At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead grassroots football initiatives, empowering volunteers and youth across Sussex.
- Company: Join the Sussex FA, a progressive organisation shaping the future of football.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, competitive salary, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent growth potential and supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in grassroots football while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Passion for football and experience in volunteer management or youth development.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Sussex FA are seeking to appoint an ambitious and proactive Football Development Officer to lead on Volunteers & Youth to help shape the future of grassroots football across Sussex. Joining the team at an exciting time of growth, transformation and ambition, the successful candidate will play a key role in delivering programmes that develop volunteers, empower young people and create positive football experiences across the county.
Working closely with clubs, leagues, education providers and community partners, the Football Development Officer will build strong relationships and deliver initiatives that recruit, develop, recognise and retain volunteers while creating opportunities for young people to lead and thrive within the game.
Sussex FA are committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk, and anyone working with them will be required to follow our safeguarding policies. Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) enhanced check through The FA DBS process. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided.
What can Sussex FA offer?
- An exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking, progressive organisation at a pivotal moment
- A rewarding role with the opportunity to make a tangible difference to volunteers, young people and grassroots football across Sussex
- A chance to work with key stakeholders across the grassroots and professional game
- A commitment to empowered and supportive personal development
- A Workplace Pension Scheme
- A Personal Accident Policy
- Additional leave after 5 and 10 years' service
- Flexible working hours
- Long Service Awards
- Health Scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to FA Cup Final and England tickets at Wembley
- 20 days annual leave, plus public holidays
- Additional time off over Christmas, wellbeing leave and birthday holiday
- Personal Development Budgets
- Free Nike Staff Uniform every year
The role is full-time, permanent, based at GoCardless Stadium, Culver Road, Lancing. Flexible working arrangements can be considered. The salary range for the position is £25,000 to £30,000. The position offers 20 days leave per annum (plus public holidays, birthday and additional Christmas leave) and is subject to a 3-month probationary period.
Closing date for applications is 5pm Wednesday 26th August 2026, with interviews taking place on Thursday 17th September 2026.
Disability Confident
Sussex County FA is committed to supporting candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment and selection process. They have a dedicated team to support any employee with a disability. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Equality Statement
Sussex County FA believes that football belongs to, and should be enjoyed by, anyone who wants to participate in it. They are committed to promoting equality within the business in every aspect of its work and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, and experiences to apply for this role, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage and civil partnership.
If any questions arise about the role or clarity is required on the recruitment pack, please contact the Sussex FA Development team: Development T: 01903 753547 E: Development@SussexFA.com
Sussex FA - Football Development Officer in Lancing employer: The FA
The FA in Kent is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. With a hybrid working model, employees enjoy the flexibility of remote work while still benefiting from in-office teamwork. The organisation prioritises employee growth through continuous learning opportunities and a supportive environment, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in digital marketing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sussex FA - Football Development Officer in Lancing
✨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 The FA. 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 The FA. 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 Sussex FA - Football Development Officer in Lancing
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 The FA 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 The FA
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with The FA, 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.
