Match Day Referee Coach in Burton upon Trent

The FA is seeking enthusiastic and committed individuals to join our refereeing department as Match Day Referee Coaches. You will be delivering high‑quality Matchday Coaching to Match Officials operating at Steps 3–6 of the men's National League System and Tiers 3 & 4 of the Women's Pathway. The role focuses on supporting growth, performance and skill development for officials outside of The FA's CORE and NPC programmes, working on a regional basis across the country. As a Matchday Coach, you will be central to the development of match officials working in demanding semi‑professional environments. Your support will help maintain high standards of officiating and ensure officials are equipped to meet the expectations of the modern game. This role is ideal for individuals passionate about coaching, performance improvement and supporting others to succeed. This is an exciting opportunity to play a meaningful role in developing ambitious referees and assistant referees, helping to raise performance standards and contributing to talent identification across both pathways. This role is a contractor position, with payment set per fixture. This role also requires weekend availability.

What will you do?

• Review match officials' performance (Referees and Assistant Referees) using the FA Refereeing DNA and agreed development frameworks.
• Observe match officials in live matches to understand performance and development needs.
• Provide clear, structured, and evidence-based post-match feedback (verbal and written) to support performance improvement.
• Provide tailored support to aid an individual's progression, as well as group activity, always recognising the importance of maintaining professional boundaries.
• Encourage reflective practice, helping referees review their own performances and identify learning actions.
• Maintain regular and appropriate communication with referees throughout the coaching process.
• Work with the National Referee Managers and other FA staff to support match officials' development.
• Act in line with FA coaching standards, safeguarding requirements and values, keeping accurate coaching records.
• Execute additional tasks as required to meet the FA's changing priorities.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures to ensure the highest standards of health, safety and well‑being can be maintained.

As part of The FA's commitment to ensuring a safe environment for everyone in football, successful candidates 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. Casual work is conditional upon receipt of a satisfactory DBS check result, which will be fairly considered on a case‑by‑case basis, in line with legislation and government guidance.

What You'll Need?

Essential for the role:

• Current or recent officiating experience at Steps 3 to 6 of the National League System and/or Tiers 3 & 4 of the Women's Pathway.
• Ability to provide structured verbal and written feedback in a timely and coherent developmental manner.
• Ability to use MOAS to complete and upload coaching reports in line with The FA's Refereeing DNA as a framework for improvement.
• Ability to motivate and inspire match officials.
• A willingness to engage in CPD opportunities throughout the season – thus demonstrating commitment to coaching.
• Commitment to complete a minimum of 10 coaching appointments throughout the season.
• Commitment to operate as a coach across Steps 3 to 6 of the National League System and Tiers 3 & 4 of the Women's Pathway.

Beneficial to have:

• Experience in supporting personal development.
• Experience of working/supporting match officials' development.
• Effective communicator and motivator.
• Knowledge and understanding of current referee development and practices.
• Experience of responding to the developmental needs of individual officials.
• Ability to challenge constructively and support under pressure.
• Understanding of the demands of semi‑professional football environments within the National League System in both the men's and women's pathways.
• Strong organisational and record‑keeping skills.

What's in it for you?

We pride ourselves on offering a competitive rate of pay as well as great opportunities to develop and grow in your role. We are committed to ensuring everyone can flourish in their roles, and by doing this, we offer top‑of‑the‑range facilities across two core business locations. We have unique office spaces under the arch of the iconic Wembley National Stadium, which is the home of English football. We are also delighted to have a world‑class Elite Performance Centre, St. George's Park in Staffordshire, which is an exceptional setting to develop and inspire high‑performing England teams and leaders. We 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. We 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 mention this during your application.