Football Development Officer (Adult Male and Volunteering)

The role will lead improving playing choice and opportunity for adult male football, ensuring formats and provision enables new players of all ages to enter the game whilst retaining existing players. From expanding alternative provisions such as walking football, veterans football and futsal, to mapping local demand and identifying gaps in provision, the focus is on turning insight into action and delivering tangible growth across the county.

Alongside this, the role will drive the recruitment, development, retention and reward of volunteers across clubs and leagues. Collaboration will be key, working closely with stakeholders recognising volunteers as the backbone of the grassroots game and critical to the long‑term success of both The FA Grassroots Football Strategy and the Kent FA Play Protect Promote Strategy.

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop the Adult Male Growth and Retention Plan to ensure a diverse offering enabling adult males of all ages to participate in the game.
• Increase male recreational football participation via various programmes by engaging a wide range of programmes, stakeholders and targeting a variety of groups based on local demand.
• Provide or facilitate the development of other formats of football (e.g. veterans 55+, walking football and futsal) that reflect changing participant behaviour and expectations.
• Support the development and delivery of the volunteering action plan for the county liaising with clubs, leagues and County FA colleagues to help recruit, retain, develop and reward volunteers.
• Deliver a programme of services to club and league volunteers, with an emphasis on gaining more England Football Accredited clubs and leagues.
• Deliver volunteer support workshops to increase and develop those volunteering within clubs.
• Ensure that adult male football and volunteering is inclusive, diverse and reflective of local communities.
• Contribute to ensuring that safeguarding and equality are embedded throughout the Kent FA and grassroots football.

Kent FA is looking for a proactive and organised individual with experience in sports development, strong project management skills, and the ability to influence and build relationships across the game. This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of a key development area, deliver meaningful outcomes, and make a lasting impact on grassroots football in Kent.

Safeguarding: Kent FA is committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk. Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check through The FA DBS process. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and the information provided.

Equality and Diversity: Kent FA promotes inclusion and diversity and welcomes applications from everyone, and we encourage applicants to complete our Equality & Diversity Monitoring Form. If you have any requirements in relation to the recruitment or interview process, please include details on the application form.