University Blacks Football Club is one of the oldest football clubs in Australia, having existed since 1859 as part of Melbourne University Football Club (MUFC). University Blacks comprise of 4 teams, and in 2025 will compete once again for the ultimate prize in the William Buck Premier Men’s Competition of the VAFA - arguably the highest level of amateur football in the country.

For more information regarding our Club, please visit this link: uniblacks.org.au

Position:

The Reserves/Development Coach will be responsible for coaching the Reserves team and ensuring that player development and education is prioritised within the University Blacks football program on and off the field. The successful candidate will be required to coach and develop our players under the direction of the Senior Head Coach. The successful candidate will work closely with the Coaching group, Football Operations and Team Manager to ensure the Club has the highest standards of coaching across the board. Essential to the success of this role includes the following responsibilities:

Responsibilities:

• Lead the Men’s Reserves team as coach during training and match days.
• Be a leader and always demonstrate the values of the Club.
• Contribute to a transparent and effective selection process as a member of Match Committee.
• Contribute to the development of skills, physical attributes, football IQ and personal growth of all players across each of the 4 teams.
• Provide regular individual and group feedback, prioritising player development and education in a positive environment.
• Engage with the leadership group to empower players on their football journey.

Time commitments:

Preseason

The Reserves/Development Coach will be assisting for the coordination of preseason training beginning from November to March with two sessions a week (with a break for 3 weeks over Christmas/New Year period).

Regular

Regular season begins in April to August with possible finals in September with two trainings a week and game on Saturday. Trainings will run from 6.15pm-8.00pm on Tuesday and Thursday nights.

Essential requirements:

• Strong ability to develop relationships with a broad range of stakeholders.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of football tactics, drills, and match preparation.
• A genuine passion for football and developing athletes, especially young men in the demographic of 18-25 that are completing or having just completed their university studies.
• Commitment to attending all training sessions, match committee meetings and matches, including pre-season.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and develop youth talent.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and train gameplans.
• Understanding and appreciation of team culture and being able to foster an environment to helps the team grow and be a fun place to be around.
• Proactive and positive communicator – ability to integrate into existing communications forums and engage positively with playing group
• Ability to form strong connections with individuals to understand each player’s football journey and where footy sits in their own world and managing their expectations in line with the objectives of the team and Club.

Desirable but not essential skills:

• Demonstrated understanding of the ethics of amateur football
• Previous coaching experience
• Level 1 or above AFL coaching accreditation
• Driver’s license
• First Aid
• Mental Health First Aid