At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in player development at Leicester City Football Club's Academy.
- Company: Join one of the UK's most respected football academies.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for professional growth and impact.
- Other info: Dynamic environment focused on collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
- Why this job: Shape the future of elite sports and inspire young athletes.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in elite sport and experience in athlete development.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Leicester City Football Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk of harm, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Based at Leicester City Football Club Training Ground, Seagrave, the role involves leading the Future of Elite Player Development. This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead a multidisciplinary performance support department within one of the country's most respected football academies. Working at the heart of our player development programme, you will create an integrated, innovative and evidence-informed environment that gives young players the best possible opportunity to fulfil their potential and progress towards first-team football.
We're looking for an ambitious and forward-thinking professional with a proven track record in elite sport—someone who can inspire people, develop strategy, embrace innovation and build high-performing teams that place player development at the centre of everything they do.
About the Role
As Head of Academy Performance Support, you will provide strategic leadership across the Academy's performance support functions, creating an aligned, multidisciplinary environment that maximises long-term player development and prepares players for the demands of senior football. You will lead the development and delivery of the Academy Performance Support strategy, ensuring close integration between Coaching, Medical, Education and Player Care departments. You will also play a critical role in strengthening relationships with First Team Performance staff, supporting player progression and ensuring a seamless transition through the football pathway.
As a member of the Academy Management Team, you will help shape the direction of the Academy, champion innovation and continuous improvement, and foster a culture where players and staff can thrive.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and continuously develop an integrated Performance Support department.
- Develop, implement and evaluate the Academy Performance Support strategy aligned to the Academy Performance Plan.
- Monitor departmental effectiveness through agreed KPIs and quality improvement measures.
- Create clarity, alignment and collaboration across all performance support functions.
- Act as a proactive and influential member of the Academy Management Team.
- Develop and sustain a high-performance culture built on accountability, innovation and excellence.
Player Development
- Lead the academy performance planning process alongside coaches and multidisciplinary colleagues.
- Design and oversee long-term athlete development programmes.
- Ensure Performance Support contributes effectively to Individual Learning Plans.
- Work closely with the Medical Department to support rehabilitation and return-to-performance programmes.
- Support the development of players progressing towards senior professional football.
Leadership & People Management
- Line manage and support lead practitioners across Performance Support disciplines.
- Empower staff to develop new and innovative ways of maximising player potential.
- Mentor and guide staff in the design and delivery of academy sessions.
- Support the professional development of staff through Individual Development Plans.
- Create an environment where collaboration, learning and continuous improvement are encouraged.
Performance Innovation & Research
- Lead the development of an integrated performance data framework to support decision-making and player development.
- Identify, evaluate and implement emerging technologies and innovative practices.
- Develop strategic partnerships with universities, research institutions and industry experts.
- Translate contemporary research into practical solutions that improve player outcomes.
- Lead and support applied research projects across the department.
Governance & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) and associated audits.
- Maintain the highest standards of safeguarding, governance and confidentiality.
- Ensure compliance with GDPR, information security and cyber security requirements.
- Promote and uphold Club policies relating to equality, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding and health and safety.
Who We're Looking For
You will be an experienced leader within elite sport who combines strategic thinking, exceptional people skills and a passion for developing young athletes.
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum three years' experience in a Head of Department or similar leadership role within an Academy or high-performance sporting environment.
- Minimum five years' experience working with athletes or players in a development setting.
- Demonstrable experience leading multidisciplinary teams within elite sport.
- Experience designing and implementing long-term athlete development programmes.
- Proven leadership, staff development and people management experience.
- Experience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary performance environments.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to influence and challenge constructively across teams and departments.
- Experience using performance data to support strategic and operational decision-making.
- BASES and UKSCA accreditation.
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends.
Head of Academy Performance Support Leicester City Football Club in London employer: Kick it Out
Kick It Out is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a positive work culture where passion for sport meets personal development. As a Football Education Coach, you will not only enjoy a competitive salary and generous annual leave but also have the unique opportunity to inspire and mentor young people in South London, making a meaningful impact in their lives. With a focus on growth and community engagement, this role offers a rewarding experience for those looking to contribute to youth development through football.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Academy Performance Support Leicester City Football Club in London
✨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.
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✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Academy Performance Support Leicester City Football Club in London
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 Kick it Out 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 Kick it Out
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Kick it Out, 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.
