At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of coaching and refereeing in grassroots football across Leicestershire and Rutland.
- Company: Join a progressive and inclusive team at Leicestershire & Rutland County FA.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Be part of an award-winning organisation committed to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on grassroots football and inspire positive change in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in sports workforce development and strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 40600 € per year.
The Leicestershire & Rutland County FA is recruiting a Workforce Lead to drive the development of coaching and refereeing across Leicestershire and Rutland.
Salary: Starting from £29,000 per annum - Contract: Permanent, 35 hours per week (some evening and weekend work required) - Location: Holmes Park, Dog and Gun Lane, Whetstone, LE8 6FA (with travel around the county and some home working).
This permanent full-time role will be central to shaping the future of refereeing and coach education across Leicestershire and Rutland. By working in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders, the Workforce Lead will strengthen and develop a sustainable network of volunteers, coaches and referees throughout the county. This role supports the wider mission of inspiring positive change through football across Leicestershire and Rutland by uniting communities, tackling inequalities and improving the health of the population.
About the Role
This role will lead the strategic growth and development of the refereeing and coaching workforce across the county. The post-holder will:
- Support the delivery of The FA Grassroots Football Strategy and the LRCFA Business Strategy.
- Lead strategies to recruit, retain, develop and progress referees across the grassroots game.
- Oversee the delivery of the Coach CPD programme, supporting coaches at all stages of their journey.
- Line manage and support workforce officers to deliver key development objectives.
- Lead on youth engagement activity, including Youth Council development and support for under-18 participants.
The post-holder's work will directly impact thousands of volunteers, coaches, referees and players, helping to shape an inclusive, well-supported and sustainable grassroots football workforce.
Who They’re Looking For?
The organisation is seeking applications from individuals who share its values of being progressive, respectful, collaborative and inclusive. The successful candidate will bring:
- Experience in sports or football workforce development, ideally within grassroots football.
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to plan, deliver and meet objectives to deadlines.
- A clear understanding of safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion within sport.
Why Join Leicestershire & Rutland FA?
The organisation offers a flexible approach to working, enabling the post-holder to balance the demands of the role with personal circumstances, alongside access to a range of personal benefits. The successful candidate will join a forward-thinking team committed to supporting grassroots football and the people who make the game happen.
Application Process: Applications close at 10am on Monday 23 February 2026. Interviews will take place in the week beginning 2 March 2026. If applicants have any questions about the role, they should contact jobs@leicestershirefa.com.
Leicestershire & Rutland County FA is committed to equality of opportunity for all. Applications are welcomed from women, people with disabilities, and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, who are currently underrepresented within the organisation.
Leicestershire & Rutland FA - Workforce Lead employer: The FA
The Leicestershire & Rutland County FA is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a progressive and inclusive work culture that empowers its employees to make a meaningful impact in grassroots football. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, recognised through awards for engagement and governance, the organisation offers flexible working arrangements and opportunities for personal growth, making it an ideal place for those passionate about sports development in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Leicestershire & Rutland FA - Workforce Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the football community. Attend local matches, coaching clinics, or workshops to meet potential colleagues and stakeholders. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for grassroots football! When you get the chance to chat with interviewers or network, share your experiences and ideas about developing coaching and refereeing. Let them see how committed you are to making a positive impact in the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the Leicestershire & Rutland FA's values and recent initiatives. Tailor your answers to reflect their core values of being progressive, respectful, collaborative, and inclusive. This will show that you're not just a good fit for the role, but also for their team culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Leicestershire & Rutland FA team. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Leicestershire & Rutland FA - Workforce Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what the Leicestershire & Rutland FA is looking for in a Workforce Lead. This will help you tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills.
Showcase Your Experience:When you're writing your application, don’t just list your previous jobs. Instead, share specific examples of how your experience aligns with the role. Talk about your work in sports or football workforce development and how you've made a positive impact in similar roles.
Emphasise Core Values:The organisation values being progressive, respectful, collaborative, and inclusive. Make sure to weave these values into your application. Share stories that demonstrate how you embody these principles in your work and interactions with others.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to grassroots football in Leicestershire and Rutland!
How to prepare for a job interview at The FA
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Leicestershire & Rutland FA's mission and values. Understand their focus on grassroots football, inclusion, and community engagement. This will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in sports or football workforce development. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed projects or initiatives that relate to coaching and refereeing.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since the role involves working with various stakeholders, think about how you can demonstrate your collaborative skills. Prepare examples of how you’ve built relationships and worked effectively with different groups in the past.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your understanding of safeguarding, equality, diversity, and inclusion in sport. Think through scenarios where you had to address these issues and be prepared to discuss your approach and outcomes.
