At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead recruitment of young football talent and manage scouting strategies across London.
- Company: Join Norwich City Football Club, a community-focused and inclusive organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy matchday tickets, generous leave, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel across the UK and excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of football by nurturing young talent.
- Qualifications: F.A Talent Identification Level 2 and UEFA C License required; experience in football preferred.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The role of the Head of London Academy Recruitment is fundamental to the long-term vision of Norwich City Football Club in identifying and recruiting the most talented young players for the Club. The successful candidate will assist in the implementation of identification, recruitment and scouting strategies for the Academy across the Player Performance Pathway of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP), whilst striving to identify and recruit the most talented young players available in adherence with the profile of player the Club is seeking to recruit. As the successful candidate will be based at multiple sites within the regions of London, Essex, and Hertfordshire, a full driving licence is essential.
Key tasks and responsibilities:
- Identification and recruitment of players across the Player Performance Pathway in adherence with Club profiles
- Lead on all Academy and grassroots scouting in the London area
- Manage trialist identification games
- Manage the whole trialist experience for London based players
- Assist in implementing strategy for internal and external scouting in the London and surrounding areas
- Develop and manage a network of scouts and contacts to work in support of internal and external strategies
- Assist in the maintenance and development of the Talent Identification database
- Implement Scouting Policy and Protocol for scouts attending games
- Develop relationships with London and surrounding area Academy and non-Academy football teams
- Develop relationships with London and surrounding area schools
- To maintain an up-to-date knowledge of Academy and non-Academy players
- Administration as required
- Undertake travel across the U.K
- Support crossover watches when required via video or live
- Watch and report on at least 8 games live or video each week
Qualifications / Experience:
Essential:
- F.A Talent Identification Level 2
- UEFA C License
- Safeguarding and First Aid
Desirable:
- F.A Talent Identification Level 3 / 4
- UEFA B / A License
Attributes:
- Self-motivated and committed
- A strategic planner, organiser and co-ordinator
- Confident and able to work individually and as part of a successful team
- A 'people person' with excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Knowledgeable and possess experience of working within the football environment
- Experience of working within a professional football club Academy at related age groups
- Computer literate
Benefits:
- Complimentary matchday ticket for home fixtures
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Enhanced family friendly leave policies
- Pension Scheme with Royal London
- Access to Reward Gateway recognition and discount platform
- Enhanced CPD opportunities and structured professional development pathways
- The opportunity to get involved in wider club initiatives through a variety of Working Groups
- A range of wellbeing support, including 24/7 access to a GP for employees and their dependents, as well as access to gyms and exercise classes at both Carrow Road & Avant Training Centre
Closing date: Friday, 03 July 2026
Norwich City Football Club are committed to ensuring equal opportunities are given to all and welcomes applications from all areas of the community regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnerships. Norwich City Football Club are an equal opportunities employer and recognises the importance of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in the workplace. Please be aware that a criminal disclosure and identity check will be carried out for this post. Engagement will be subject to a satisfactory DBS disclosure. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (2025) guidance, we may conduct online searches as part of our due diligence processes on shortlisted candidates.
Head of London Academy Recruitment employer: Job Search Place Limited
Norwich City Football Club is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters talent development and collaboration within the football community. With a commitment to employee growth through enhanced CPD opportunities and structured professional development pathways, staff can thrive while contributing to the club's vision of nurturing young talent. Located across London, Essex, and Hertfordshire, employees benefit from a supportive culture, comprehensive wellbeing initiatives, and the chance to engage in meaningful club initiatives, making it a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of London Academy Recruitment
✨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.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
Even though you’re after a full-time role, don’t underestimate internships or volunteering in sports organisations. These positions not only give you hands-on experience but can also lead to permanent openings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your face known in the industry!
✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of London Academy Recruitment
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 Job Search Place Limited 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 Job Search Place Limited
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Job Search Place Limited, 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.
