At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Girls' Academy and coach the U21 squad to develop future football stars.
- Company: Join a dynamic football club committed to player development and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy match tickets, health initiatives, generous holiday, and professional growth opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative culture that values diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in women's football while nurturing young talent.
- Qualifications: UEFA B Licence required; leadership and coaching experience essential.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Be part of our journey...
Location: Staplewood Campus
Hours: Full Time
Contract Type: Permanent
Criminal Record Check: DBS Enhanced with Childs Barred List
What is the role?
We are seeking an Academy Manager & U21s Head Coach within the Girls and Women's programme to lead the strategic direction, operational delivery and performance environment of the Girls’ Academy while directly coaching the U21 squad, creating a clear player pathway that supports individual development and progression towards first-team football.
What will you be doing?
- You will provide strategic leadership for the Girls' Academy, ensuring its vision, culture and daily operations align with the club's football philosophy and long-term objectives.
- The role will lead the Academy's player development programme, creating a clear pathway from the U21 squad to the First Team while delivering high-quality coaching and managing all U21 training sessions and fixtures.
- Working closely with coaches and multidisciplinary staff, you will create a high-performance environment that supports the technical, tactical, physical and personal development of players.
- You will monitor player progress, oversee reviews and transition planning, and collaborate with recruitment, education, medical, sports science and player care departments to deliver a holistic development experience.
- You will be responsible for the effective management of Academy operations, including staff leadership, planning, budgeting, compliance and governance.
- This includes ensuring the programme consistently meets FA, safeguarding and licensing standards, producing reports for senior leadership, and representing the club at relevant meetings and stakeholder events.
- The role also includes leading and developing Academy staff through regular communication, mentoring, performance management and continuous professional development, while fostering positive relationships with parents and maintaining an inclusive, professional and player-centred culture throughout the Academy.
Is this you?
You will be a passionate leader with extensive experience in elite player development and a proven ability to manage high-performing teams. You will combine strong football knowledge with excellent organisational, communication and leadership skills, and be committed to creating an environment where players and staff can achieve their full potential.
Essential Skills and Experience
- UEFA B Licence minimum, with UEFA A Licence desirable.
- Current FA Safeguarding Children qualification.
- Current FA Level 1 Introduction to First Aid in Football or equivalent emergency first aid qualification.
- Experience of leading player development programmes and coaching players within an academy or performance environment.
- Experience of staff leadership, mentoring and managing multidisciplinary relationships.
- Strong understanding of talent identification, player review processes, pathway planning and progression into senior football.
- Knowledge of safeguarding, governance, compliance and audit requirements within youth or academy football.
- Experience of budgeting, reporting and operational planning.
- Excellent communication, organisational and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to work strategically, lead operational delivery and maintain high standards in a fast-paced football environment.
How this benefits you…
- If you are successful, you can look forward to a healthy benefits package;
- Access to 2 free match tickets for every home league game
- Access to our staff Health & Wellbeing initiatives (Mental & Physical Health).
- Discounted Southampton Football Club merchandise.
- 26 days’ holiday per year excluding bank holidays plus your birthday off each year.
- Contributory Pension Scheme.
- Worldwide Travel Insurance for you and your family.
- Learning & Development opportunities - supporting you to develop your potential and achieve in your career.
- Free onsite parking.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Collaborative & inclusive working culture.
How can I apply?
Just click on the apply button, enter your details and answer a quick pre-screening questionnaire, then attach your CV. The closing date for this role is 10 September 2026.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if a high volume of applicants are received. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect everyone to share this commitment. You will be required to adhere to all relevant policies and uphold the Club’s commitment to safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk and to ensure that Southampton Football Club is free from discrimination and harassment.
The post holder will demonstrate a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, supporting the organisation’s strategic aims to remove barriers and address inequality. You will play an active role in promoting an inclusive, discrimination-free environment that ensures fair access to opportunities and resources. This includes fostering a culture of dignity, respect, and belonging where everyone is empowered to contribute, perform, and reach their full potential.
Academy Manager & U21's Head Coach (G&W) employer: Southampton Football Club
Saints Foundation, the charity of Southampton Football Club, is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive social impact in the community. Located at St Mary’s Stadium, we offer a collaborative and inclusive work culture, comprehensive health and wellbeing initiatives, and numerous professional development opportunities, all while providing meaningful employment that directly contributes to improving the lives of individuals across Southampton. Join us to be part of a passionate team that values integrity, compassion, and innovation, ensuring you thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Academy Manager & U21's Head Coach (G&W)
✨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
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✨Apply Through Our Website
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We think you need these skills to ace Academy Manager & U21's Head Coach (G&W)
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 Southampton Football Club 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 Southampton Football Club
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Southampton Football Club, 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.
