Job Description

: Head Coach - Canada First Academy Development Player Pathway

Job Details:

Job Type: Part-Time Schedule:
o Training sessions: Weekdays and/or weekends as required.

o Occasional events or meetings.

Work Location: GTA (Toronto & Scarborough)
About Canada First Academy:

Canada First Academy (CFA) is dedicated to fostering soccer excellence and providing players with opportunities to grow through structured training programs. We are seeking an experienced and passionate Head Coach to lead and oversee the Development Player Pathway, which includes the FUNdamentals and Pre-Elite Academy programs. This role focuses on player development, program coordination, and maintaining the highest standards of coaching excellence.

Position Overview:

The Head Coach will be responsible for the successful implementation, management, and evolution of the Development Player Pathway. This includes overseeing the FUNdamentals program (ages 5-12) and the Pre-Elite Academy (ages U8-U14), ensuring players receive top-quality coaching that aligns with CFA's development philosophy and Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) principles. The ideal candidate will have a passion for developing young players, a strong understanding of soccer coaching methodologies, and the ability to inspire young players and coaches.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Leadership:
o Plan, oversee, and deliver age-appropriate training sessions for the FUNdamentals and Pre-Elite Academy programs.

o Ensure sessions focus on core development areas, including ball mastery, passing, shooting, tactics/positioning, and dribbling.

o Maintain a pathway for players to transition on from FUNdamentals to Pre-Elite Academy and eventually to Elite Academy teams.

Coaching Excellence:
o Mentor and guide FUNdamentals and Pre-Elite Academy coaches, ensuring

adherence to CFA coaching guidelines and Long-Term Player Development principles.

o Create engaging and progressive training plans to develop technical, tactical, and

physical skills.

o Provide feedback and evaluations to players and parents about player progress.

Program Development & Coordination:
o Collaborate with the Technical Director to refine the Development Pathway

strategy.

o Organize and lead player assessments for movement within the pathway,

including tryouts for competitive teams.

o Ensure effective communication with parents/guardians regarding player development, program expectation, and opportunities.

Operational Duitse:
o Manage program schedules, ensuring smooth coordina=on of training sessions

and small-sided games.

o Track and document player attendance, performance, and progress.

o Support recruitment efforts for coaches and players.

Qualifications and Experience:

Minimum Ontario Soccer 'Learn to Train' Certification or higher (or equivalent coaching
qualifications).

Proven coaching experience with youth players, ideally across multiple age groups (U5-
U14).

Deep understanding of Long-Term Player Development principles and their practical
Application in training sessions.

Strong leadership skills and experience managing coaches and player development
programs.

Passion for working with children and fostering a love of soccer. Ability to create a positive and inclusive environment for players and families. Excellent communication and organizational skills. Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation.
Preferred Skills:

Experience coaching both foundational and competitive players. Strong tactical knowledge and ability to teach technical and strategic aspects of soccer. Experience managing player assessments and guiding transitions within a development
pathway.

Join us in shaping the future of our swim program by applying your expertise as a Head Coach!

Job Type: Part-time

Expected hours: 6 - 8 per week

Schedule:

Day shift Monday to Friday Weekends as needed
Application question(s):

Do you have a valid Learn to Train, Grassroots License or higher? How many years of playing experience do you have? How many years of coaching experience do you have? Do you have Make Ethical decisions, Respect in Soccer and Concussion Module certifications? Do you have a vehicle and drivers license? Do you live in or close to Toronto as sessions can start as early as 5pm?
Work Location: In person