1st Team Manager and Pathways Coach

To be responsible for the day to day running of STFC 1st team and deliver the Club vision and strategy. To manage the pathways for Stockport County FC (SCFC) Academy and Football Education (FE) players into STFC. Ensuring that the KPIs are achieved. 

Reports To:  Academy Manager & FE Head of Football

Key Relationships

• Academy U16 and U18 coaches
• STFC 1st team staff 
• Football Education EDS coach
• STFC General Manager
• Academy Operations Manager
• Academy Manager
• FE Head of Football

Job Responsibilities

• Tactical Planning: Develop a game model and clear principles of play for STFC. Implement game strategies and tactics during training sessions and on match days. This involves analyzing opponents, devising game plans, and making in-game adjustments.
• Squad Selection: Manage squad selection for STFC match days to achieve the KPIs set by the board at the beginning of the season. Select the starting lineup and make decisions on substitutions during matches for STFC and support SCFC EDS coach in doing so. 
• Training and Preparation: Oversee and design training sessions for STFC and SCFC EDS to improve team performance and individual skills. This includes physical conditioning, technical drills, and tactical work.
• Player Management: Alongside the key personnel from the SCFC EDS  and Academy staff motivate, support, and manage players both on and off the pitch. Address any issues related to discipline, morale, and personal development. 
• Accessible Pathway: Work with players aged 16-21 in both the SCFC EDS and Academy programs to identify and recruit new talent. Recruit senior players aged 21+ to play for STFC that will support and compliment the SCFC young players in the squad. 
• Match Analysis: Analyse STFC and SCFE EDS match footage to review team performance and identify areas for improvement. This helps in preparing for future opponents and refining tactics.
• Communication: Maintain effective communication with players, coaching staff, and the media at STFC, SCFC EDS, and Academy. This includes delivering clear instructions, providing feedback, and representing the team publicly.
• Administrative Duties: Handle various administrative aspects such as match day logistics, injury management, and coordination.
• Club Strategy: Align the team’s performance with the broader goals and strategy of the club. This may involve working closely with the STFC board and other senior figures within the organisation.
• Crisis Management: Address and manage any crises or unexpected challenges that arise, such as injuries, poor form, or internal conflicts.
• Recruitment: Devise a comprehensive recruitment strategy. Plan, deliver, and review recruitment days during half terms. 
• Reports: Provide a 10-game progress report to the board

Skills Required

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with an ability to use a variety of communication tools (verbal, written, digital)
• Strong organisational and administrative skills
• It skills to include the ability to use performance analysis software and Microsoft office

Knowledge & qualifications required

Essential

• The FA Youth Award
• UEFA B Licence
• Member of the FA Licensed Coaches Club
• Valid FA Safeguarding Children Certificate
• Valid BFAS – Basic First Aid for Sport
• Hold an enhanced DBS check
• Full UK driving licence
• Previous experience of 1st team Management and developing young emerging talent
• Previous experience in talent identification 16+
• Strong written and presentation skills
• Excellent communications skills across multiple levels, with parents or guardians and players

Desirable

• UEFA A Licence
• The FA Advanced Youth Award
• Valid EFAiF Certificate
• Previous playing experience at a professional level
• Working in an elite sporting environment and understanding how elite footballers are developed
• Leading and managing people

Personal Attributes

• Committed, enthusiastic and passionate about the development of young players.
• Ability to work as part of a team as well as using one’s own initiative in developing young players and coaching sessions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a variety of different personnel at the Club.
• An understanding of a range of teaching / learning styles to optimise the development of young players.
• Able to communicate effectively with players, parents and fellow staff members at all levels.
• Strong IT skills with the ability to use e-mail, google drive, Word and Excel.
• Able to adapt to the demands of the job and needs of the players and staff.
• Dedicated to self-improvement and continuous professional development.
• Willing to follow and promote the philosophy of the Club.
• Be an ambassador for STFC and SCFC, presenting the Club’s in a positive image at all times.

DBS Check Required.

The document is a guide only and should not be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. It is intended as an outline indication of the areas of activity and will be amended in the light of changing needs of the organisation. 

Equality and diversity 

Stockport county fc is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment and its employment policies for recruitment, selection, training, development and promotion are designed to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, ethnic and national origin, disability or gender reassignment. 

Safer recruitment 

Stockport county fc is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. The job holder will be required to undertake appropriate safeguarding checks as well as providing proof of right to work in the uk. 

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