At a Glance
- Tasks: Support referee operations and manage administrative tasks in football.
- Company: Join The FA, the governing body of football in England, promoting the game at all levels.
- Benefits: Enjoy free lunches, extra leave for volunteering, and access to exciting events at Wembley Stadium.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available, plus a commitment to inclusion and diversity.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience in a diverse environment while contributing to the future of football.
- Qualifications: Must be 16+, with basic maths and English skills; no prior experience required.
level= is excited to partner with The Football Association (The FA) to run a fair, anonymised recruitment process for this apprenticeship.The FA is the not-for-profit governing body of football in England. It is responsible for promoting and developing every level of the game, from grassroots through to the professional game, and generates significant revenue to support investment into English football each year.The FA believes football has the power to unite communities, promote wellbeing, and inspire positive change. With UEFA EURO 2028 on the horizon, the apprenticeship programme offers an entry into a rewarding career at The FA and an excellent opportunity to develop skills and gain experience within a supportive, inclusive and diverse organisation.Football Operations (Administration) Apprentice Role Purpose:The FA are looking for an enthusiastic and organised individual to support primarily Referee Operations and also wider Football Operations teams in the administration and governance of football.You will be employed on a two year fixed term contract, and will study towards a Level 3 Business Administration qualification with CMS Vocational Training.You will be contractually based at Wembley Stadium.Football Operations (Administration) Apprentice Key Accountabilities:Supporting the referee operations team with admin tasks including match official appointments, confirmations, and system updates.Managing and responding to real-time issues.Prioritising competing demands and juggling multiple deadlines.Handling communications with match officials, clubs and other departments via phone and email.Participating in wider football events - e.g. hosting visiting international referees, supporting matchday logistics.Using internal systems to update records and coordinate referee appointments across competitions.Gaining insight into how elite football operates at national and international levels.Executes additional tasks as required in order to meet FA Group changing priorities.Comply with all company policies and procedures to ensure the highest standards of health, safety and wellbeing can be maintained.To be eligible you must meet the following criteria:Live within England and have lived within the UK for the last 3 consecutive years.Must not be in full time education at the start of your apprenticeship.Must be at least 16 years of age.If aged 16-18 you will need to have maths and English at grade 4/C and have the certification for this. If not, you will need to sit Functional Skills Level 2 as part of the programme.Must not hold a similar or higher qualification in the same area of study.What The FA looking for?This is a developmental role, so they do not require you to have lots of prior experience. Instead, they are looking for:A genuine interest in football (playing, volunteering, refereeing, or following the game; any kind of involvement).Good organisational skills and attention to detail.Comfortable using the phone and email to communicate clearly.A positive mindset, open to learning.Experience of using Microsoft Outlook.Experience of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.The ability to stay focused on repetitive tasks without losing quality.Ability to stay calm and prioritise when plans change.Willingness to take initiative and ask questions.Some experience of creating presentations and public speaking.You may be surprised to know that being a football fan is not a prerequisite of working for the FA. What\'s more important is your passion, interest and commitment to the varied work that they do, and the goals that they are aiming to achieve.Benefits:A \'Thank You Day\' of additional leave on top of your 25-day annual leave allowance with extra leave for volunteering.Free lunches and parking at Wembley Stadium and St. George\'s Park.A host of internal events to connect with your colleagues and learn.Employee Resource Groups, such as Ethnicity and Pride.Free private healthcare.Staff pitch days on the hallowed turf at Wembley Stadium, when the Grounds Team let us!Specialist mental health and wellbeing support all season round.A wide range of discounts on products and services through our benefits portal.An employee contributory pension scheme.Priority ticket access to exciting events at Wembley Stadium.London Living WageHybrid workingED&I Statement:The FA 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.The FA 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 reach out to inform level=.As part of The FA\'s commitment to ensuring a safe environment for everyone in football, every employee 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 and in line with legislation and government guidance.How to apply (run by level=):We\'re partnering with The FA to run a fair, anonymised process. We (level=) manage the application portal; The FA makes the hiring decisions.Register your interest (CV only): Upload your CV by Friday 26 September 2025, 12:00 (BST).CVs are used for contact/eligibility only. Reviewers won\'t see your name or CV during scoring.Receive the Candidate Pack: Within 48 hours you\'ll get the Apprenticeship Candidate Pack (role details, timelines, and how to complete the next steps). Check junk/spam if needed.Complete the anonymised work sample tasks: Submit answers by Monday 29 September 2025, 12:00 (BST).All responses are reviewed anonymously against the same criteria.Interviews: Week commencing Monday 27 October 2025.Accessibility & reasonable adjustments: If you need support at any stage, reply to the pack email or reach out to level=
Football Operations (Administration) Apprentice employer: LinkedIn
The Football Association (The FA) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to kickstart your career in football operations at the iconic Wembley Stadium. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, The FA provides generous benefits including free lunches, additional leave for volunteering, and access to mental health support, all within a diverse and inclusive work culture that fosters personal and professional growth.
Contact Details:
LinkedIn Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Football Operations (Administration) Apprentice
✨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.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
Even though you’re after a full-time role, don’t underestimate internships or volunteering in sports organisations. These positions not only give you hands-on experience but can also lead to permanent openings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your face known in the industry!
✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for sports job fairs and career expos specific to the recreation management field. These events are goldmines for meeting hiring managers from organisations like LinkedIn. Bring your A-game and be ready to chat about how you can contribute to their team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out openings on our site! Our listings will often include positions at excellent organisations in sports recreation management, including LinkedIn. Applying directly through our platform increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Let's get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Football Operations (Administration) Apprentice
Organisational Skills
Attention to Detail
Effective Communication
Microsoft Outlook Proficiency
Microsoft Excel Proficiency
Time Management
Problem-Solving Skills
Ability to Prioritise Tasks
Initiative and Proactiveness
Presentation Skills
Calmness Under Pressure
Interest in Football
Adaptability to Changing Plans
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 LinkedIn 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 LinkedIn
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with LinkedIn, 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.
