At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate match day activities for U9 to U21 teams, ensuring a smooth experience for everyone involved.
- Company: Join a dynamic football academy with a focus on development and teamwork.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, hands-on experience in sports management, and the chance to work with young talent.
- Other info: Great opportunity for personal growth and to make a real impact in the academy.
- Why this job: Be the key player in creating unforgettable match day experiences while building your network in football.
- Qualifications: FA Safeguarding Children Certificate and experience in a football environment preferred.
Location: Thorp Arch Training Ground, Wetherby (with occasional travel to Elland Road and other Leeds United sites)
Contract: Casual
Hours of Work: Casual Hours (Matchdays, Weekends, Evenings and Academy Events as Required)
Application Deadline: 29/10/2026
What You’ll Be Doing
We are looking for a professional, organised, and approachable Academy Matchday Co-ordinator to support the successful delivery of Academy fixtures and events.
This role is vital in ensuring Academy matchdays operate smoothly, safely, and professionally while providing a positive experience for players, parents, match officials, visiting teams, scouts, and spectators.
Working closely with Academy Operations, Security, Safeguarding, and Matchday staff, you will act as a key point of contact on Academy matchdays and help maintain the high standards expected within a Category 1 Academy environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Matchday Operations
- Coordinate Academy matchday operations at Thorp Arch and other Academy venues.
- Act as the primary point of contact for visiting teams, players, coaches, officials, and guests.
- Support the smooth running of Academy fixtures before, during, and after matches.
- Work collaboratively with Security and Matchday teams to ensure efficient site operations.
- Assist with parking, site access, restricted areas, and spectator management.
Visitor & Team Liaison
- Welcome and support visiting teams, staff, and players.
- Meet and greet match officials upon arrival.
- Facilitate referee briefings and pre-match operational requirements.
- Provide guidance and support to parents, spectators, scouts, and visitors.
- Promote a positive and professional image of Leeds United Academy.
Matchday Administration
- Monitor and record scout attendance.
- Assist with team sheet preparation, distribution, and collection.
- Ensure all approved visitors receive the appropriate accreditation or access passes.
- Support matchday documentation and operational records.
Safeguarding & Welfare
- Act as the Matchday Designated Safeguarding Officer.
- Monitor player, parent, and spectator behaviour in accordance with Academy Codes of Conduct.
- Report safeguarding concerns in line with Club procedures.
- Utilise the Club's safeguarding reporting systems, including My Concern.
- Support the welfare and wellbeing of Academy players at all times.
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure Academy health and safety procedures are followed.
- Support safe management of spectators and visitors.
- Monitor access to designated Academy-only areas.
- Assist with security briefings and site checks.
- Ensure safeguarding, equality, diversity, and inclusion policies are promoted and implemented.
Matchday Preparation
- Arrive in advance of fixtures to prepare operational areas.
- Ensure spectator areas are prepared appropriately.
- Prepare and allocate changing rooms.
- Organise signage and access zones.
- Ensure refreshments are available for match officials and staff.
- Lead matchday operational preparations in conjunction with Security and Academy staff.
Post-Match Duties
- Support the safe departure of teams, spectators, and visitors.
- Ensure operational areas are cleared and reset.
- Coordinate the distribution of post-match catering where required.
- Remove and store matchday signage and equipment.
- Complete post-event administration and reporting.
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What We’re Looking For
You’ll Have
- Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
- A professional and approachable manner.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Strong problem-solving skills.
- Commitment to safeguarding and welfare.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and Academy fixtures.
Experience
- Experience working within a football, sport, event, or customer-facing environment.
- Experience working with a variety of stakeholders including young people, parents, coaches, and visitors.
- Experience managing operational processes or event-related activities.
- Experience maintaining professional standards in a busy environment.
- Experience working within safeguarding procedures and best practice.
Desirable
- Experience within a Category 1 Academy.
- Experience working in professional football.
- Event management experience.
- Experience working with children and young people.
- FA Safeguarding Children Certificate.
- FA Welfare Officer Certificate.
- Experience using My Concern or similar safeguarding systems.
- Understanding of Academy structures and professional football environments.
Why Should You Join Leeds United?
Whether you are on the pitch or behind the scenes here, we’re united by passion, pride, and a drive to always improve. You’ll be joining a supportive team where your voice is valued and your development matters.
In return for your dedication, you’ll receive a competitive salary package and pension scheme, along with a range of exciting benefits perks.
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Academy Matchday Co-ordinator in Leeds employer: Leeds United FC
At Leeds United Foundation, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to the wellbeing of our team and the community we serve. Located in the vibrant city of Leeds, we offer a supportive work culture that values your voice and fosters professional growth through meaningful engagement with veterans and local organisations. Join us for a rewarding career where you can make a real difference while enjoying competitive benefits and a strong sense of purpose.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Academy Matchday Co-ordinator in Leeds
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
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We think you need these skills to ace Academy Matchday Co-ordinator in Leeds
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 Leeds United FC 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 Leeds United FC
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Leeds United FC, 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.
