At a Glance
- Tasks: Coach and mentor the next generation of match officials, enhancing their skills on and off the field.
- Company: Join The FA, Premier League, and PGMOL in a collaborative environment focused on referee development.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, opportunities for personal growth, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Flexible hours with weekend and evening fixtures; DBS check required for safety.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in football by shaping the future of officiating and supporting referees nationwide.
- Qualifications: Passion for referee development, high-standard officiating experience, and effective communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The National Performance Centre (NPC) is a critical project within the collaboration between The FA, Premier League, and PGMOL, aimed at developing the next generation of high-performing match officials. These appointments are essential to the technical and holistic development of referees within the NPC and will also provide wider benefits across the FA Centre of Refereeing Excellence (CORE) ecosystem by supporting consistent, high-quality development experiences for officials nationwide.
You will be essential to the technical and holistic development of referees within the NPC, and will also provide wider benefits across the CORE ecosystem by supporting consistent, high-quality development experiences for officials nationwide. This contract runs from August 2026 - May 2027.
What will you do?
- Deliver targeted technical development for NPC referees aligned with the FA Refereeing DNA.
- Provide mentoring and feedback to support referee growth both on and off the field.
- Contribute to the development of a sustainable, long-term referee talent pipeline for the professional game.
- 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. The role will also require weekend and evening availability to attend 30 fixtures throughout the duration of the contract.
What You’ll Need?
Essential for the role:
- A passion and care for referee development.
- Ability to motivate and inspire match officials.
- Officiating experience at a high standard in football.
- Ability to communicate effectively and provide evidence-based feedback.
- Ability to work independently.
Beneficial to have:
- Background in coaching or personal development.
- Experience of working/supporting match officials' development.
- Knowledge and understanding of current referee development practices.
- Experience of responding to the developmental needs of individual officials.
- 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 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.
National Performance Centre Match Official Coach (Contractor) in Burton upon Trent employer: The FA
The Football Association is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment that champions the development of future match officials. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer competitive pay and unique opportunities for professional advancement within the dynamic world of football. Join us at the National Performance Centre, where your passion for referee development will be valued and nurtured, contributing to the holistic growth of officials nationwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land National Performance Centre Match Official Coach (Contractor) in Burton upon Trent
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We think you need these skills to ace National Performance Centre Match Official Coach (Contractor) in Burton upon Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Sports Management:When you're applying for a freelance role in sports-recreation management, it's crucial to showcase any relevant experience you have managing teams, organising events, or working within recreational facilities. Make sure to detail your specific achievements in these areas, as this will set you apart from other candidates who might have broader experience.
Show Off Your Portfolio of Past Projects:As a freelancer, potential clients want to see what you've done before. Compile a portfolio that includes case studies of past projects, detailing your role, the challenges you faced, and the outcomes. This not only gives them a glimpse into your skills but also your approach to sports-recreation management.
Be Clear About Your Availability and Rates:One of the key aspects of freelance work is establishing a good understanding of your availability and rates. Be upfront about your typical hourly or project rates in your application, and let them know when you're ready to start. This transparency can make a big difference in the selection process.
Tailor Your Application to The FA:Make sure to research The FA thoroughly and tailor your application to resonate with their specific needs and values. Reference their past projects, mission, and aims in your cover letter to demonstrate that you're not just any sports-recreation manager – you’re the right fit for them!
How to prepare for a job interview at The FA
✨Show Off Your Event Management Skills
In sports-recreation management, showcasing your experience in organising events or managing teams is crucial. Bring along a portfolio of past events you've worked on or list some successful projects to demonstrate your capability.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Latest Trends
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✨Pitch Your Unique Selling Points
As a freelancer, this is your chance to sell not just your skills, but your unique approach to sports-recreation management. Be prepared to discuss how your background can bring value to The FA and make them see why they need you in their corner.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to tackle some practical questions or case studies during your interview. Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific challenges in sports management, like crisis management or team dynamics, as this can demonstrate your critical thinking in real-world situations.
