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- Tasks: Coordinate football programmes and deliver events to support grassroots development.
- Company: Join BUCS, a dynamic organisation passionate about sports and education.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, health care, flexible working, and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in grassroots football while having fun and growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in sports development and strong collaboration skills are essential.
- Other info: Hybrid role with regular travel and excellent career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 24500 - 32000 £ per year.
The Football Development Officer will coordinate programmes and deliver events which directly support the delivery of the strategic objectives relating to the BUCS Strategy and The FA Grassroots Strategy ‘A Thriving Grassroots Game’ 2024-2028. The post holder will also be responsible for supporting the Senior Football Development Manager in reporting on the development of non‑competitive football within Higher Education (HE) institutions. The role requires collaboration with The FA, member institutions and other key stakeholders relevant to the development of the grassroots game.
The focus of this role will be to deliver on the workforce and leadership targets within The FA and BUCS four‑year strategic plan aimed at increasing the number of staff, volunteers, coaches, and match officials receiving CPD. This will be achieved through delivering development opportunities to BUCS Accredited universities, including but not limited to the Women’s Leadership Programme, Football Club Committee Leader events and University Football Coaching Hubs.
BUCS prides itself on being an ambitious and challenging place to work, where staff enjoy work, embrace development opportunities, and have fun.
Benefits:
- Paid Health Care Plan
- Tax‑free - Cycle to work scheme
- Christmas Closure
- Volunteering Day leave
- Flexible - hybrid working
- Wellbeing and Social activities
- Company‑supported Learning and Development opportunities
How to Apply:
Please click on the Apply Now button on the left‑hand side. This will take you to the BeApplied platform which we use for our recruitment. Should you have any questions about the role, please contact Dan Matthews – BUCS Senior Football Development Manager.
Interview Information: Interview will be held on the provisional date of the week commencing 12th January 2026. Candidates who successfully advance to the interview stage will receive further information about logistics and tasks via email. Some candidates may process to a second interview, which will be communicated accordingly. If any reasonable adjustments are required, please communicate them when accepting the interview offer.
Due to the expected high number of applications, it is likely we will only be able to provide feedback to those who reach the interview stage. If you don’t hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that, unfortunately, your application has not been successful.
Applicants should have the right to work in the UK and will be asked to provide proof of their eligibility to work in the UK before employment is confirmed.
Data Protection Statement: Any personal data submitted to BUCS in the course of this recruitment process will be held securely and processed solely for the purposes of recruitment. It will be held for the duration of the recruitment process, and if employed by BUCS, for the duration of the contract of employment and to fulfil the statutory, or recommended, retention periods when no longer an employee of British Universities and Colleges Sport. BUCS will comply with data protection legislation at all times and in line with the BUCS Privacy Policy.
Football Development Officer employer: British Universities & Colleges Sport (Bucs)
Contact Detail:
British Universities & Colleges Sport (Bucs) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Football Development Officer
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the football development scene! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current BUCS staff on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Show Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with someone from BUCS or during an interview, let your enthusiasm for grassroots football shine through. Share your ideas on how to engage more volunteers and coaches – it shows you’re not just looking for a job, but you genuinely care about the mission.
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework on BUCS and The FA’s strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around workforce development and leadership. Practising common interview questions can help you feel more confident when the time comes.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Make sure to apply through the BeApplied platform as mentioned in the job description. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re following instructions, which is always a good look!
We think you need these skills to ace Football Development Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Football Development Officer. We want to see how you can contribute to our strategic objectives, so don’t hold back!
Show Your Passion for Football: Let your enthusiasm for grassroots football shine through in your application. Share any relevant experiences or initiatives you've been involved in that demonstrate your commitment to developing the game at the grassroots level.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out and are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply via our website using the 'Apply Now' button! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered for the role. We’re excited to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Universities & Colleges Sport (Bucs)
✨Know Your BUCS and FA Strategies
Familiarise yourself with the BUCS Strategy and The FA Grassroots Strategy. Understand their objectives and how your role as a Football Development Officer will contribute to these goals. This knowledge will show your commitment and alignment with their vision.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
This role requires working closely with various stakeholders, so be ready to discuss your experience in collaboration. Prepare examples of past projects where you successfully partnered with others, especially in sports or educational settings.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to deliver development opportunities. Think of scenarios related to grassroots football and how you would approach them, particularly in a university context.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Grassroots Football
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for grassroots football and its development. Share personal experiences or initiatives you've been involved in that reflect your dedication to increasing participation and support within the community.
