At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our Academy, shaping young talent and driving high-performance standards.
- Company: AFC Fylde, dedicated to developing the next generation of footballers.
- Benefits: Opportunity to impact players' futures in a modern sports environment.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be a key player in building pathways into 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.
Key responsibilities- 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
- Coaching & player development
- 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
- Recruitment & pathway
- 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
- Staff, communication & education
- 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
- Safeguarding
- Ensure full compliance with FA and club safeguarding policies
- Maintain robust safeguarding standards across all Academy staff and operations
About you
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.
Why join AFC Fylde?
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 in Tarleton employer: AFC Fylde
AFC Fylde is an exceptional employer dedicated to nurturing young talent within a modern and dynamic sports environment. As the Head of Academy, you will have the unique opportunity to shape the future of aspiring footballers while working alongside a passionate team committed to excellence and player development. With a focus on high-performance standards and a clear pathway into senior football, AFC Fylde offers a supportive culture that values growth, innovation, and community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Academy in Tarleton
✨Tip Number 1
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 to reach out on social media. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, let your enthusiasm for youth development and football shine through. Share your vision for the Academy and how you can make a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the club’s philosophy and recent developments. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their goals. We want to see that you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining AFC Fylde and contributing to our Academy’s success.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Academy in Tarleton
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 values at AFC Fylde. We appreciate a well-structured application!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to showcase any relevant experience you have in coaching, player development, or leadership roles. We’re looking for someone who can drive high-performance standards, so make sure we see that in your application.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at AFC Fylde
✨Know the Academy Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly research AFC Fylde's Academy. Understand their philosophy, current player development strategies, and any recent news or achievements. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your vision with theirs.
✨Prepare Your Leadership Examples
As a potential Head of Academy, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership skills. Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams, developed strategies, or improved performance standards. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Youth Development
AFC Fylde is looking for someone who is passionate about developing young talent. Be ready to discuss your views on youth development, share success stories, and explain how you would implement Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for scholars. Your enthusiasm will resonate with the interviewers.
✨Engage with Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the role and the Academy's future. Ask about their vision for the Academy, how they measure success, or what challenges they currently face. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and commitment to the position.
