8 questions, with why they’re asked and how to answer.
General
1Tell us about yourself and why you want to work in football.
Why they ask this: They want a clear, short story that links your experience to this role, and to see real motivation beyond being a fan.
How to answer: Spend about a minute: where you are now, two or three experiences that prepared you for this job, and why this step makes sense. Keep “I love football” to one sentence and focus on the work.
See an example answer
“I’ve spent three years coaching in grassroots and academy football while finishing my degree. The part I enjoy most is seeing players improve week by week, which is why I want a full-time academy role where I can work with the same group across a season.”
2Why do you want to work for our club?
Why they ask this: Clubs want people who have done their homework and will fit their culture, style and plans.
How to answer: Mention something specific: their playing style, academy pathway, community work or a recent change at the club, and connect it to how you work.
See an example answer
“Your academy has given first-team debuts to five players in two seasons, and the pathway is clearly a priority. That matches how I coach: I focus on long-term development, not just results on a Saturday.”
Role-specific
3Talk us through a session you’d run for our U12s on playing out from the back.
Why they ask this: They want to see you can plan a session with a clear theme that fits the age group.
How to answer: Give the theme, a warm-up linked to it, a practice, a game with the theme built in, and how you’d check learning. Mention ball rolling time and decision-making.
4What are your responsibilities around safeguarding?
Why they ask this: Safeguarding is non-negotiable for anyone working with young players.
How to answer: Mention your checks and training, never being alone with a child out of sight, recording concerns and reporting them to the welfare officer straight away.
Technical
5How do you adapt a session when players aren’t getting it?
Why they ask this: Shows you coach the players in front of you, not just the plan.
How to answer: Explain how you’d simplify the practice (space, numbers, constraints), use questioning, and step it back up once they succeed.
Behavioural
6Tell us about a player you helped improve. What did you do?
Why they ask this: Evidence of impact matters more than coaching philosophy.
How to answer: Use a real example with a clear before and after: what you noticed, what you changed, and how you measured progress.
Situational
7A parent is unhappy that their child isn’t getting much game time. What do you do?
Why they ask this: Academies need coaches who handle difficult conversations calmly and fairly.
How to answer: Listen, explain the club’s approach to playing time and development, agree next steps, and follow club policy. Keep it about the player.
Questions to ask them
8What would success look like in this role after six months?
Why they ask this: Asking this shows you’re thinking about results and how you’ll be measured, not just about getting the job.
How to answer: Ask it near the end, listen closely, and briefly connect their answer to something you’ve already mentioned.
