Head of Children’s Programme

POSITION

Head of Children’s Programme

TEAM

[Employer hidden — view at passion-project.co.uk]

DEPARTMENT

Academy (CAS)

REPORTS TO

Head of Academy

LOCATION

Home of the Set Fare Arena, [Employer hidden], Alderstone Road, Livingston, EH54 7DN

HOURS

Part time, 12 – 16 hours, Evenings & Weekends

FINANCIALS

To be discussed

NOTICE PERIOD

4 weeks

CORE PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

• To implement and deliver Livingston FC’s Academy philosophy and player development programme.
• To oversee the development and progression of players in the Children’s Programme (U11s, U12s, U13s).
• To line-manage the coaches within the Children’s Programme.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Coordinate and oversee all football activities within the Children’s Programme.
• Plan, prepare and deliver the coaching sessions which align with the Livingston FC Academy philosophy and player’s individual development plans.
• Be responsible for the maintenance of training/match balls, bibs, cones, and all other relevant equipment required.
• Manage the organisation of logistics for training sessions, matchdays and any other events in collaboration with coaches.
• Ensure coaches are adhering to all training and matchday protocols and recording relevant player information and statistics to contribute to player individual development plans.
• Line management of coaches and contribute to Coaches Performance Development Plans and Review meetings with the Head of Academy/CWPO.
• Liaise with Youth Programme Academy Coaches to help create opportunities and smooth transition for players on the pathway from the Children’s Programme to the Youth Programme.
• Liaise with the Head of Player Recruitment and Scouting Team to recruit players for the Children’s Programme age groups.
• Be available to meet new players and their families on admission to the Academy for trials.
• Attend and support coaches in player development review meetings and other meetings as necessary.
• Ensure all players attend and participate in Livingston FC Academy Education Sessions which contributes to their development holistically.
• Build effective and positive working relationships with players, parents/carers, and colleagues throughout Livingston FC Academy including coaches, analysts, S&C coaches, sports therapists and physios.
• Observe, and be subject to, the rules, regulations, articles and by-laws of the Scottish Football Association, or any other relevant football governing body.
• Be responsible for personal continuous professional development and ensure qualifications are up to date.
• Observe Livingston FC Safeguarding, Equality and Diversity, and Health and Safety policies and undertake training as required.
• Ensure confidentiality and adhere to GDPR policies in accordance with Livingston FC’s HR procedures and statutory legislation.

KEY ATTRIBUTES, CAPABILITIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS

• Knowledge and understanding of Club Academy Scotland (CAS) criteria, rules and regulations, alongside the wider rules governing Scottish Football.
• An understanding of a range of learning/teaching styles to optimise the development of individual players and coaching staff.
• An understanding of child development and demonstrate emotional intelligence to support children at various age and stages.
• Leadership/Management skills such as being accountable, sound decision-making, the ability to inspire and motivate colleagues, and being a positive role model to coaches and players alike.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• A strong work ethic and dedicated to personal and professional development.
• An ability to work as part of a team.
• An ability to communicate effectively with players, staff, senior management, stakeholders, and external partners.
• Proficient IT skills
• This role is regulated work with children therefore it is a requirement to obtain a Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) certificate via Disclosure Scotland.
• A valid UK Driving Licence.
• Legal right to work in the UK.
• Based at [Employer hidden] with a requirement to travel regularly to other locations across Scotland.

QUALIFICATIONS

• UEFA B Licence (Essential)
• UEFA A Licence or UEFA Elite Youth Licence (Desirable)
• SFA Advanced Children’s Licence (Essential)
• First Aid qualification.
• SFA Children’s Wellbeing in Scottish Football certificate.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 2 years’ experience within a coaching environment (Essential)
• Previous experience of working within a professional football club (Desirable)
• Previous experience within the Club Academy Scotland (CAS) set up (Desirable)
• Previous experience of supervising staff (Desirable)

Signed: ___________________________________ Date: ________________________

Print Name: _________________________________ Date: ________________________