At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and coordinate high-quality football coaching programmes to boost player participation.
- Company: Join Southampton Football Club, a leader in football development.
- Benefits: Enjoy free match tickets, health initiatives, 26 days holiday, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in football while enjoying a vibrant and inclusive work culture.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in football management, UEFA C Licence, and experience in programme delivery.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Be part of our journey...
Location: St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton
Hours: Full Time
Contract Type: Permanent
Criminal Record Check: DBS Enhanced with Child's Barred List
What is the role?
We are looking for a Football Development Officer to oversee, manage and coordinate the planning, delivery and monitoring of high quality coaching programmes within the UK & International Football Programmes Department aiming to increase player participation, ensuring that all delivery is ‘best in class’, whilst achieving budgetary targets.
What will you be doing?
- You will coordinate and manage the department's school football programme, ensuring all coaching and provisions generate the relevant income to support the smooth running of the department as well as high-quality programme delivery, ensuring everyone receives the best possible experience.
- Providing support, training and guidance to all staff, you will ensure consistency of services and equip them to deliver the curriculum as per the requirements of the partner, club or centre. This will involve the monitoring of coaches and taking responsibility for the recording and tracking of observations as well as the planning and execution of the coaching staff schedule.
- You will work with the wider team to recruit and supervise other members of staff working within the department to ensure the tasks are allocated, standards of performance are clearly set and any concerns are appropriately reported and actioned.
- Alongside the Head of Football Programmes, you will develop all delivery provision within the relevant service line, ensuring growth, profit and quality assurance targets are met.
Is this you?
- You are committed to the role and available to deliver across the UK & international football development programme where need be, as well as deliver at least 1 x international trip per year overseas and understanding of evening and weekend requirements.
- You have knowledge of commercial football delivery, in both professional clubs and private companies and experience of quality assurance procedures relevant to the industry.
Essential Skills and Experience:
- Experience in line management of staff and coaches.
- Proven track record of implementing football and multisport programmes to generate income.
- Have a good understanding of the components needed to ensure the SFC is the ‘Best in practice’ for football, PE & School Sport delivery.
- Minimum of 3 years industry experience.
- Hold minimum of a UEFA C Licence/FA Level Two.
- UEFA B License (Desirable).
- afPE 1st4sport Level 3 Certificate in Physical Education and School Sport (Desirable).
How this benefits you…
- If you are successful, you can look forward to a healthy benefits package; Access to x2 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 below, enter your details and answer a quick pre-screening questionnaire, then attach your CV. The closing date for applications is 30 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.
Football Development Officer 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 Football Development Officer
✨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 Southampton Football Club. 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 Southampton Football Club. 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 Development Officer
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.
