Player Development Lead & Scout - Women's Academy

About the Role

This part-time, fixed-term position based at Cobham Training Ground offers a unique chance to contribute to developing female football talent. As the Player Development Lead & Scout for the Women’s Academy, you will be central to advancing player growth within the Pre-Academy and Emerging Talent Centre (ETC), ensuring tailored development aligned with club philosophy and FA standards. The role involves collaboration with coaches, players, parents, and academy staff to foster progression, mentor coaches, and identify promising players to uphold and enhance the academy’s pathway.

Key Responsibilities

• Guide and improve the coaching curriculum and programme for the Pre-Academy and ETC.
• Manage player monitoring, including Individual Action Plans and tracking player progress.
• Assess and report on player development and advancement.
• Organize, support, and evaluate coaching sessions emphasizing individual player growth.
• Assist with delivering a competitive and developmental games programme.
• Develop coaches through mentoring, feedback, observations, and CPD opportunities.
• Oversee player progression pathways and parent/player communication.
• Support talent scouting and recruitment within the Women’s Academy structure.
• Attend fixtures, festivals, tournaments, and grassroots events to scout emerging talent.
• Maintain compliance with safeguarding policies and documentation rigorously.
• Serve as an ambassador and positive role model for the club internally and externally.

Qualifications & Experience

• UEFA B Licence required.
• FA Safeguarding Qualification.
• FA First Aid Certification.
• Previous experience in women’s football environment.
• Proven track record in talent development and player progression.
• Experience designing and managing long-term athlete development programmes.
• Background in youth or player development football settings.
• Experience mentoring or leading coaching teams.
• Strong skills in session planning and execution.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building with players, coaches, parents, and other stakeholders.
• Highly organized with keen attention to detail.
• Ability to monitor, analyze, and report player development outcomes effectively.

Expectations & Values

• Demonstrate the club’s BLUE behaviours: Brave, Lead, Unity, Edge.
• Comply with club policies including Health & Safety, Financial Authorisation, Confidentiality, and GDPR.
• Champion diversity, equality, and inclusion, promoting fairness and reporting discrimination appropriately.
• Create a safe environment protecting young people and vulnerable adults, reporting concerns to the Safeguarding Lead.
• Report misconduct or suspicious behavior to HR promptly.

Additional Information

Applicants should note that Chelsea FC prioritizes diversity and inclusiveness and encourages applications from all backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process can be provided upon request. The role requires a DBS Check prior to starting employment. Other child protection screenings may be mandated depending on the position.