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
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
Even though you’re after a full-time role, don’t underestimate internships or volunteering in sports organisations. These positions not only give you hands-on experience but can also lead to permanent openings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your face known in the industry!
✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for sports job fairs and career expos specific to the recreation management field. These events are goldmines for meeting hiring managers from organisations like AFC Fylde. Bring your A-game and be ready to chat about how you can contribute to their team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out openings on our site! Our listings will often include positions at excellent organisations in sports recreation management, including AFC Fylde. Applying directly through our platform increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Let's get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Academy
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 AFC Fylde 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 AFC Fylde
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with AFC Fylde, 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.
