At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Academy with secretarial and administrative tasks, ensuring smooth operations.
- Company: Join Middlesbrough Football Club's dynamic Academy team at Rockliffe Park.
- Benefits: Competitive salary and the chance to work in a vibrant sports environment.
- Other info: Flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping young talent and enhancing their football journey.
- Qualifications: Experience in administration, strong communication skills, and a passion for youth development.
Middlesbrough Football Club’s Academy team have an exciting opportunity for an Academy Secretary, based at Rockliffe Park Training Ground in Hurworth, near Darlington.
The Academy Secretary provides comprehensive secretarial and administrative resource to support Academy activities across all phases. This includes the Foundation Phase, Youth Development Phase and Professional Development Phase. Working closely with the Head of Academy Operations, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in supporting the day‑to‑day administration of the Academy and ensuring the smooth coordination of key activities.
The role involves acting as a key point of contact between the Academy and the League/FA for administrative matters, managing a wide range of day‑to‑day requirements. The successful candidate will be confident in working with children and young adults, as well as liaising professionally with parents, internal colleagues, and external stakeholders.
The Academy Secretary is responsible for the organisation of the Academy football games programme for U9 to U18, including coordination with opposition clubs, venues and medical providers. Responsibilities also include Academy player and trialist registrations, FA Whereabouts administration for the youth squads, and attendance at key Academy events throughout the season.
- Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date records for all Academy players and trialists, ensuring data is stored securely and handled in line with confidentiality and data protection requirements.
- Support the effective management of Academy Department operating costs in line with agreed budgets.
- Collate and maintain records of scholars’ working hours.
- Organise Academy tours and tournaments, liaising with tournament organisers, headteachers, coaching staff, parents, and airlines to ensure seamless delivery.
- Book travel, accommodation and transport for Academy staff, teams, and trialists as and when required.
- Assist with scout requests in line with Club and League rules.
- Take accurate minutes and notes for meetings, including general meetings and trialist reviews.
- To attend all appropriate briefings and training sessions organised by Middlesbrough Football Club
- Undertake any other reasonable duties as assigned by Academy management.
- Review and improve administrative procedures and practices to enhance efficiency and effectiveness across the academy.
About The Candidate
- Have previous experience of working within an administrative role, preferably within a football or sports environment.
- Have experience of handling sensitive and confidential information with an understanding of UK GDPR requirements
- Have English & Maths GSCE grade C or above (or equivalent)
- Have a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications including Excel
- Have experience in accurate data entry and record management
- Have excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly, professionally and effectively.
- Be self‑motivated with the ability to use initiative and see tasks through to completion.
- Be professional, friendly and approachable manner, with the ability to build trust and respect from colleagues and stakeholders.
- Demonstrate excellent organisational skills with a high level of attention to detail, working efficiently while maintaining consistently high standards.
- Demonstrate a proven ability to work under pressure, manage priorities to tight deadlines, and adapt flexibly to the demands of a fast‑paced, constantly changing environment.
- Have a flexible approach to working hours and be prepared to work some evenings and weekends where required.
- Be able to demonstrates a willingness to learn and develop both personal skills and the skills of others.
- Shows drive, passion and enthusiasm for the role and the wider organisation.
Desirable Criteria:
- Experience working in a youth‑focused environment, including engagement with children and young adults and awareness of safeguarding.
- Experience working within a regulated environment, supporting with audits and an understanding of the importance of following policies and guidance.
- Experience working in an operational or event‑led environment, with the ability to collaborate effectively across multiple departments.
The salary for the role is competitive and will be discussed with shortlisted candidates at interview stage.
Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK.
About The Club
Please note that this post falls within the scope of ‘regulated activity’ and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). Successful applicants will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check and are required to declare any convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings that are not ‘protected’ as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders (Exemptions) Act 1975.
MFC is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Academy Secretary in Darlington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the football and sports admin world. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Middlesbrough FC and their Academy. Know their values, recent news, and how they operate. This will help you tailor your answers and show you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do mock interviews with you. Focus on common questions related to administration and working with young people. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
