At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop football programmes while mentoring coaches and supporting young players.
- Company: ACE Development Academy CIC, a community-focused football organisation in South London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, professional development, and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Join a growing team with significant responsibility and the potential for long-term leadership.
- Why this job: Shape the future of young players and coaches in a vibrant football community.
- Qualifications: UEFA C Licence or FA Level 2 minimum, strong coaching experience, and passion for youth development.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
Lead the Next Chapter of ACE
ACE Development Academy CIC is looking for an ambitious, experienced and passionate Head Coach / Academy Lead to lead the day-to-day football operations of our growing academy in South London.
This is a key leadership role within ACE and an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to play a significant role in shaping the development of young players, coaches and the wider community.
The successful candidate will become the senior football lead within ACE, taking responsibility for the day-to-day delivery and development of our football programmes while working closely with the Founder & Director and wider ACE team.
The Role
The Head Coach / Academy Lead will take responsibility for the leadership and delivery of ACE’s football programmes.
The role will combine coaching delivery, programme leadership, coach development and day-to-day football operations.
You will ensure that ACE’s players receive a high-quality, positive and purposeful football experience while developing and supporting the coaching team around you.
Key Responsibilities
- Football & Player Development
- Lead the delivery of ACE’s player development programmes.
- Plan and oversee high-quality, age-appropriate coaching sessions.
- Maintain ACE’s player development philosophy and coaching standards.
- Support the identification and development of talented players.
- Oversee player progression through the ACE development pathway.
- Ensure sessions are inclusive, challenging and enjoyable.
- Support the continued development of ACE’s girls’ football provision.
- Coaching Team Leadership
- Lead, support and develop ACE’s coaching team.
- Assist with coach recruitment and onboarding.
- Provide feedback, mentoring and support to coaches.
- Help create a positive and professional coaching culture.
- Ensure coaches consistently meet ACE’s expectations and standards.
- Support the development of emerging and young coaches.
- Help coordinate coaching cover and staffing requirements.
- Take ownership of the day-to-day football delivery across ACE’s programmes.
- Support the organisation of camps, tournaments, development centres and special events.
- Liaise with schools and partner organisations where required.
- Assist with programme planning, staffing and scheduling.
- Identify opportunities to improve and expand ACE’s football provision.
- Ensure programmes are delivered consistently and to a high standard.
- Parents & Community
- Build strong relationships with players and parents.
- Act as a key point of contact for football-related queries.
- Represent ACE professionally within the local football community.
- Support ACE’s commitment to making football accessible and inclusive.
- Contribute to community initiatives and projects.
- Help strengthen ACE’s relationships with local clubs, schools and community organisations.
- Safeguarding & Standards
- Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed across all programmes.
- Maintain appropriate coaching, welfare and professional standards.
- Work alongside ACE’s Safeguarding & Welfare Officer where required.
- Ensure sessions are delivered safely and professionally.
- Ensure coaches understand and follow ACE’s policies and procedures.
- Leadership & Development
- Work closely with the Founder & Director to deliver ACE’s strategic vision.
- Provide regular updates on programme delivery, staffing, player development and key issues.
- Take ownership of day-to-day football operations.
- Identify challenges and proactively develop solutions.
- Contribute ideas and recommendations for the continued development of ACE.
About You
We are looking for someone who is more than just a good coach.
You will be someone who can lead people, build relationships, make decisions and take ownership.
You should be confident working independently and comfortable taking responsibility for the delivery and development of ACE’s football programmes.
You will understand that you are joining an organisation with an established identity, culture and vision, and you will be passionate about helping ACE build on what has already been created.
- UEFA C Licence / FA Level 2 or equivalent minimum.
- Strong experience coaching children and young people.
- Demonstrable experience in player development.
- Experience working within a football academy, grassroots or development environment.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to lead and support other coaches.
- Good organisational and time-management skills.
- Understanding of safeguarding and welfare responsibilities.
- Ability to work independently and take responsibility.
- A genuine passion for developing young people through football.
- Commitment to equality, inclusion and increasing access to football.
- Availability to work evenings and weekends.
- UEFA B Licence.
- Experience within an academy, ETC, talent ID or professional football environment.
- Experience coaching girls’ football.
- Experience managing or leading a coaching team.
- Experience delivering school football programmes.
- FA talent identification/scouting experience.
- Experience running football camps or tournaments.
- Experience working within a CIC, charity or community football organisation.
- What We Can Offer
- A genuine leadership opportunity within a growing football organisation.
- The opportunity to shape ACE’s next stage of development.
- Significant responsibility and autonomy.
- The opportunity to lead and develop a coaching team.
- Opportunities to work across player development, girls’ football, schools, camps and community programmes.
- Opportunities to contribute to ACE’s wider development and international projects.
- Professional development and coaching opportunities.
- A supportive working relationship with the Founder & Director.
- The opportunity to make a measurable difference to young players and the wider community.
- Potential for the role to develop as ACE continues to grow.
Why ACE?
ACE Development Academy exists to develop players, develop coaches and create opportunities through football.
We believe football should be about more than simply winning games.
Our programmes are designed to develop confident, resilient and technically capable players while creating positive experiences and opportunities for young people.
- School partnerships.
- Community initiatives.
- Football camps.
- Tournaments and events.
- International football projects.
We are looking for someone who genuinely believes in that mission.
The Opportunity
This is an exciting opportunity to join ACE at an important stage of its development.
The successful candidate will become a key member of the ACE leadership team and will have the opportunity to influence the quality, culture and future direction of our football provision.
For the right person, this could develop into a significant long-term leadership position as ACE continues to expand its programmes, partnerships and impact.
Interviews: Ongoing
ACE Development Academy CIC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
The successful candidate will be required to complete the appropriate safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check where applicable.
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Head Coach and Academy Lead in London employer: Ace Development Academy CIC
ACE Development Academy CIC is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead and shape the future of young football talent in South London. With a strong commitment to community engagement and player development, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises professional growth, autonomy, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young players and coaches alike. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to creating inclusive and positive football experiences.
Contact Details:
Ace Development Academy CIC Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Coach and Academy Lead in London
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We think you need these skills to ace Head Coach and Academy Lead in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining Ace Development Academy CIC aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ace Development Academy CIC
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Ace Development Academy CIC, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
