Football Coach
What is the work like?
Football coaches develop the knowledge, techniques and motivation of football teams and players. They train players at all levels, from beginners to top professionals.
As a football coach you would:
- plan activities, sessions and programmes
- provide feedback and give advice on players' performance, fitness, technical skills and team working
- develop and discuss strategies and tactics for both individual and team play
- give guidance on nutrition and injury recognition and prevention, when working with competitive teams
- research good practice and innovative examples of coaching
- advise players on how to keep up a positive mental attitude and self-discipline.
At a higher level, you may also:
- analyse matches
- design innovative training methods and programmes
- deal with the media.
You could work at an amateur level, working in the community with children or youth teams (sometimes as a volumteer), or at a professional level, with young people in football academies and league clubs.
As a community football coach you would work with clubs, schools and local authorities, using football as a means of personal and social development. You would work closely with local community organisations to develop opportunities for young people to get involved in sporting activities.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You can qualify as a coach by completing Football Association (FA) coaching qualifications at the following levels:
- FA Level 1 Club Coach
- FA Level 2 Club Coach
- Level 3 UEFA 'B'
- UEFA 'A' Licence.
You will usually start with the Level 1 course, which gives an introduction to coaching and the opportunity to improve your skills and understanding. You do not need any experience to join this course.
You can take the Level 2 Club Coach course either after completing Level 1, or if you have some coaching experience. Volunteering at a local amateur football club is a good way of gaining experience – check the FA website for details of your nearest clubs.
If you are going to work with children, either as a volunteer or paid coach, you will need CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) clearance.
You can find full details of local and national coaching courses, and apply online, on the FA website.
1st4sport Qualifications award the FA coaching qualifications, as well as other awards in subjects such as the treatment and management of football injuries – visit the 1st4sport website for details.
Once you have completed qualifications up to Level 2, and have experience of coaching, you could progress through the higher level FA qualifications.
The level of football experience you will need depends on the level at which you want to coach. Experience of playing the game will be an advantage, especially at the higher levels, as you would be better placed to understand the demands on full-time players.
You could also gain coaching qualifications and experience as part of a degree course in coaching, sports science, sports studies or physical education.
You may also be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. To find out more, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
What further training and development can I do?
As a football coach, you can work towards NVQ levels 2 and 3 in Coaching, Teaching and Instructing.
To be successful as a coach, you should always be open to new ideas and continually improve your skills and knowledge of the game. Completing FA courses will help you to do this.
If you are working with children, you will be expected to attend training on child protection. Most FA coaching certificates include this training. Sportscoach UK run 'Child Protection and Good Practice' workshops.
Sportscoach UK also offer an extensive programme of personal development courses for coaches at every level.
Football is one of the sports included in the new UK Coaching Certificate (UKCC). Contact the FA to find out when UKCC qualifications are being offered. See the UKCC website for general information.
Where can I go for more information?
Castlewood House77-91 New Oxford Street
London
WC1A 1PX
Advice line: 08000 933300
Chelsea Close
Off Amberley Road
Armley
Leeds
LS12 4HP
Tel: 0113 290 7610
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Community football coaches can earn between £16,000 and £24,000 a year.
- Professional League/Premiership coaches can earn between £25,000 and around £250,000, depending on the role of the coach and the level of the club.
Football coaches may be employed for a few hours a week, and be paid an hourly rate.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Many coaches are part-time, and you would often combine your coaching with other full-time work, possibly coaching for two evenings during the week and attending games or tournaments on Saturdays or Sundays.
Attending training sessions and matches can mean working long and often unsocial hours.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- energy, enthusiasm and the ability to motivate others
- knowledge of, and keen interest in, football
- good communication skills
- patience and determination to succeed
- flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing environments, ability groups and weather conditions
- the ability to give tactful, positive advice and constructive criticism
- good organisational and planning skills
- a confident and professional manner.
What opportunities are there?
You can develop your career by moving to more prestigious and higher profile clubs. Progression will depend on your results and reputation. You may also be able to take further training to develop your skills into more specialist areas, such as international coaching, performance coaching and goalkeeping coaching
As a coach working with young people, you may be able to gain relevant qualifications and move into sports development or youth work. Many of the skills and qualities you will develop as a good coach would be transferable to other areas of the sports industry.
Vacancies are advertised in the press and on websites such as Leisure Opportunities.
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