PDP Goalkeeper Coach

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Job Title: U18 Goalkeeper Coach(PDP)
Reports to: Head of Academy Goalkeeping
Location: Training Ground
Department: Academy
Sub-department: Coaching

The Club

Brentford FC is a bit different from other Premier League football clubs. We put our fans first, we are a true community club and while we are financially sustainable, we are not afraid to take calculated risks. We take huge pride in our environment and culture within the Club which focuses on development, inclusion and not being afraid to think differently. Being progressive, humble and respectful while sticking together as one team across the Club guides how we work and the decisions we make each day.

We also firmly believe that a diverse workforce is a better workforce which will help us develop ideas, solve problems and ultimately grow Brentford FC.

We play in a new stadium, 15 minutes from Heathrow in vibrant west London.

We will never forget where we have come from, but we are excited about the future that lies ahead.

Job Overview
To lead the U18 goalkeeping programme within the Professional Development Phase, overseeing the planning and delivery of an individualised, high-performance coaching programme that maximises goalkeeper development and prepares players for the transition into senior football. Embed the Academy’s coaching methodology, curriculum and game model across training and matchdays, while working collaboratively with coaching, performance and interdisciplinary staff to ensure clear alignment, consistent standards and effective individual development.


Key Responsibilities

Goalkeeper Coaching & Player Development
· Coach and support the development of goalkeepers within the Professional Development Phase (PDP), delivering an elite level of coaching that prepares players for the technical, tactical, physical, psychological and behavioural demands of senior professional football.
· Work from an aligned and periodised Academy Goalkeeping curriculum, contributing to its ongoing development, review and implementation across the PDP.
· Plan, deliver and evaluate goalkeeper training sessions that are aligned to the Academy coaching methodology, curriculum and game model, ensuring sessions are purposeful, representative and focused on individual and collective development.
· Work collaboratively with the U18 Head Coach and wider coaching staff to ensure goalkeeper development is integrated within the team programme and reflects the tactical demands of the game model.
· Lead and support multi-disciplinary activities within the PDP, working collaboratively with Strength & Conditioning, Medical, Analysis, Psychology, Education and other relevant departments to maximise individual player development and wellbeing.
· Lead the development and review of Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for goalkeepers under your supervision, ensuring objectives are specific, challenging and aligned to the individual player's pathway and long-term development.
· Conduct regular player reviews, providing constructive feedback and maintaining accurate records of meetings, actions and progress in line with Academy processes.
· Support players in developing greater ownership and responsibility for their own performance, preparation and development, preparing them for the expectations of senior professional football. Support the delivery of attacking and defensive set pieces, to include on-pitch delivery and pre and post-match review as a when required. Work closely with the analysis department to track and monitor the development and success of set pieces using data.

Performance & Analysis
· Watch and analyse training and match footage, identifying relevant clips and providing constructive, evidence-based feedback to goalkeepers to support learning, performance and individual development.
· Use video analysis as a learning and performance tool, helping goalkeepers develop greater tactical, perceptual and decision-making understanding of the game.
· Work collaboratively with Academy Analysis staff to ensure appropriate analysis provision is delivered to PDP goalkeepers and integrated effectively into training, match preparation and player reviews.
· Coordinate the filming and capture of relevant training and match footage for goalkeepers, ensuring appropriate clips and coded events are shared with players and staff through Academy systems.
· Plan and deliver pre- and post-match goalkeeper preparation and review, supporting players to understand opposition, tactical requirements, individual objectives and performance outcomes.Games Programme & Player Pathway
· Support the planning and delivery of the PDP games programme, ensuring goalkeeper exposure, game time and development opportunities are appropriately managed in collaboration with the wider coaching staff.
· Participate in squad audits and player pathway planning, providing informed and objective insights into goalkeeper performance, development and potential.
· Contribute to player progression and transition planning, supporting clear pathways from Academy football towards senior and first-team football.
· Work closely with the wider Goalkeeping Department to ensure consistency of philosophy, methodology, language and development practices across the Academy goalkeeper pathway.

Recruitment & Talent Identification
· Support the Recruitment Department with goalkeeper identification and recruitment, watching potential recruits through live matches and video analysis as directed.
· Complete detailed and objective assessments of trialists and potential recruits, providing evidence-based feedback regarding their current performance, potential and suitability for the Academy.
· Contribute to recruitment, squad review and player profiling processes as required.

Planning, Administration & Compliance
· Plan and evaluate all relevant PDP goalkeeper sessions using the Kitman Labs platform, ensuring planning and evaluation is completed accurately and within the required timescales.
· Complete all required age-group and player documentation, including session plans, post-match reports, Individual Development Plans, player reviews and other relevant records.
· Maintain accurate records of player training, game time, development and performance, ensuring information is up to date and available for review, audit and pathway planning.
· Ensure all players under your supervision understand and adhere to Academy rules, standards, policies and guidelines.
· Ensure all requirements relating to the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) are consistently met, maintaining the required standards of Academy provision and administration.

Communication & Professional Responsibilities
· Build positive and professional relationships with players, creating an environment that challenges, supports and develops goalkeepers towards their potential.
· Communicate effectively and professionally with Academy staff, players and parents, ensuring information is shared appropriately and in a timely manner.
· Work collaboratively within the Academy environment, contributing positively to the culture, standards and objectives of the Goalkeeping Department and wider Academy.
· Contribute to the development of other Academy goalkeepers and coaching staff where appropriate, sharing knowledge, good practice and resources across the pathway.
· Attend and contribute to relevant CPD and coach development activities, continually reflecting on and developing personal coaching practice.
· Travel domestically and internationally as required to support the Academy programme.
· Provide coaching support across other Academy age groups when required, contributing to the wider delivery and development of the Academy Goalkeeping Programme.
· Ensure that any safeguarding concerns observed or raised within the role are communicated to the Safeguarding Team through the appropriate channels.
· Undertake any other reasonable and relevant duties as requested by the Head of Academy Goalkeeping or senior Academy staff.

Knowledge
• UEFA BLicense/ UEFA B License in Coaching Goalkeepers
• Advanced Youth Award
• Emergency First Aid in Football (EFAiF)
• FA Safeguarding
• Experience of coaching players within the professional development phase within an Academy environment
• Understanding of how to work as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Understanding of professionaldevelopment rules and EPPP standards

Specialist Skills
• Experience of leading and managing a group of g
• Understanding of periodising training programmes to meet the development needs of the goalkeepers within the PDP.
• Ability to structure the support of goalkeepers’ short-term and medium-term strengths and priorities in line with long-term development.
• Expertise in supporting goalkeeper development through the use of prematch, post-match and training analysis providing relevant and appropriate feedback.
• Expertise in Talent ID for players within the Upper Youth Development Phase and Professional Development Phase.

People Skills
• Ability to shape a positive and collaborative culture and to set and drive standards
• Ability to developpositive workingrelationships with staff
• Ability to lead with positivity and inspire everyone connected to the professional development phase
• Ability to engage parents within their son’s development using them as a key support network
• Work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team to best support long term development
• Work closely with recruitment staff completing tasks as requested
• Complete all tasks as requested by the Head of Academy Football Development and Assistant Head of Academy Football Development

External Impact
• Represent the club and self positively with a professional image ensuring the values of Brentford FC and Academy purpose is delivered at all times
• Represent a process driven and club aligned approach to long term player development.
• Act in the clubs best interests at all times

Decision Making
• Make decisions that support the Academy in achieving its strategy and purpose
• Make decisions in the best interest of the club and long-term player development
• Make decisions that nurture players potential and improves their performance
• Make decisions that support an interdisciplinary approach and the holistic development and wellbeing of players
• Make decisions in line with club pathway and recruitment plans

Innovation
• Look for ways in which to develop as a coach and explore new methodologies
• Look for ways in which to gain a competitive advantage on other Academies with regards to player development

General Club Accountabilities
• To comply with all Club policies, including health and safety, data regulations and other legal, ethical and social requirements
• To build and maintain good working relationships while maintaining a professional image
• To keep confidential any information gained regarding the Club and its personnel
• To always maintain a flexible approach to work

Inclusion Statement
Brentford FC is proud to be an organisation that values equity, diversity and inclusion. We strive to create a culture that celebrates difference and ensures fairness, safety, representation, and belonging.

We recognise that some groups remain underrepresented in our workforce and are actively working to change this. As part of that commitment, we strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds —particularly those from ethnically diverse communities, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and disabled people.

We’re committed to a fair and inclusive recruitment process, with all decisions made based on merit and suitability —regardless of background or protected characteristic. Should you be selected for interview, we welcome the opportunity to discuss any specific arrangements, accommodations or reasonable adjustments you may require to be made.

Safeguarding Statement
Brentford FC is fully committed to promoting equality, and to safeguarding the welfare of all children and adults at risk. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and is a core part of the Club’s culture. All staff and volunteers share a collective duty to create and maintain a safe and supportive environment, both on and off the field.

To ensure this, all staff are required to complete regular safeguarding training appropriate to their role. This training supports a proactive and informed approach to safeguarding practice.

The successful candidate will be expected to understand, adhere to, and actively uphold all relevant safeguarding policies and procedures. This includes recognising signs of abuse or harm, responding appropriately, and reporting any concerns in a timely manner to the Club’s Safeguarding Team.

Brentford FC operates safer recruitment practices. We remind individuals that it is a criminal offence for a person barred from engaging in regulated activity to apply for a role that involves such activity.

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