At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our Academy, shaping young talent and driving high-performance standards.
- Company: Join AFC Fylde, a forward-thinking club dedicated to youth development.
- Benefits: Impactful role in a modern sports environment with growth opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, in a dynamic football setting.
- Why this job: Make a lasting difference in players' lives and careers.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and passion for youth development required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
AFC Fylde is looking for an exceptional individual to lead our Academy as Head of Academy (HoA) - a pivotal role at the heart of our player development pathway. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of our scholar programme (U17-U19), combining elite football development with education. You'll lead the full Academy football operation, driving standards, developing players, and building a clear pathway into senior football. We are seeking a driven, ambitious leader who is passionate about developing young talent and motivated to build an Academy operating at Category 2 standard.
Key responsibilities:
- Leadership & strategy
- Develop and deliver a clear Academy strategy aligned to club philosophy and long-term ambitions
- Drive high-performance standards across all Academy operations
- Continuously review and improve Academy provision, proactively identifying opportunities for growth
- Ensure all processes, planning and documentation are accurate and consistently maintained
- Coaching & player development
- Plan and deliver high-quality, purposeful coaching sessions aligned to AFC Fylde's playing identity
- Lead the creation and implementation of Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for all scholars
- Monitor progress through structured reviews with players and parents
- Utilise performance tools including video analysis, GPS and data tracking
- Recruitment & pathway
- Lead recruitment of high-potential players from schools, grassroots and professional academies
- Build strong relationships with local clubs to identify released players
- Oversee trials and assessment processes with clear structure and documentation
- Maintain a defined pathway from Junior Academy through to the senior team
- Staff, communication & education
- Lead weekly Academy staff meetings and contribute to strategic club reviews
- Build strong relationships with parents through regular communication and updates
- Work closely with the education team to ensure alignment of football and BTEC programmes
- Support scholar welfare, progression and retention
- Safeguarding
- Ensure full compliance with FA and club safeguarding policies
- Maintain robust safeguarding standards across all Academy staff and operations
About you
We are looking for someone who brings energy, structure and ambition to everything they do. You'll thrive in a fast-paced football environment and lead by example. You will:
- Be highly organised, detail-oriented and driven to deliver excellence
- Demonstrate strong leadership and a commitment to high-performance culture
- Be passionate about youth development and long-term player progression
- Communicate clearly, confidently and professionally with all stakeholders
- Show complete alignment with AFC Fylde's playing philosophy and values
- Be flexible to work evenings and weekends as required
- Hold a full UK driving licence
Experience within a professional football environment is desirable.
Why join AFC Fylde?
At AFC Fylde, we are committed to developing the next generation of footballers through a structured, ambitious and forward-thinking Academy programme. This role offers the chance to:
- Shape the future of a growing Academy
- Work in a modern, high-quality sports and education environment
- Play a key role in building a clear pathway into senior football
- Leave a lasting impact on players both on and off the pitch
Apply now
If you have the ambition, expertise and drive to lead our Academy to the next level, we would love to hear from you.
Head of Academy in Tarleton employer: Job Search Place Limited
AFC Fylde is an exceptional employer dedicated to nurturing young talent within a modern, high-quality sports and education environment. As the Head of Academy, you will have the unique opportunity to shape the future of our scholar programme while working alongside passionate professionals committed to excellence and player development. With a strong focus on career growth and a collaborative culture, AFC Fylde offers a rewarding experience for those looking to make a lasting impact in the world of football.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Academy in Tarleton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the football industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to others on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, let your enthusiasm for youth development and football shine through. Share your vision for the Academy and how you can contribute to its success.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the club’s philosophy and recent developments. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals. This will demonstrate that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly understands their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining AFC Fylde and contributing to their Academy’s growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Academy in Tarleton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for youth development and football shine through. We want to see how excited you are about shaping the future of our Academy and developing young talent.
Be Clear and Concise:Make sure your application is easy to read and straight to the point. Use clear language to describe your experience and how it aligns with our vision at AFC Fylde. We appreciate a well-structured application!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to showcase any relevant experience you have in a professional football environment. Whether it's coaching, player development, or leadership roles, we want to know how your background can contribute to our Academy.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to lead our Academy.
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Know the Academy Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into AFC Fylde's Academy structure and philosophy. Familiarise yourself with their current player development strategies and recent successes. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your vision with theirs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you've successfully driven high-performance standards in previous roles. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to motivate and develop young talent, as this is crucial for the Head of Academy position.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Player Development
Think about how you would implement Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for scholars. Be prepared to share your ideas on coaching methodologies and how you would use performance tools like video analysis and data tracking to enhance player growth.
✨Engage with the Community
Demonstrate your understanding of the importance of building relationships with local clubs and schools for recruitment. Share any past experiences where you've successfully identified and nurtured talent from grassroots levels, as this will resonate well with the Academy's goals.
