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Football coach CV example

Your football coach CV should highlight expertise in team leadership, player development, and match strategy, showcasing your ability to inspire athletes and deliver winning results on and off the pitch.

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Andrew Fennell | CV Expert Updated on March 20, 2025
 

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CV news features

Do you have what it takes to turn a struggling team into champions… or at least keep them from scoring own goals?

As a Football Coach, you’re the tactical mastermind, the motivator, and occasionally, the referee of team banter. But before you can step onto the pitch as a leader, you’ll need a CV that gets the recruiter shouting, ‘Sign them up!’.

This guide, complete with a Football Coach CV example, will help you craft an application that highlights your coaching expertise, leadership skills, and love for the beautiful game.

Football Coach CV sample

Football Coach CV

How to write your Football Coach CV

Learn how to create your own interview-winning Football Coach CV with this simple step-by-step guide.

A Football Coach CV is more than just a list of teams you’ve worked with – it’s your chance to demonstrate your leadership, strategic thinking, and ability to develop players. Recruiters and clubs want someone who can manage both the technical and motivational aspects of coaching.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to write a CV that shows off your coaching achievements, tactical skills, and passion for football, positioning you as the ideal candidate to lead any team.

The best way to structure your Football Coach CV

CV structure
CV structure

Your Football Coach CV should be as organised as your match-day tactics. Recruiters don’t want to feel like they’re wading through injury time – keep your CV clear and to the point.

Here’s how to structure your Football Coach CV:

  • Name and contact details – Keep your contact details towards the top. Having a photo of yourself is always entirely optional.
  • Profile – Kick off with a dynamic summary of your coaching expertise, leadership skills, and career highlights.
  • Core skills – Highlight your strongest skills, such as team management and tactical planning, that align with the role’s requirements.
  • Work experience – List your previous coaching roles in reverse chronological order, with your most recent first.
  • Education – List the qualifications and certificates that make you the right fit.
  • Additional info – This section is optional, but it’s a good place for hobbies and interests that complement your professional profile.

Football Coach CV format

CV format
CV format

Your CV should reflect the professionalism and dedication you bring to the pitch. A poorly formatted CV is like a player forgetting their boots – it won’t get you far, no matter how good you are. Making the mistake of a bad layout will sideline even the best candidates.

Here’s how to format your Football Coach CV:

  • Bullet points – Help the recruiter skim your CV quickly and pick up the important bits with easy-to-read bullet points.
  • Divide sections – Make sure each part of your CV is clearly defined with headings and consistent formatting.
  • Use a clean font – Choose a professional, readable font that keeps the focus on your content.
  • Keep it the right length – Stick to a 2 page limit to highlight your key achievements without unnecessary extras.

Writing a Football Coach CV profile

CV profile
CV profile

Your profile is your pre-match team talk – it’s got to inspire confidence and show the recruiter why you’re the one to lead the charge. Convey the value you’d bring to the pitch if they chose to hire you.

Football Coach CV profile examples

Dedicated Football Coach with five years of experience in youth football development, specialising in skills training, tactical strategies, and team building. Skilled in creating tailored coaching plans to improve player performance and foster a positive team environment.

Experienced Football Coach with eight years of experience coaching amateur and semi-professional teams, focusing on player development, match preparation, and fitness conditioning. Proficient in using video analysis tools to evaluate and improve team strategies.

Organised Football Coach with over 10 years of expertise in professional football, specialising in leading teams to competitive success. Skilled in developing advanced training programs, mentoring players, and managing coaching staff to achieve performance goals.

What to include in your Football Coach CV profile

Here are some tips on what to include in your Football Coach CV profile:

  • Where you’ve worked – Describe which types of clubs, teams, or academies you’ve coached.
  • Your top qualifications – Name your coaching badges, UEFA certifications, or degrees in sports science.
  • Key skills – Briefly list your most important abilities like tactical planning, team motivation, and player development.
  • Team success – Reference wins, promotions, or other achievements under your leadership.
  • Player progress – Mention any players you’ve helped develop to reach higher levels, such as professional leagues.

Core skills section

CV skills
CV skills

Your core skills section is like your coaching philosophy – it gives recruiters a clear picture of your expertise and what you bring to the team.

For Football Coaches, this section should highlight tactical, technical, and interpersonal skills. Tailor it to the specific role you’re applying for, whether it’s coaching youth teams or professional clubs.

What are the most important skills for a Football Coach CV?

  • Tactical Planning – Developing game strategies to maximise team performance.
  • Team Management – Leading players, assistants, and support staff effectively.
  • Player Development – Coaching players to improve technical and physical skills.
  • Match Analysis – Reviewing games to identify areas for improvement and opportunities.
  • Fitness Training – Designing conditioning programs to improve players’ stamina and agility.
  • Recruitment and Scouting – Identifying and acquiring new talent to strengthen the squad.
  • Conflict Resolution – Mediating disputes to maintain team harmony and focus.
  • Set Piece Strategies – Creating effective plans for corners, free kicks, and penalties.
  • Video Analysis – Using tools to break down matches for feedback and strategy adjustments.
  • Leadership – Inspiring teams to achieve their full potential both on and off the field.

Work experience

CV work experience
CV work experience

Your work experience section is where you show recruiters the impact you’ve had as a coach. Highlight your contributions to team success, player development, and the overall culture of your previous teams.

List your roles in reverse chronological order, focusing on measurable results and key responsibilities.

If you’re new to coaching, highlight the time you turned a Sunday League team into title contenders (or at least got them to turn up on time).

Writing job descriptions for past roles

job example
  • Outline – Provide an overview of the team, your role, and the level of competition you coached in.
  • Responsibilities – Highlight tasks like planning training sessions, managing matches, or developing strategies. Use action verbs like “coached,” “led,” or “implemented.”
  • Achievements – Showcase measurable results, such as win percentages, championship victories, or player advancements. Include numbers where possible to add impact.

Work experience samples for a Football Coach

Coached youth football teams, focusing on skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Designed and implemented training programs to enhance player abilities and build confidence.

  • Developed age-appropriate training sessions to improve technical skills and tactical awareness.
  • Conducted one-on-one coaching to address individual player needs and areas for improvement.
  • Organised and led weekly matches and tournaments, ensuring player readiness and team strategy.
  • Collaborated with parents and staff to monitor player progress and provide feedback.
  • Promoted a safe and inclusive environment for all players, encouraging personal growth.
  • Increased team performance by 30 percent over two seasons through tailored coaching strategies.
  • Guided two players to selection in regional youth teams.
  • Awarded Youth Coach of the Year for exceptional contributions to player development.

Coached a semi-professional football team, focusing on tactical development, fitness training, and competitive match preparation. Worked closely with players to achieve team objectives.

  • Developed and executed tactical game plans tailored to opponent strengths and weaknesses.
  • Organised fitness and conditioning programs to ensure peak player performance.
  • Used video analysis to evaluate match performance and adjust strategies accordingly.
  • Led team meetings to review objectives, provide feedback, and foster motivation.
  • Managed player recruitment and trials, identifying talent for the team roster.
  • Achieved promotion to a higher league within two seasons through strategic planning.
  • Improved team fitness levels by 25 percent with customised training programs.
  • Recognised for fostering a winning mentality and cohesive team spirit.

Served as Head Coach for a professional football team, leading training sessions, managing staff, and driving the team to competitive success. Focused on achieving long-term player and team development goals.

  • Designed and implemented advanced training schedules to develop player skills and tactics.
  • Managed coaching staff and collaborated with physiotherapists to ensure player readiness.
  • Analysed match statistics to refine strategies and enhance team performance.
  • Led recruitment efforts to bring in high-potential players and strengthen the squad.
  • Maintained strong relationships with management and stakeholders to align team objectives.
  • Won two league titles and a domestic cup within four years of tenure.
  • Increased average match attendance by 20 percent through consistent team success.
  • Mentored three players who progressed to international representation.

Education section

CV education
CV education

The education section is crucial for Football Coaches, as it demonstrates your foundational knowledge and professional development. Include coaching certifications, sports-related degrees, and any other relevant qualifications.

List your qualifications in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent.

Qualifications recruiters look for in a Football Coach

  • UEFA B Licence – Certification for coaching at advanced levels, including professional teams.
  • Level 3 Certificate in Coaching Football (FA) – Training in advanced coaching techniques and strategies.
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Science or Physical Education – Academic grounding in sports performance and training.
  • UEFA A Licence – High-level certification for coaching elite teams and players.
  • Sports Psychology Certificate – Expertise in motivating players and managing team dynamics.