At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a mentorship programme to enhance your coaching skills in elite football.
- Company: The Football Association, dedicated to developing diverse coaching talent.
- Benefits: Gain invaluable experience and insights into high-performance coaching environments.
- Other info: Unpaid programme with covered expenses; commitment of 20 days from September to June.
- Why this job: Accelerate your coaching career while making connections in the professional game.
- Qualifications: Must be actively coaching with relevant UEFA qualifications.
The Football Association is excited to be advertising for the Mentee Development Programme for the 2026/2027 season. The Mentee Development Programme is a learning and development work experience and mentorship programme which offers a unique environment for ambitious coaches to broaden their understanding of player and coach development within the elite game. Through a combination of practical experiences, collaborative learning, and exposure to high‑performance environments, coaches will gain valuable insights into contemporary approaches used across the talent pathway, accelerating their progress into the professional game.
Eligibility
Applicants wishing to apply must be actively coaching. Male applicants must hold a UEFA B Diploma, working towards a UEFA A Diploma. Female applicants must hold a UEFA C Diploma, working towards a UEFA B Diploma. Please upload evidence of your qualifications with your CV.
Program Details
The programme runs from September to June, and participants will be expected to commit approximately 20 days over the course of the programme, including both weekend and weekday dates. The programme is unpaid; however, all reasonable programme‑related expenses will be covered. Further details regarding dates will be shared with shortlisted applicants later in the process.
Assessment and Induction
If shortlisted, a full assessment day at St George's Park on Wednesday 26th August is compulsory; this will include an interview and practical day. There will also be a compulsory induction date on the 9th of September at St George's Park.
Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to building a coaching workforce that reflects the diversity of the game and the communities it serves. As part of this commitment, we particularly welcome applications from women and individuals from Black, Asian and historically underrepresented ethnic communities.
Mentee Development Programme - 2026/2027 in Tamworth employer: The Football Association
The Football Association is an exceptional employer for aspiring coaches, offering a unique Mentee Development Programme that fosters professional growth in a high-performance environment. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, the programme not only provides invaluable mentorship and practical experience but also covers all reasonable expenses, ensuring that participants can focus on their development without financial burden. Located at the prestigious St George's Park, this opportunity allows coaches to immerse themselves in elite coaching practices while building a network within the football community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mentee Development Programme - 2026/2027 in Tamworth
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Leagues
Dive into the local sports scene! Volunteer at nearby sporting events or join community leagues to meet the right people. Networking in this way can help us score that internship with The Football Association and get ahead of the competition.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Keep an eye out for sports management conferences or workshops in your area. These are perfect for us to connect with industry professionals, learn the latest trends, and potentially meet recruiters from organisations like The Football Association looking for interns!
✨Leverage University Career Services
Don’t forget about your university’s career services! They often have exclusive connections with local sports organisations and can guide us to internship opportunities that aren’t widely advertised. Make sure to tap into these resources.
✨Show Off Your Passion on Social Media
It's all about visibility! Create a social media presence that showcases your love for sports and management. Share articles, thoughts on industry trends, and engage with posts from organisations like The Football Association. This can put you on their radar before you even apply!
We think you need these skills to ace Mentee Development Programme - 2026/2027 in Tamworth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your love for sports shine through! Talk about your experiences in sports – whether it’s playing for a team, volunteering at local events, or even organising sports activities. We want to see that you live and breathe the field you're applying to, especially in a role like Mentee Development Programme - 2026/2027 at The Football Association.
Highlight Relevant Coursework or Projects:For this internship, make sure to mention any relevant coursework or projects in sports management or recreation. Did you do a project on event planning? Or maybe you conducted research on sports psychology? Highlighting these experiences will show us that you're ready to jump in and learn more on the job.
Use Keywords from the Job Description:Tailor your CV to fit the role by using keywords from the job description. Look out for specific skills or qualities they're looking for and weave them into your CV. If they mention teamwork, leadership, or event organisation, make sure those shine through in your application. We appreciate candidates who pay attention to these details!
Keep It Informal and Engaging:Since we're all about fostering a friendly environment at The Football Association, let your personality come across in your writing. Don’t be afraid to be conversational in your cover letter while still showcasing your enthusiasm for the role. We're looking for interns who can bring positive energy to the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Football Association
✨Show Your Passion for Sports
Make sure to communicate your enthusiasm for sports and recreation during the interview. Share experiences from playing a sport, managing a team, or even volunteering at events. We want to see that you’re genuinely invested in the industry, not just looking for any internship.
✨Brush Up on Event Management Skills
Since sports-recreation management often revolves around organising events, be ready to discuss your organisational skills. Think about experiences where you coordinated activities or worked in team settings, and prepare to share these stories. We might dive into how you would handle specific scenarios, such as organising a tournament or community event.
✨Demonstrate Your Learning Agility
Internships are all about learning, so show us your eagerness to pick up new skills and adapt. Prepare to talk about times when you had to quickly learn something new or adapt to unexpected changes. We love candidates who are willing to grow and take feedback on board.
✨Bring a Portfolio of Your Work
Even as an intern, having a portfolio can set you apart! Put together any projects, reports, or presentations related to sports management that you’ve worked on. Visuals can really help convey your understanding and creativity in the field, and we’ll appreciate seeing what you can bring to The Football Association.
