Graduate Development Coach

  • Location: Sport Ireland Campus, Abbottstown (travel required)
  • Type: Full-time, Graduate Position

Sporting / Academy Director

  • Location: Dublin (with potential international travel)
  • Contract: Full-time permanent

DBS International Soccer Academy
Location: Sport Ireland Campus, Abbottstown (travel required)
Reporting to: Academy Director / Head of Operations
Type: Full-time, Graduate Position.

We are excited to offer you the position of Graduate Development Coach at DBS International Soccer Academy. This full-time role is an ideal entry point for a newly graduated individual looking to launch their coaching career in a high-performance football academy setting. You will work closel with our senior coaching team, supporting daily coaching activities and gaining valuable experience across our academy, camps, and Technical Development Program (TDP).

1. Compensation & Benefits

  • Base Salary: Based on Experience
  • Professional Development: Ongoing mentorship and training provided by senior coaching staff.
  • Company Resources:
    • Access to coaching materials, session plans, and operational platforms.
    • Use of academy equipment and facilities.

2. General Responsibilities

Player Safety & Welfare:

  • Support senior coaches in maintaining a safe, supportive environment for all players.
  • Communicate promptly with staff on any player concerns, injuries, or incidents.

Daily Preparation:

  • Arrive early to help set up training sessions and assist in session planning.
  • Ensure coaching equipment is organized and available.

Administration:

  • Record attendance and assist in tracking player progress.
  • Help maintain databases for TDP and academy records.
  • Support senior staff with updates to learning journals and reports.

3. Role-Specific Responsibilities

A. Full-Time Academy Support
  • Assist in the delivery of training sessions under the guidance of the Head Coach.
  • Learn to adapt coaching content to player needs and contribute to session discussions.
  • Participate in gym sessions and support player recovery routines.
  • Provide assistance during in-season class delivery and presentation preparation.

Matchday Support:

  • Help set up matches, take notes on performance, and assist in refereeing.
  • Join in team talks and support post-match debrief sessions.

Player Mentoring:

  • Observe 1-on-1 player meetings and gradually take part in discussions as confidence grows.
B. Technical Development Program (TDP)
  • Assist with player check-ins, gear distribution, and attendance tracking.
  • Support the delivery of weekly training sessions using tablets and pre-designed plans.
  • Help collect player/parent feedback and share insights with senior staff.

Financial Administration Support:

  • Help track registration lists and payment status.
  • Assist with communication around membership issues or updates.
C. Camps & Events
  • Assist with set-up and delivery of age-appropriate camp sessions.
  • Participate in games, refereeing rotations, and progress observation.
  • Support the collection and review of participant feedback.

4. Learning & Development

This role includes structured mentorship and feedback sessions with senior staff. You will:

  • Receive support in developing your coaching philosophy.
  • Be involved in weekly review meetings.
  • Be encouraged to propose and test new ideas in a supportive environment.

5. Required Skills and Qualifications

  • Bachelor degree in sports managers or related field
  • An understanding of the Irish Football culture
  • An understanding of club development
  • An understanding of how to support clubs and increasing participation in our academy
  • Excellent communication and organisisation skills
  • Understand and proficient in Microsoft OBice

6. Employment Terms

  • Start Date: Immediately
  • Probation Period: 6 months (with potential 3-month extension).
  • Notice Period: 1 month after probation.
  • Hours: Full-time, with a flexible schedule based on academy programming.

We believe this role will provide a strong foundation for your coaching career while giving you the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young players.

7. How to apply

  • Complete the below application and select the role you are applying for or email info@dbsportstous.com no later than Friday 18th July 2025

DBS International Soccer Academy
Location: Dublin (with potential international travel)
Direct Reporting Line To: Managing Director
Commencement Date: ASAP
Contract: Full-time permanent
Salary: Competitive, based on experience

About DB Sports International Academy

DB Sports International Academy is a full time professional soccer academy committed to nurturing young talent through world-class coaching, facilities, and competitive opportunities. Our academy blends elite player development with academic excellence to create well-rounded athletes.

Role Overview

The Sporting Director will oversee all football operations of the academy, ensuring the delivery of a high-performance environment while managing day-to-day operations and strategic growth. This role requires a visionary leader with extensive football knowledge and management experience to elevate our program beyond international standards. The Sporting Director will focus on technical leadership, strategic growth, and high-performance management while maintaining the operational excellence required for day-to-day academy management.

Key Responsibilities

  1. Football Operations Management
    1. Oversee all technical aspects of the academy including coaching, player development, and competition programs
    2. Develop and implement the academy’s football philosophy and playing style across all age groups
    3. Manage the daily operations of the academy ensuring smooth functioning of all programs
    4. Lead, mentor, and evaluate the coaching staff to ensure consistent delivery of the academy’s methodology
  2. Program Development & Growth
    1. Design and execute strategic plans to expand the academy’s reach and reputation
    2. Identify and establish partnerships with international clubs, schools, and football organizations
    3. Develop pathways for player progression including scholarship opportunities and professional contracts
    4. Implement player evaluation systems and tracking metrics to monitor development
  3. Administrative & Compliance
    1. Ensure compliance with all national and international football regulations
    2. Oversee player registrations, transfers, and eligibility requirements
    3. Manage relationships with football governing bodies (FAI, UEFA, etc.)
    4. Implement and monitor child protection policies in line with Irish legislation
  4. Community & Commercial Engagement
    1. Represent the academy at local and international events
    2. Develop relationships with sponsors and commercial partners
    3. Organize showcase tournaments and international tours
    4. Engage with parents and stakeholders to communicate academy vision and progress

Required Qualifications & Experience

  • UEFA Pro License or equivalent top-level coaching qualification
  • 5+ years’ experience in football academy management or high-performance environments
  • Proven track record in player development and coach education
  • Strong understanding of international youth football landscape
  • Excellent leadership and people management skills
  • Experience with football analytics and performance metrics
  • Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management or related field

Preferred Attributes

  • Multilingual capabilities (advantageous for international operations)
  • Experience working in multiple football markets/countries
  • Established network within global football community
  • Commercial acumen and sponsorship experience

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit:

  1. Cover letter outlining vision for the role
  2. Detailed CV including football achievements
  3. References from football organizations

Applications to be sent to academy@dbsisa.com by Friday 18th July.

Apply Now!