Academy Lead Cell Coach U15/16

Club vision: to play football at the highest level. Bristol City is a widely respected institution within English football, defined by its stability, rich heritage, and a track record of elite player development. Looking ahead, we aren't simple aiming for a place in the top flight; we are committed to being "Premier League Ready" in every sense.

Ashton Gate is our home - a world-class venue that caters for all of Bristol by also hosting the Bristol Bears, Bristol City Women, concerts, international sporting and other events.

When we achieve our goal of playing in the Premier League for the first time, it will be transformative not just for the club, but for the city of Bristol itself.

Job mission: to lead Bristol City FC Academy's U15/U16 team, championing individual development, upholding the highest standards of safeguarding and wellbeing, and helping our emerging talent fulfil their potential on and off the pitch.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to

• Lead the coaching and individual development of players within your cell, working closely with the Lead PDP Coach, U13/U14 Lead Cell Coach and Head of Coaching to ensure there is a clear pathway for academy players through the Youth Development Phase into the Professional Development Phase.
• Overall responsibility to ensure the U15 / U16 Cell meets BCFC Standards & EPPP audit requirements.
• Ensure all training sessions are logically planned with clear learning objectives, applicable to each individual and their development targets with playing style, philosophy and BCFC behaviours are consistently applied.
• Lead match day preparation confirming part-time cell coaches produce match packs and game plans linked to the playing and coaching philosophy to ensure continuity.
• Work collaboratively with MDT - Sports Science, Medical, Operations, Performance Analysis, Education and Safeguarding colleagues.
• Ensure relevant information from sessions and fixtures is fully recorded on the football intelligence platform (Kitman Labs).
• Make certain that the player's wellbeing & safeguarding is protected at all times.
• Understanding of clubs Equality, Diversity & Inclusion principles
• Complete and maintain your own individual coach development plan in collaboration with the Head of Coach Development.
• Line management of coaching staff within the cell.

Experience required

Essential

• UEFA 'A' Licence (or working towards)
• FA Advanced Youth Award (or working towards). Ideally age-specific to the Development Phase which they coach or national relevant equivalent
• EFAIF qualification
• Experience of developing player transitions from YDP to PDP in a player-centred model

Desirable

• Degree/MA/MSc in a related subject
• Experience in Category 1 Academy

Our behaviours

• Confident - we believe we will be a Premier League team
• Prepared - we have Premier League standards in every area
• Tenacious - we make things happen and follow through
• Accountable - we commit to continuous measurable improvement

How to Apply

Applications are to be sent by email to careers@bcfc.co.uk. Applications should include a covering letter (max. 1 page) on the experience you have that makes you suitable for the role and should be accompanied by a current CV (max. 2 pages).

Closing date: Friday 23rd October 2026

Due to the high volume of applicants we receive, if you have not been contacted one month after applying, please assume your application has been unsuccessful. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Safeguarding Statement

Bristol City Football Club and Academy are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to endorse this commitment.

This post requires Enhanced Criminal Records Checks and may include checks against the Barred Lists, as such it is exempt from Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). Therefore all convictions including spent convictions that have not been subject to filtering by the DBS should be declared.

Equality Statement

The successful candidate must ensure a positive commitment towards equality and diversity by treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation or harassment of any description and to promote positive working relationships between all internal and external stakeholders.

We are an equal opportunities employer.

EFL BAME Declaration

The EFL (English Football League) has introduced positive action measures aimed at tackling the under-representation of coaches and managers from Black, Asian and Minority Ethic (BAME) backgrounds. Regulations require clubs to shortlist at least one suitably qualified BAME candidate (where an application has been received) for all roles in Academy football that require a UEFA A or UEFA B Licence.