At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and design coaching programmes for high-potential players in football.
- Company: Join the Irish FA and make a difference in youth football development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for extension and travel opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of young football talent and work with elite teams.
- Qualifications: UEFA A Licence and experience in youth coaching required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Department: Talent & Elite Youth
Reporting to: Director of Talent & Elite Youth
Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week. However, the nature of the post will require a high degree of flexibility involving evenings and weekends as dictated by operational requirements of the business.
Duration of post: 12 month fixed term contract, with the possibility of extension or permanency subject to organisational requirements.
Role family: Professional
Salary scale: £35,000 - £45,000
PURPOSE OF THE JOB: To lead the design and delivery of technical and tactical coaching programmes and sessions, with a specific focus on developing high-potential players and supporting long-term player development across Northern Ireland, while overseeing the day-to-day technical programme at the National Academy (residential).
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support, mentor and develop high-potential players across the Irish FA player pathway, including within the JD National Academy residential programme, with a particular emphasis on individual player progression.
- Manage the National Academy technical staff on a day-to-day basis.
- Lead the preparation and coaching of Irish FA youth international teams from U14 to U17, while supporting the progression of talented players into national youth squads.
- Contribute to domestic talent identification and player development initiatives.
- Provide overnight supervision at the National Academy residential facility, as required.
- Prepare technical and tactical reports on players, teams and match situations to support coach and player development.
- Communicate the progress and scheduling of National Academy developments to all stakeholders.
- Maintain awareness of the need to safeguard sensitive information, always, ensuring that the Irish FA is regarded as a trusted organisation by customers and stakeholders.
- Adhere to and actively support Irish FA security policies, procedures and best practice, with particular emphasis on the protection of sensitive information.
- Ensure compliance with Irish FA safeguarding policies and procedures and actively promote the welfare and protection of children and young people at all times.
- Adhere to at all times all Irish FA policies, procedures, processes and working.
- Any other reasonable duties as may be requested from time to time.
Note: In the interest of the efficient management of the Association, the duties described in the above job description will be reviewed periodically and may be subject to modification or amendment after consultation with the postholder.
Essential Criteria:
- Education & Qualification
- A valid and up-to-date UEFA A Licence.
- A third-level qualification in a Sporting Discipline (e.g. Sports Coaching, Sports Studies, Sports Science) or another discipline relevant to the role, or a minimum of three years’ experience working in a coaching or sporting environment within a club or national association.
- A UEFA B Youth Diploma, or an equivalent qualification.
- Experience
- A minimum of three years’ coaching experience gained within the last 5 years at a professional football club or national association, working in a youth development environment.
- Three years’ experience of managing a multidisciplinary team in an elite youth or professional environment.
- Skills, Knowledge & Competencies
- A strong understanding of player development models for young players, and the ability to apply these within a periodised coaching programme.
- Demonstrable ability to lead and deliver a technical curriculum in football, working effectively with multidisciplinary staff, including physiotherapists, analysts and scouts.
- Demonstrable leadership, mentoring and staff development skills.
- Demonstrable emotional intelligence, with the interpersonal skills and the sensitivity required to work effectively with young and high-potential players.
- Personal Disposition
- Diligent, professional and committed to the development of youth and high-potential players.
- A willingness to work unsociable hours, including evenings and weekends, in line with the operational demands of the role.
- A willingness to travel and stay overnight as required.
Other Requirements
- Proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
- Have a valid passport allowing unrestricted international travel.
- Have a clean driving licence and access to a car for business use.
- Completion of a medical questionnaire demonstrating the ability to fulfil the Occupational Health requirements for the post and flag any reasonable adjustment required.
- Two satisfactory employment references, one of whom should ideally be the current/most recent employer.
- Enhanced AccessNI checks with satisfactory clearance.
Desirable Criteria:
- Education & Qualification
- Relevant youth football coaching qualifications or specialist youth development awards.
- Experience
- A minimum of two years’ experience in talent identification or scouting within a professional football club or national association.
- Demonstrable experience of leading teams within an elite youth competition environment.
- Skills, Knowledge & Competencies
- Knowledge of growth and maturation in talent development, and the ability to apply this when designing player development programmes.
- Sound understanding of the player development pathway from youth to professional football.
National Academy Lead employer: Irish FA
The Irish FA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters professional growth and development in the realm of youth football coaching. With a strong commitment to nurturing high-potential players across Northern Ireland, employees benefit from a collaborative culture, flexible working hours, and opportunities to lead innovative coaching programmes. The National Academy's residential setting provides a unique advantage for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in the lives of young athletes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land National Academy Lead
✨Get Active in Local Sports Circles
Dive into local sports clubs and recreation centres where you'll find temporary opportunities popping up all the time. Join community events or volunteer at local tournaments to meet folks in the sports-recreation management scene and make a name for yourself!
✨Utilise Seasonal Hiring Spikes
Keep an eye out for peak seasons in the sports world, like holidays or major events. Companies like Irish FA might ramp up hiring for those times, so get your name out there early by visiting their booths at career fairs or sports expos!
✨Tap into University Career Services
If you're studying, don’t forget about your uni’s career services. They often have connections to temporary roles in sports-recreation management that might not even hit public job boards. Get in touch and see who they know!
✨Show Off Your Passion Online
Create a portfolio showcasing your skills in sports-recreation management – think about events you've organised, teams you've coached, or projects you've led. Share this on social media to catch the eye of potential employers like Irish FA and boost your visibility in the field!
We think you need these skills to ace National Academy Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your CV and cover letter, we need to see your love for sports and recreation shining through! Mention any relevant experiences, like managing events, coaching, or even volunteering in local sports clubs. This is key for National Academy Lead at Irish FA!
Tailor Your CV for Temporary Work:Given that this is a temporary role, highlight your adaptability and willingness to jump in and learn quickly. Include any past temporary roles or projects that showcase your ability to work in fast-paced environments, as it’ll show you can hit the ground running at Irish FA.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications relevant to sports management or health and safety (like first aid or sports coaching), make sure they’re front and centre in your application. These can set you apart from other candidates for National Academy Lead at Irish FA.
Use Engaging Language and a Conversational Tone:When writing your cover letter, keep it friendly and engaging! We want to see your personality come through, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to Irish FA's team in a fun, vibrant way.
How to prepare for a job interview at Irish FA
✨Show Off Your Event Management Skills
In the sports and recreation management field, being able to organise events is key. Come prepared with examples of events you've managed, whether in your studies or in past experiences. Highlight how you tackled challenges and kept everything running smoothly – this will show that you're ready for the fast-paced nature of potential roles at Irish FA.
✨Know the Latest Trends in Sports Management
Being in the know about current trends can give you a real edge. Keep yourself updated on the latest developments in sports management, like sustainability initiatives or digital engagement strategies. Dropping a few insights during your interview with Irish FA will demonstrate your genuine interest and commitment to the field.
✨Focus on Your Adaptability
As a temporary role, adaptability is crucial. Be ready to discuss how you've handled sudden changes or unexpected situations in previous jobs or projects. Emphasise your flexibility and willingness to learn quickly, as these traits will reassure Irish FA that you can handle whatever comes your way.
✨Pitch Your Unique Value
In a temporary position, companies want to know what unique skills you bring to the table. Make sure to highlight specific skills or experiences that set you apart, especially in relation to sports management, like knowledge of sports psychology or community engagement. Presenting yourself as a unique asset can help cement your position with Irish FA.
