At a Glance
- Tasks: Coach and mentor referees to enhance their performance and development.
- Company: Join The Football Association, a leader in promoting football across England.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, unique workspaces at Wembley, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Diverse workplace committed to inclusion and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the world of football while developing your coaching skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a referee coach or referee with strong communication skills.
The FA are are seeking experienced referee coaches to support our FA CORE Programme, bringing strong mentoring and communication skills to help develop and enhance referee performance. You will provide coaching services within the FA CORE Programme. Individuals will bring strong mentoring, feedback and communication skills to support the development and performance of referees.
We are recruiting across the following four areas of England. You will be able to state which region you wish to apply for on our application form. We are happy for candidates to upload either a CV or just a covering letter as part of their application.
- North East
- North West
- South West
- Southern Regions
This is a contractor position available until the end of May 2027. Successful candidates will receive a fee for each engagement undertaken, with all preparation, reporting, and travel requirements included within the agreed fee.
What will you do?
- Act as the primary coaching contact for up to four referees, building a supportive and open working relationship with each referee to aid their development.
- Provide coaching feedback through a combination of in-person match observations and remote video analysis.
- Deliver constructive, evidence-based feedback aligned to the FA Refereeing DNA and the referee's individual development objectives.
- Observe assigned referees within the Men's or Women's pathway and provide timely verbal and written feedback following each observation.
- Contribute to CORE programme meetings and development activities, including match analysis, group discussions, and technical sessions.
- Identify referees demonstrating the potential to progress within the refereeing pathway and provide evidence-based recommendations to support talent identification processes.
What will you need?
- Significant experience as a referee coach and/or referee at an appropriate level of the game.
- Strong observation, analysis, and performance-review skills.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
- Proven ability to provide constructive feedback and support individual development.
- A commitment to developing match officials and supporting high-performance environments.
What's in it for you?
We pride ourselves on offering a competitive rate of pay as well as great opportunities to develop and grow in your role.
We are committed to ensuring everyone can flourish in their roles, and by doing this, we offer top-of-the-range facilities across two core business locations. We have unique office spaces under the arch of the iconic Wembley National Stadium, which is the home of English football. We are also delighted to have a world-class Elite Performance Centre, St. George's Park in Staffordshire, which is an exceptional setting to develop and inspire high-performing England teams and leaders.
We are a diverse workplace, aspiring to represent football across the country. The Football Association actively promotes inclusion and diversity, encouraging you to be the best version of yourself at work.
We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. If you have any particular requirements in respect of the recruitment or interview process, please mention this during your application.
As part of The FA's commitment to ensuring a safe environment for everyone in football, successful candidates will be required to complete a DBS check. The level of the check required will be based on the activity of the specific job role. Casual work is conditional upon receipt of a satisfactory DBS check result, which will be fairly considered on a case-by-case basis, in line with legislation and government guidanc
FA CORE Programme - Consultant The Football Association in Tamworth 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 FA CORE Programme - Consultant The Football Association in Tamworth
✨Connect with Local Sports Clubs
Get in touch with local sports clubs and recreational centres. They often need freelance support for events, coaching, or management tasks. Don’t be shy—offer your skills and let them know you’re available to help with their upcoming projects.
✨Attend Sports Networking Events
Make the rounds at local sports networking events, meet-ups, and expos. These gatherings are fantastic spots to meet potential clients and other freelance professionals in sports-recreation-management. Bring your A-game, chat with others, and see how you can collaborate or offer your services.
✨Show Off Your Work
Create a public portfolio showcasing projects you've worked on—event planning, marketing strategies for sports programmes, or even volunteer work. Highlight your best achievements and share this on platforms like Instagram or your own website. This visibility can pull in clients looking for freelancers with your expertise.
✨Leverage Social Media Groups
Join Facebook groups or LinkedIn communities focused on sports and recreation management. These platforms are goldmines for freelance opportunities, plus you'll be in the loop about new projects and hiring needs in the industry. Engage with the conversations and position yourself as a knowledgeable resource!
We think you need these skills to ace FA CORE Programme - Consultant The Football Association in Tamworth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Sports Management:When you're applying for a freelance role in sports-recreation management, it's crucial to showcase any relevant experience you have managing teams, organising events, or working within recreational facilities. Make sure to detail your specific achievements in these areas, as this will set you apart from other candidates who might have broader experience.
Show Off Your Portfolio of Past Projects:As a freelancer, potential clients want to see what you've done before. Compile a portfolio that includes case studies of past projects, detailing your role, the challenges you faced, and the outcomes. This not only gives them a glimpse into your skills but also your approach to sports-recreation management.
Be Clear About Your Availability and Rates:One of the key aspects of freelance work is establishing a good understanding of your availability and rates. Be upfront about your typical hourly or project rates in your application, and let them know when you're ready to start. This transparency can make a big difference in the selection process.
Tailor Your Application to Kick it Out:Make sure to research Kick it Out thoroughly and tailor your application to resonate with their specific needs and values. Reference their past projects, mission, and aims in your cover letter to demonstrate that you're not just any sports-recreation manager – you’re the right fit for them!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kick it Out
✨Show Off Your Event Management Skills
In sports-recreation management, showcasing your experience in organising events or managing teams is crucial. Bring along a portfolio of past events you've worked on or list some successful projects to demonstrate your capability.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Latest Trends
Staying up-to-date with current trends in sports and recreation can set you apart. Be ready to discuss recent developments in the industry, as well as any innovative programmes you’d suggest for Kick it Out.
✨Pitch Your Unique Selling Points
As a freelancer, this is your chance to sell not just your skills, but your unique approach to sports-recreation management. Be prepared to discuss how your background can bring value to Kick it Out and make them see why they need you in their corner.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to tackle some practical questions or case studies during your interview. Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific challenges in sports management, like crisis management or team dynamics, as this can demonstrate your critical thinking in real-world situations.
