At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our Academy, shaping young talent and driving football development.
- Company: Join AFC Fylde, a forward-thinking club dedicated to youth development.
- Benefits: Opportunity to impact players' futures in a modern sports environment.
- Other info: Flexible hours with evenings and weekends; full UK driving licence needed.
- Why this job: Be a key player in building pathways to senior football.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and passion for youth development required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
AFC Fylde is looking for an exceptional individual to lead our Academy as Head of Academy (HoA)—a pivotal role at the heart of our player development pathway. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of our scholar programme (U17–U19), combining elite football development with education. You’ll lead the full Academy football operation, driving standards, developing players, and building a clear pathway into senior football.
We are seeking a driven, ambitious leader who is passionate about developing young talent and motivated to build an Academy operating at Category 2 standard.
Leadership & strategy- Develop and deliver a clear Academy strategy aligned to club philosophy and long-term ambitions.
- Drive high-performance standards across all Academy operations.
- Continuously review and improve Academy provision, proactively identifying opportunities for growth.
- Ensure all processes, planning and documentation are accurate and consistently maintained.
- Plan and deliver high-quality, purposeful coaching sessions aligned to AFC Fylde’s playing identity.
- Lead the creation and implementation of Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for all scholars.
- Monitor progress through structured reviews with players and parents.
- Utilise performance tools including video analysis, GPS and data tracking.
- Lead recruitment of high-potential players from schools, grassroots and professional academies.
- Build strong relationships with local clubs to identify released players.
- Oversee trials and assessment processes with clear structure and documentation.
- Maintain a defined pathway from Junior Academy through to the senior team.
- Lead weekly Academy staff meetings and contribute to strategic club reviews.
- Build strong relationships with parents through regular communication and updates.
- Work closely with the education team to ensure alignment of football and BTEC programmes.
- Support scholar welfare, progression and retention.
- Ensure full compliance with FA and club safeguarding policies.
- Maintain robust safeguarding standards across all Academy staff and operations.
We are looking for someone who brings energy, structure and ambition to everything they do. You’ll thrive in a fast-paced football environment and lead by example. You will:
- Be highly organised, detail-oriented and driven to deliver excellence.
- Demonstrate strong leadership and a commitment to high-performance culture.
- Be passionate about youth development and long-term player progression.
- Communicate clearly, confidently and professionally with all stakeholders.
- Show complete alignment with AFC Fylde’s playing philosophy and values.
- Be flexible to work evenings and weekends as required.
- Hold a full UK driving licence.
Experience within a professional football environment is desirable.
At AFC Fylde, we are committed to developing the next generation of footballers through a structured, ambitious and forward-thinking Academy programme. This role offers the chance to:
- Shape the future of a growing Academy.
- Work in a modern, high-quality sports and education environment.
- Play a key role in building a clear pathway into senior football.
- Leave a lasting impact on players both on and off the pitch.
If you have the ambition, expertise and drive to lead our Academy to the next level, we would love to hear from you.
Head of Academy employer: AFC Fylde
AFC Fylde is an exceptional employer dedicated to nurturing young talent within a modern, high-quality sports and education environment. As the Head of Academy, you will have the unique opportunity to shape the future of our Academy programme, driving excellence in player development while fostering a collaborative and ambitious culture. With a strong commitment to safeguarding and continuous improvement, we offer a rewarding career path where your leadership can leave a lasting impact on aspiring footballers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Academy
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the football industry! Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to others on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Showcase Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your passion for youth development and football shine through. Share your ideas on player progression and how you’d align with AFC Fylde’s philosophy. Enthusiasm can be a game-changer!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before any interview! Understand AFC Fylde’s values, their current Academy structure, and think about how you can contribute to their goals. Being well-prepared shows you’re serious about the role and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the AFC Fylde family.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Academy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for youth development and football shine through. We want to see how excited you are about shaping the future of our Academy and developing young talent.
Be Clear and Concise:Make sure your application is easy to read and straight to the point. Use clear language to describe your experience and how it aligns with our goals at AFC Fylde. We appreciate a well-structured application!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to showcase any relevant experience you have in a professional football environment. Whether it's coaching, player development, or leadership roles, we want to know how your background can contribute to our Academy's success.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to lead our Academy.
How to prepare for a job interview at AFC Fylde
✨Know the Academy Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into AFC Fylde's Academy structure and philosophy. Familiarise yourself with their current player development strategies and recent successes. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your vision with theirs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how it aligns with high-performance cultures. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led teams or projects, especially in youth development. Be ready to explain how you would inspire and motivate staff and players alike.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Youth Development
Articulate your commitment to nurturing young talent. Share your thoughts on effective coaching methods and how you would implement Individual Development Plans (IDPs). Highlight any previous experiences that showcase your dedication to player progression and welfare.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Communication is key! Prepare to discuss how you would build relationships with parents, local clubs, and the education team. Think about how you can ensure everyone is on the same page regarding player development and academy goals. Clear communication will be crucial in this role.
