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
Apply now
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: Youth Development & Pathways 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 our scholar programme while working alongside passionate professionals committed to excellence in player development. With a strong focus on growth, collaboration, and a clear pathway into senior football, AFC Fylde offers a rewarding career for those eager to make a lasting impact in youth development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Academy: Youth Development & Pathways in Tarleton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the football industry. Attend events, join forums, 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
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for youth development shine through. Share your vision for the Academy and how you can contribute to its success.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the club’s philosophy and recent developments. Tailor your answers to reflect how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in AFC Fylde.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at AFC Fylde and ready to make an impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Academy: Youth Development & Pathways in Tarleton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for youth development shine through. We want to see how excited you are about shaping the future of young talent and driving high-performance standards.
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 Academy's philosophy. 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 or player development, 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 at AFC Fylde!
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 fostering a high-performance culture. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led teams or projects, especially in youth development. This will demonstrate your capability to drive standards and inspire others.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Player Development
Expect questions about your methods for developing young talent. Bring examples of coaching sessions you've designed or Individual Development Plans (IDPs) you've implemented. Highlight how you measure progress and adapt strategies based on player needs.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Communication is key! Be prepared to talk about how you would build relationships with parents, players, and local clubs. Share your ideas on maintaining open lines of communication and how you would ensure everyone is aligned with the Academy's goals.
