Department: Youth Academy
Reports To: Academy Director
Responsible For: Full-Time Academy Players (U19’s / Transition Phase)
Salary: Discussed at interview process
Role purpose
The Transition Phase/U19’s Head Coach will lead the development and delivery of the club's U19’sprogramme, ensuring that players are prepared technically, tactically, physically and psychologicallyfor the demands of first-team football. Key emphasis is individual player development before teamdevelopment.The successful candidate will be responsible for creating and implementing individual playerdevelopment plans, fostering strong alignment between the Academy and First Team, and providingan elite learning environment that maximises player progression and performance.
Key responsibilities
Player development
Lead the development of all U19’s players, with a primary focus on individual player progressionahead of team outcomes.
Design and deliver high-quality coaching sessions that support the technical, tactical, physical andpsychological development of players.
Plan, prepare, deliver and evaluate all training sessions and match-day activities for the U19’s squad.
Identify individual development needs and implement tailored development plans for each player.
Plan and deliver individual and small-group work for Transition Phase players.
Work collaboratively with First Team staff to ensure development plans are aligned with the club'splaying philosophy and performance objectives.
Utilise contemporary coaching methodologies, performance analysis, sports science data and currentresearch to enhance player development.
Provide regular feedback to players through observation, video analysis, performance data andindividual review meetings.
Transition to first team
Establish and maintain strong working relationships with First Team staff to ensure a seamlesstransition pathway for Academy players.
Support the integration of Academy players into First Team training and match environments whenrequired.
Ensure tactical, technical and behavioural alignment between the U19’s programme and First Team playing model.
Match operations and administration
Oversee all match-day preparation, delivery and review processes for the U19’s squad.
Manage all communication relating to players, parents/guardians and relevant stakeholders.
Coordinate travel, logistics and operational requirements associated with the U19’s programme.
Maintain accurate records relating to player development, performance reviews and squadadministration.
Additional responsibilities
Contribute to decisions relating to player retention, progression and release.
Assist in the design, implementation and continuous improvement of Academy programmes andprocedures.
Work closely with the Club Welfare and Safeguarding Officer regarding any player’s welfareconcerns.
Attend and observe U17s fixtures to ensure alignment throughout the Transition Phase programme.
Provide support and guidance to players regarding both football and non-football related matterswhere appropriate.
Support the U17s programme to ensure continuity of playing style, principles and playerdevelopment outcomes.
Deliver coaching support to Development Squad and First Team players when required.
Mandatory to support at least one U17s training session per week.
Always act as a professional ambassador for the football club.
Adhere to all club policies, procedures, safeguarding requirements and regulatory standards.
Participate in regular performance reviews and professional development activities.• Undertake any other duties reasonably requested by the Academy Director or Football Club.
Essential qualifications, knowledge and experience
UEFA Pro Licence, UEFA Elite Youth A Licence or UEFA A Licence.
Valid driving licence.
Enhanced Disclosure/Background Check (or ability to obtain).
Experience
Minimum of three years' experience working within a professional football environment with U17s,U19’s and/or First Team players.
Proven track record of developing elite young players within a performance-focused environment.• Experience of working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team structure.
Knowledge and skills
Strong understanding of player development within the transition phase and professional gamepathway.
Competent in performance analysis, data interpretation, periodisation planning and the applicationof emerging technologies, including AI, to support player development.
Excellent organisational, planning and administrative skills.
Strong IT literacy, including Microsoft Office applications and player management systems.
Outstanding communication and relationship-management skills.
Highly motivated with a passion for developing young players within an elite football environment.
Working hours
This is a full-time position requiring flexibility to work during daytime, evenings and weekends.Additional hours may be required at short notice in line with the operational demands of elitefootball.
Application process
To be considered for this position, please submit a current CV and covering letter to: Allan McManus allan.mcmanus@stmirren.com
Closing Date: 20th June 2026