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
✨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 Leicestershire & Rutland FA - Workforce Lead
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.
