Game qualification within 18 months of appointment.
• Experience working with young athletes within a football or talent development environment.
• Understanding of youth player development, including physical, psychological and social development.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection practices within sport.
• Experience of planning, organising and delivering sporting programmes or events.
• UEFA B Licence (FA Level 3) or higher.
  
  

Skills & Attributes

• Strong teamwork and communication
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• High levels of organisation and attention to detail
• A positive and professional approach Experience working within elite sport is beneficial but not essential for many roles – what matters most is attitude, commitment and a willingness to contribute to the success of the club.
  
  

Why Join Charlton Athletic?

• Work within a professional football environment
• Contribute to a historic club with a proud identity
• Be part of a collaborative and passionate team
• Develop your career in elite sport
  
  

Benefits

• Health cashback plan
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Auto-enrolled pension
  
  

Safeguarding

• Charlton Athletic Football Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
  
  

If successful, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check.

Additional Information

• This role may involve evening and weekend work
• Applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK
• Charlton Athletic is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all backgrounds
  
  

Due to the volume of applications we receive, we may close this advert early.

How to Apply

To Apply, Please Visit

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Closing date: 3 July 2026

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Closing Date

03/07/2026

Location

The Valley/Training Ground