At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop the goalkeeping programme for our Girls Academy teams.
- Company: Join Aston Villa Football Club, a leader in girls youth football development.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible hours, and amazing staff benefits.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive culture with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of female footballers and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: UEFA C Licence and UEFA B Goalkeeping required; coaching experience essential.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 27000 £ per year.
Department: Football Division – Girls Academy Department
Hours of Work: Full-time, 35 hours per week (with flexibility to work during evenings and weekends, including matchdays)
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £27,000 per annum
Location: Bodymoor Heath Training Ground
Closing Date: Sunday 6 December 2026
The Department
Our Girls Academy Department has established itself as a leader in girls youth football development, consistently delivering the highest standards in coaching, education and training across 10 teams with players aged U10 – U21. We are committed to nurturing talent and creating a supportive and professional environment and we are proud of the role we play in shaping the next generation of female footballers as demonstrated in our recent success with our U21s winning the Professional Game Academy Plate.
To support our continued growth and success of our programme, we have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Goalkeeping to join the team.
The Role
Working as Head of Goalkeeping, you will lead the delivery and development of our goalkeeping programme, creating a clear and consistent pathway for goalkeepers from the Foundation and Youth Development Phases through to the Professional Development Phase and First Team. Working closely with the wider coaching team and Multi-Disciplinary Team, you will oversee the goalkeeping syllabus, deliver high-quality individual and group coaching, manage individual development programmes and use performance analysis to support player progression. You will also work closely with the First Team Goalkeeping Coach to ensure Academy provision reflects the technical, tactical and performance demands of the senior game. Alongside the Head of Coach Development, you will support and line-manage the Foundation Phase Goalkeeping Coach, support the identification and recruitment of talented young goalkeepers, and build positive relationships with players, parents and carers.
The Person
You must hold a UEFA C Licence and UEFA B Goalkeeping (or working towards) and have proven experience coaching goalkeepers within an Academy, professional or elite youth football environment. You will have a strong understanding of goalkeeping development across the Foundation, Youth Development and Professional Development Phases and possess excellent communication, leadership and organisation skills. UEFA B Licence and UEFA A Goalkeeping (or working towards) would be highly beneficial. You must hold a full, UK driving license and be available to work flexibly which will include matchdays, evenings and weekends as required around the needs of the players.
Why Join Us?
There has never been a better time to join Aston Villa Football Club. Our drive to succeed is visible on the global stage, we are building a family ethos and culture to be proud of, and realising our ambitious plans for the expansion and improvement of our world-class facilities.
If you are already excited by this challenge and want to play your part in our historic Club, then you'll be pleased to hear about our amazing staff benefits you'll receive whilst working for us!
As part of your application, you will be asked to:
- Upload your CV
- Answer the following question: Please outline your key skills, qualities and experience which make you the ideal candidate for this role (400 words maximum)
Right to Close Vacancy Posting Early
The Club reserves the right to close any advertised vacancies earlier than the advertised closing date if sufficient applications have been received.
Equality Statement
Aston Villa Football Club celebrates the diversity of its Club and embrace equal opportunities for all. We welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, race, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, sex and religion or belief.
Safeguarding Statement
Aston Villa Football Club is fully committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk across our Club. As such, we adhere to Safer Recruitment processes and for some roles a satisfactory enhanced disclosure via the Disclosure & Barring Service may be required prior to starting in a role at the Club.
Head of Goalkeeping (Girls Academy) employer: Aston Villa Football Club
Joining the Aston Villa Foundation as a Youth Engagement Officer means becoming part of a passionate team dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of young people in Birmingham. With a strong focus on employee development, a supportive work culture, and the opportunity to work within world-class facilities, you will find a rewarding environment that values innovation and community engagement. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that every voice is heard, making this an exceptional place to grow your career while contributing to meaningful change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Goalkeeping (Girls 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.
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Goalkeeping (Girls 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 Aston Villa Football Club 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 Aston Villa Football Club
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Aston Villa Football Club, 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.
