At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage the entire academy structure from grassroots to U20, nurturing young talent.
- Company: Coleraine FC is dedicated to building the best football academy in the Irish League.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible hours, and a supportive leadership team.
- Other info: Join a respected academy and help create a high-performance culture.
- Why this job: Shape the future of young footballers and influence their careers positively.
- Qualifications: UEFA A Licence required; 2 years in talent identification and youth development preferred.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 42000 € per year.
Head of Academy I Coleraine Football Club
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Head of Academy I Coleraine Football Club
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Job Description Job Title: Head of Academy Reports to: Chairman Location: Based at Coleraine FC (The Showgrounds) with regular travel required Hours of Work: Full-time (flexible, based on club needs) Salary: Competitive salary, plus expenses The Role: Coleraine FC is seeking a strategic and progressive Head of Academy to lead and manage the clubs entire academy structure from grassroots to U20, including the scholarship programme. This is a pivotal leadership role and a key step forward in our commitment to building the best academy in the Irish League. The successful candidate will be responsible for creating a high-performance, player-centred environment that nurtures young talent both on and off the pitch. This includes embedding best practices across coaching, education, welfare, recruitment, and infrastructure in alignment with the clubs long-term vision and first-team philosophy. The Head of Academy will be expected to lead change collaboratively and respectfully, valuing the strong foundations already in place, while raising standards and delivering a professional, progressive academy culture. About The Role Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership & Vision Develop and implement a long-term academy strategy aligned with Coleraine FCs vision. Build structured academy systems, policies, and SOPs to ensure operational excellence. Align academy playing philosophy with first-team game model and recruitment strategy.
- Player Development & Pathways Oversee all aspects of player development, including Individual Player Development Plans (IDPs). Ensure training is age-appropriate, progressive, and stimulating. Establish clear progression pathways from academy to first team, including loans and external opportunities.
- Coaching Team Management Recruit, lead, and support academy coaches across all phases. Ensure staff meet required qualifications (UEFA A/B) and IFA licensing standards. Deliver regular CPD and performance reviews to maintain coaching quality.
- Talent Identification & Recruitment Lead the clubs youth scouting and recruitment strategy from U6 to U
- Build strong relationships with local clubs, schools, and community programmes. Organise and oversee trials, outreach programmes, and camps.
- Education, Welfare & Personal Development Champion holistic development, supporting academic, emotional, and life skills growth. Liaise with schools, families, and welfare staff to ensure players are supported off the pitch. Embed safeguarding procedures and ensure AccessNI checks are completed for all staff.
- Facilities, Technology & Resources Assess and plan for academy facility and infrastructure needs. Integrate sports science, performance analysis, and injury prevention across the academy. Oversee academy logistics, equipment, and resource allocation.
- Compliance, Licensing & Reporting Ensure full compliance with IFA, NIFL, and UEFA regulations and club licensing criteria. Maintain safeguarding, governance, and medical standards across the academy. Provide regular reports to the Chairman on academy performance, budgets, and KPIs. What We Offer Competitive salary and expenses Company pension Full support from a forward-thinking board and leadership team The opportunity to lead a respected academy and shape its long-term legacy A chance to positively influence the lives and careers of young footballers across the region To Apply: If this role appeals to you, please submit your CV along with a covering letter explaining how you meet the above criteria by 23rd June 20
- Coleraine FC reserves the right to enhance the criteria in the event of an unprecedented response. Coleraine FC is an equal opportunities employer and will consider reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. Required Criteria UEFA A Licence (or Elite Youth A Licence); must meet IFA Club Licensing requirements Minimum 2 years experience in talent identification, scouting, and youth development Strong leadership and people management experience in a football environment Proven knowledge of academy frameworks, player development, and modern coaching methodologies Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Experience managing change within existing structures or legacy systems Strong organisational, administrative, and planning skills Understanding of the EPPP or equivalent academy models Demonstrated commitment to safeguarding, welfare, and holistic player support Desired Criteria Broad network of contacts in youth football, locally and nationally Academic qualifications in coaching, education, or sports science Familiarity with performance data tools and analysis systems Experience working in a multi-disciplinary high-performance environment Conflict resolution and people-management skills Skills Needed Applying Data to Decisions, Audit Compliance, Networking, Coaching Salary Not disclosed Skills: Applying Data to Decision Audit Compliance Networking Coaching Benefits: Vacation, Paid time off Retirement plan and/or pension Flexible schedule Competitive salary
Seniority level
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Director
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Full-time
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#J-18808-LjbffrHead of Academy I Coleraine Football Club employer: Coleraine Football Club
Coleraine Football Club is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and a supportive work environment that values the development of young talent. With a strong commitment to holistic player support and a forward-thinking leadership team, this role provides the unique opportunity to shape the future of football in the region while fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Academy I Coleraine Football Club
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in youth football, especially those connected to Coleraine FC. Attend local matches, coaching clinics, or community events to build relationships and gain insights into the club's culture and needs.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Coleraine FC's current academy structure and recent developments. Understanding their existing frameworks will help you articulate how your vision aligns with their goals during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led change in previous roles. Highlight your experience in developing player pathways and implementing best practices that resonate with the club's ambitions.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your commitment to holistic player development by sharing initiatives you've led that support both on-pitch performance and off-pitch welfare. This will demonstrate your alignment with the club's values.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Academy I Coleraine Football Club
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in talent identification, youth development, and leadership within a football environment. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage change and develop players.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, clearly explain how your background aligns with the key responsibilities of the Head of Academy role. Emphasise your strategic vision for developing an academy and your commitment to nurturing young talent both on and off the pitch.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications:Ensure you mention your UEFA A Licence or Elite Youth A Licence prominently, as well as any other relevant qualifications in coaching, education, or sports science. This will show that you meet the essential criteria for the position.
Showcase Your Network:If you have a broad network of contacts in youth football, make sure to mention this in your application. Highlighting your connections can demonstrate your ability to enhance the club's recruitment strategy and community outreach efforts.
How to prepare for a job interview at Coleraine Football Club
✨Show Your Strategic Vision
As the Head of Academy, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to develop and implement a long-term strategy. Be prepared to discuss your vision for the academy and how it aligns with the club's overall goals.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Experience
This role requires strong leadership skills. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams, supported coaches, and fostered a positive environment in previous roles.
✨Emphasise Player Development
Discuss your approach to player development and how you would create Individual Player Development Plans (IDPs). Highlight any successful programmes you've implemented that have led to player progression.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Be ready to talk about your understanding of compliance with IFA, NIFL, and UEFA regulations. Show that you are knowledgeable about safeguarding procedures and how you would ensure these standards are met within the academy.
