Company Description

⚒️ WEST HAM UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB ⚒️

Academy Physical Development Coach (YDP/FP)

Location: Chadwell Heath / Little Heath / Rush Green Training Ground

⏱ Hours: 16 hours per week

Salary: London Living Wage

Contract: 46-week fixed term

Position

⚒️ About the Role

West Ham United Academy is looking for a passionate and knowledgeable Physical Development Coach to support our Foundation Phase (FP) and Youth Development Phase (YDP) players.

You will deliver engaging, inclusive, and high-quality physical development programmes that enhance player competency, character, and capacity, aligned with The West Ham Way. You’ll contribute to a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment that supports both performance and personal development.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, deliver, and review physical development sessions (on-pitch & gym-based)
• Support injury prevention and Return to Play processes
• Monitor player workload, wellbeing, and growth/maturation
• Contribute to profiling, reporting, and MDT decision-making
• Work collaboratively with coaching staff to align physical and technical outcomes
• Support matchdays, including evenings & weekends ⚽
• Help create a positive, inclusive, and engaging learning environment for all players

Key Objectives

• Improve “Movements That Matter” and “Underpinning Physical Qualities”
• Minimise injury time-loss (non-contact/soft tissue)
• Support long-term athlete development
• Positively impact player education and overall academy experience

Requirements

BSc in a relevant field (minimum 2:2 or above)

Safeguarding Commitment

We’re committed to safer recruitment and safeguarding children and adults at risk. This role is subject to enhanced DBS checks.

Other information

Benefits on offer (may vary based on contract type and location)

• 25 days annual leave plus your birthday off
• Pension and life insurance
• Healthcare cash scheme
• Travel season ticket loan
• Cycle to work scheme
• Priority access to apply for match tickets
• Discounted season tickets
• Staff discounts in the club store, café and our official partners products and services
• Discounted gym membership and onsite fitness room facilities
• Family friendly leave policies
• Company Social events

EDI Statement

• The successful candidate must demonstrate a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, aligning with the organisation’s business and tactical approach to eliminating barriers and addressing inequity. You agree to actively contribute to creating a discrimination-free and inclusive environment, ensuring equitable access to opportunities and benefits, while fostering a culture of dignity and respect that enables everyone to perform and achieve their potential.

• Candidates must demonstrate their capability and willingness to uphold best practices and procedures, promoting lasting positive change while eliminating biases and barriers to attracting, achieving, and supporting talent from all communities, regardless of background, circumstances, or protected characteristics.

Safeguarding

• The successful candidate must demonstrate a commitment to the safety and welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk of harm across all stakeholders. Everyone, including third parties who work with the Club or the West Ham Foundation, is responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals. Successful candidates must undergo essential background checks before starting their employment, which may include screening of social media. The type of DBS check required will depend on the responsibilities of the position and may be basic, standard, or enhanced.

• The successful candidate agrees to proactively identify and respond appropriately to any concerns, and follow the Club’s Safeguarding reporting procedures to report allegations of abuse, poor practice, or anything that may impact the welfare of a child, young person, or adult at risk without delay, within 24 hours, or as otherwise directed by the Club’s or the West Ham Foundation Safeguarding Team.