YDP Physical Performance Manager

This role sets the vision and direction for athletic development across the U14–U16 Full Time School programme. Working alongside the Head of Performance Sciences, it defines a future-facing philosophy that keeps the Academy at the cutting edge of youth development. The role combines strategic leadership of the phase with hands-on coaching of the U16 squad, ensuring athletic development principles are applied daily on the grass.

• Set the vision and direction for athletic development across the U14–U16 Full Time School programme.
• Work alongside the Head of Performance Sciences to define a future-facing philosophy that keeps the Academy at the cutting edge of youth development.
• Combine strategic leadership of the phase with hands-on coaching of the U16 squad.
• Ensure athletic development principles are applied daily on the grass.
• Build and lead a high-performing team of Athletic Development Coaches.
• Develop Athletic Development Coaches into outstanding practitioners.
• Create an environment where every player is challenged, supported and understood as an individual.
• Influence the Academy's approach and provide leadership within the department.
• Plan with intent, coach with depth and invest in developing players and staff.
• Support the development of robust, adaptable and confident young athletes ready to progress from the YDP to the PDP and men's game.

• Deep passion for youth athletic development, skill acquisition and the development of performance behaviours.
• Takes pride in seeing young people grow over time.
• Deep understanding of adolescent development.
• Highly organised with strong planning skills.
• Creative and adaptable coach.
• Leader who develops staff with clarity and care.
• Growth mindset.
• Ambition to help shape the future of the Chelsea Academy.

• Chelsea FC Training Ground, Cobham
• Travel as required

• Structured and predictable weekly rhythm built around the on-site Full Time School programme.
• Time to plan with intent, coach with depth and invest in developing players and staff.
• Opportunity to influence the Academy's approach and be a leader within the department.