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- Tasks: Lead grassroots football development and enhance participation across Essex.
- Company: Join the Essex FA, a historic governing body for football since 1882.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, exclusive event access, and Nike discounts.
- Other info: Applications close on 27th August; interviews on 1st and 9th September.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local football while working with passionate stakeholders.
- Qualifications: University graduates with sports development experience and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Football Development Officer (covering the districts of Braintree, Colchester, Maldon and Tendring)
Location Nationwide
Organisation Essex County Football Association
The Essex County Football Association (Essex FA) is the governing body for football in Essex, dedicated to developing and managing the sport at the grassroots level. Established in 1882, it oversees a large number of clubs, teams, referees, and volunteers, aiming to provide safe and enjoyable football experiences for all.
The Essex County FA are excited to announce a fantastic opportunity for an experienced individual to join their renowned Development Team as a Football Development Officer (FDO), covering the districts of Braintree, Colchester, Maldon and Tendring.
About The Role
The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering the FA Grassroots Football Strategy and the County FA’s #MovingForward Strategy 2028. The position focuses on growing participation, enhancing the quality of football pathways and upholding the highest safeguarding standards across the county. Importantly, this is not a coaching role, but a strategic and developmental one.
Key responsibilities will include developing and delivering sustainable plans to grow participation and improve quality across all football pathways, as well as ensuring effective implementation of The FA’s Safeguarding Operating Standard for County FAs.
Ideal candidates will be university graduates (or equivalent), with strategy knowledge and a proven track record of working in sports development for at least two years. They’ll be able to demonstrate the ability to build strong working relationships with a variety of stakeholders, hold a full driving licence (with access to a vehicle) and be available for evening and weekend work when required.
Further Information
This permanent, full-time position will be based at the Association’s headquarters in Chelmsford, with flexible home working available. Alongside driving football participation in these local authorities above, the new FDO will strategically lead the Disability Player Pathway, coordinating with football development colleagues to drive disability football opportunities. Applications are required by Wednesday 27th August.
The benefits include flexible hybrid working, bespoke training programmes delivered through The FA and the County FA, opportunities to attend major football events – including the FA Cup and Carabao Cup Finals and England internationals – plus access to Nike kits and exclusive discounts.
How to apply
To apply please complete the application form ensuring the personal statement is used to detail how your knowledge, experience and skillset meet the role profile. We invite candidates to complete the Equality & Diversity Monitoring Form and submit along with your application torecruitment@essexfa.com . No CV’s are accepted as an application.
If you’d like an informal discussion about the role directly please contact our Football Development Manager, Karl Sear.
Provisional first stage interview (via Teams): 1 September
In person interview at Essex County FA Offices: 9 September
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Coaching and Sports Development employer: Sport + Recreation Alliance
Contact Detail:
Sport + Recreation Alliance Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Coaching and Sports Development
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the FA Grassroots Football Strategy and the County FA’s #MovingForward Strategy 2028. Understanding these frameworks will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the Essex County FA or similar organisations. Engaging in conversations can provide insights into the organisational culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully developed and implemented sports development strategies in the past. Highlighting measurable outcomes will demonstrate your capability to contribute effectively to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to showcase your relationship-building skills. Think of instances where you've collaborated with various stakeholders, as this is crucial for the role. Strong interpersonal skills will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Coaching and Sports Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences and skills.
Craft a Strong Personal Statement: Use the personal statement section of the application form to clearly articulate how your knowledge, experience, and skillset align with the role profile. Be specific about your achievements in sports development.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail your previous work in sports development, particularly any strategic roles or projects you've led. Mention your ability to build relationships with stakeholders, as this is crucial for the position.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you complete the application form as specified, including submitting the Equality & Diversity Monitoring Form. Remember, no CVs are accepted, so focus on the application form's requirements.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sport + Recreation Alliance
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the Football Development Officer role and its responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with the FA Grassroots Football Strategy and the County FA’s #MovingForward Strategy 2028, as these will be central to your discussions.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in sports development. Highlight specific projects or initiatives you've led that align with growing participation and improving quality in football pathways, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Build Relationships
Demonstrate your ability to build strong working relationships with various stakeholders. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with different groups, as this will be key in your role as an FDO.
✨Prepare Questions
Have thoughtful questions ready for your interviewers. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation. Consider asking about their current initiatives or how they measure success in grassroots football development.