Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead recruitment for our Academy, scouting talent from under 9 to under 21.
- Company: Join Colchester United Football Club, a vibrant Category 2 Academy with a passion for youth development.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young athletes' lives while working in a supportive and inclusive culture.
- Qualifications: Must have or be pursuing FA Advanced Principles of Talent Identification & Development in Football.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
Colchester United Football Club are seeking a full time Head of Academy Recruitment to work within our exciting Category 2 Academy. The role will oversee the recruitment across all age groups from under 9 to Under 21. To ensure continual pathway development throughout the academy.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee the recruitment strategy for the academy.
- Identify and recommend players to the Academy across all age groups.
- Recruit players related to the academy and club pathway.
- Complete match and player recommendation reports.
- Support the planning and delivery of Talent ID days.
- Willingness to learn and embrace the Colchester United philosophy and ethos.
- Build relationships with other clubs to continuously expand the recruitment network.
- Ensure that the Academy Recruitment Database is continuously monitored and updated.
- To manage all recruiters within the department.
- Have responsibility for the organisation, management and delivery of the Club\’s policies and procedures for the recruitment of Academy players. (YD Rule 113.2)
- Have responsibility for the recruitment and training of the Club\’s Scouts (including taking all reasonable steps to ensure that they comply with the requirements regarding qualifications, registration and continued professional development set out at Rule 241)
- Always have accountability and responsibility for safeguarding.
Requirements:
- Be in possession of (or be actively working towards): The FA Advanced Principles of Talent Identification & Development in Football
- Enhanced DBS
- FA Safeguarding Qualification
Person Specification:
- Hard working
- Clean drivinglicense
- Good communication skills
- Passion for working with young people
All staff must be aware of all safeguarding and equity and diversity issues, along with all academy and club policies, rules and regulations. We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and dynamic working environment by building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Salary £30k-£35k
Closing Date: 8th August 2025
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Academy Recruitment employer: Colchester United
Contact Detail:
Colchester United Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Academy Recruitment
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Colchester United's academy philosophy and ethos. Understanding their values will help you align your recruitment strategies with the club's vision, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current scouts and recruiters in the football industry. Building relationships with professionals already in the field can provide you with insights and potentially valuable recommendations for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends in talent identification and development. Engaging with relevant literature or attending workshops can demonstrate your commitment to professional growth and your understanding of the evolving landscape in football recruitment.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing teams and developing recruitment strategies. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully identified and nurtured talent in previous roles, as this will showcase your capability for the Head of Academy Recruitment position.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Academy Recruitment
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of the Head of Academy Recruitment. Familiarise yourself with the recruitment strategy and the importance of player development within the academy.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in recruitment, talent identification, and working with young players. Make sure to include any qualifications related to football coaching or safeguarding that align with the job requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for youth development in football and how your values align with Colchester United's philosophy. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to build relationships and manage a recruitment team.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since good communication is essential for this role, ensure your application reflects your ability to convey ideas clearly. Use concise language and structure your application well to make it easy for the hiring team to read.
How to prepare for a job interview at Colchester United
✨Understand the Academy's Philosophy
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand Colchester United's philosophy and ethos. This will help you align your answers with their values and demonstrate your commitment to their vision for the academy.
✨Showcase Your Recruitment Strategy Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your approach to developing a recruitment strategy. Highlight any previous experiences where you've successfully identified and recruited talent, especially in youth football, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Emphasise Relationship Building Skills
Since building relationships with other clubs is key, come ready with examples of how you've successfully networked in the past. This could include collaborations or partnerships that have benefited your previous teams or academies.
✨Demonstrate Safeguarding Awareness
Given the importance of safeguarding in this role, be prepared to discuss your understanding of safeguarding policies and how you would ensure compliance within the academy. Mention any relevant qualifications or training you have completed.
