Academy Manager

Academy Manager

Full-Time 650 - 800 £ / month (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and elevate coaching delivery, mentor staff, and shape player development.
  • Company: South London Girls Football Academy, dedicated to empowering young female players.
  • Benefits: Flexible part-time role with competitive pay and opportunities for additional hours.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on girls' football and help shape future stars.
  • Qualifications: UEFA B Licence, experience in girls' football, and strong leadership skills.
  • Other info: Join a passionate team committed to developing well-rounded players.

The predicted salary is between 650 - 800 £ per month.

South London Girls Football Academy provides girls across Southwark, Lewisham and Bromley with high-quality, professional coaching in a supportive, structured and aspirational environment. We develop well-rounded players and people, supporting pathways into professional clubs where appropriate.

We are now seeking an Academy Manager / Director of Coaching — a values-led leader who will work alongside the Academy Director to shape the technical, operational and cultural direction of the academy. This is a pivotal appointment for the next phase of our growth.

Role Purpose

To lead and elevate the technical and coaching delivery across SLGFA, ensuring all sessions, staff and centres meet the academy’s high standards. The role shapes player development, mentors coaches, maintains operational excellence, and contributes strategically to the academy’s continued impact and reputation.

What We’re Looking For
  • Player- and people-centred — empathetic and committed to the holistic development of young people.
  • Values-driven — demonstrating integrity, consistency, professionalism and safeguarding excellence.
  • Organised and proactive — with strong attention to detail and high standards.
  • Collaborative — able to build trusting relationships with players, parents, coaches and clubs.
  • Ambitious for the women’s and girls’ game — passionate about raising standards and expanding opportunity.
  • Calm, dependable and solution-focused in fast-moving or pressured environments.
Key Areas of Responsibility

Coaching Quality & Delivery

  • Oversee and maintain high standards of technical delivery across all centres.
  • Implement and manage a coaching assessment and feedback framework.
  • Deliver regular mentoring, CPD sessions, and development planning for coaching staff.
  • Coach weekly sessions at:
  • Southwark – Saturdays 11:30–13:30
  • Lewisham – Fridays 17:30–19:30
  • Bromley – Wednesdays 18:00–19:00

Player Development

  • Lead and review Individual Development Plans (IDPs) across all age groups.
  • Monitor player progression and ensure appropriate challenge, support and pathways.
  • Maintain positive relationships with local professional clubs to strengthen player routes.
  • Maintain secure, GDPR-compliant player records.

Centre Operations

  • Ensure consistent, safe and professional delivery across all academy sites.
  • Resolve operational issues quickly; provide coaching cover where required.
  • Collect and analyse participation, performance and development data to monitor quality.
  • Review and update the technical curriculum annually.

Staff Management & Recruitment

  • Support recruitment, onboarding and retention of high-quality coaches.
  • Conduct regular staff check-ins, feedback sessions and performance assessments.
  • Mentor coaches to elevate individual and collective delivery standards.

Strategic Support

  • Attend a weekly 30-minute strategy meeting with the Academy Director.
  • Propose opportunities for programme growth, community impact and improved player experience.
  • Strengthen partnerships with clubs, schools and community programmes.
  • Engage parents to support understanding of development goals and academy philosophy.
  • Support development of the academy’s relationship with our sister club, Young Queens FC.
Success Indicators
  • Number of players retained in each centre and age group.
  • Increase in player numbers per centre.
  • Number of players involved in professional club select programs.
  • Evident coach improvement through structured mentoring and CPD.
  • All sessions starting and ending on time at each venue.
  • Record of attendance for all sessions and target of 80%+ for all players.
Qualifications & Experience

Must Have:

  • UEFA B Licence or higher
  • Experience in a professional club or community foundation
  • Experience in girls’ football

Desirable:

  • 3+ years in an academy, ETC or RTC
  • Coaching or staff mentoring experience
  • Programme or football operations management
  • Sports-related degree
  • DBS, Safeguarding Children and Emergency First Aid in Football
Role Details

Part-time permanent position (6-month probationary period)

£650-800 per month (approx. 5 coaching hours + 4 admin hours per week)

Flexibility for additional hours during key periods

Applications

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Join us in shaping the future of girls’ football in South London.

Academy Manager employer: South London Girls Football Academy

South London Girls Football Academy is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering the growth of young female athletes in a supportive and aspirational environment. With a strong emphasis on values-driven leadership, the academy offers opportunities for professional development, collaborative teamwork, and a commitment to raising standards in women's football. Employees benefit from a culture that prioritises integrity, mentorship, and community engagement, making it a rewarding place to work for those passionate about player development and the future of girls' sports.
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Contact Detail:

South London Girls Football Academy Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Academy Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the girls' football community, attend local events, and connect with coaches and players. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.

✨Tip Number 2

Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for developing young players shine through. Share your vision for the academy and how you can contribute to its growth.

✨Tip Number 3

Be prepared for interviews! Research the academy’s values and recent achievements. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals and be ready to discuss specific examples of your coaching success.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission to elevate girls' football in South London.

We think you need these skills to ace Academy Manager

Coaching Quality & Delivery
Player Development
Staff Management & Recruitment
Operational Excellence
Data Analysis
Mentoring Skills
Communication Skills
Relationship Building
Strategic Planning
Attention to Detail
Empathy
Problem-Solving Skills
Knowledge of GDPR Compliance
Passion for Women's and Girls' Football
Organisational Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for girls' football shine through! We want to see how committed you are to developing young players and making a positive impact in their lives.

Be Specific About Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience, especially in coaching and player development. We love details, so share specific examples of how you've contributed to the growth of players or teams in the past.

Align with Our Values: Take a moment to reflect on our values and how they resonate with you. In your application, mention how your personal values align with ours, particularly around integrity, professionalism, and community engagement.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape the future of girls' football in South London!

How to prepare for a job interview at South London Girls Football Academy

✨Know Your Academy Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you research South London Girls Football Academy thoroughly. Understand their values, coaching philosophy, and recent achievements. This will help you align your answers with their mission and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

✨Showcase Your Coaching Experience

Be ready to discuss your coaching background in detail. Highlight specific examples of how you've developed players or mentored coaches in the past. Use metrics or success stories to illustrate your impact, as this will resonate well with the academy's focus on player development.

✨Emphasise Your People Skills

As an Academy Manager, building relationships is key. Prepare to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with players, parents, and other coaches. Show that you can foster a supportive environment and are committed to the holistic development of young people.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions about how you'd handle various situations, such as resolving operational issues or managing staff performance. Think through potential scenarios in advance and be ready to discuss your approach to problem-solving and maintaining high standards under pressure.

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