Women’s Pathway Head Coach (U15/U16) - Talent Development

We are looking for a Women’s Pathway Head Coach to lead and manage the England Women’s U15/U16 squad and provide technical leadership for the England Women’s talent system. This 3‑year fixed‑term role (until 31 July 2029) will develop England’s future talent within high‑performance settings, preparing players for entry to and progression through the pathway in international football. The role will also support the development of outstanding coaches in collaboration with FA Learning and contribute to an aligned world‑class performance pathway for England winning teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the U15 / U16 Team & Performance Culture: Provide inspirational leadership to players and staff, establishing a culture of excellence and continuous improvement in preparation for, delivery of, and review of international camps and events.
• Technical Leadership of Talent and Teams: Deliver outstanding technical leadership to players and coaches across U15 / U16 age groups, including talent programmes associated with England teams.
• Develop & Deliver the Seasonal Plan: Design and implement the seasonal plan for U15 & U16 activity, and all associated regional and national talent activity, ensuring alignment with the talent pathway calendar and the England Youth Team Strategy – One Pride, Built to Roar.
• Manage Coaching Staff: Line manage the Emerging Talent Head Coach and age group multidisciplinary teams (MDT), ensuring effective collaboration, professional development, and alignment with the team’s objectives. Facilitate MDT and technical meetings and manage full‑time and consultant staff so their work programmes support the pathway goals.
• Lead Planning and Preparation for Development Tournaments and Fixtures: Lead the planning and delivery of UEFA Development tournaments and a programme of fixtures that provide high‑challenge opportunities against European and world opposition in preparation for the U17 age group.
• Player Development: Identify strengths and performance gaps of high‑potential players, accurately assess readiness for progression, and work closely with colleagues across departments to maximise development opportunities.
• Talent Identification: Conduct regular talent identification activity, visit clubs, and build strong relationships to inform individual player development plans (IDPs).
• Squad Selection & Collaboration: Select squads for England events, ensuring depth of talent and collaborating with regional talent teams, the MDT, and the U17 Head Coach for optimal team composition and readiness.
• Coach Development & Knowledge Sharing: Support the FA Education Strategy by assisting in the development of outstanding female‑game coaches and disseminating the England Women’s How We Play (HWP) through formal and informal opportunities.
• Safeguarding, Health & Wellbeing Compliance: Ensure full compliance with the FA’s Safeguarding Policy and all company policies, maintaining the highest standards of health, safety, and wellbeing for players and staff.

Additional Responsibilities and Requirements

• Comply with all elements of the FA’s Safeguarding Policy, including Women’s National Teams Safer Working Practice guidance.
• Execute additional tasks as required to meet FA Group changing priorities.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures to maintain the highest standards of health, safety, and wellbeing.
• As part of the FA’s commitment to a safe environment, every employee will be required to complete a DBS check, the level of which aligns with legislation and government guidance.

Qualifications and Experience

• Knowledge: UEFA A Licence
• Experience: High‑level people development skills and experience. Consistent, successful experience in managing and developing elite players and multidisciplinary staff. Ability to demonstrate inspirational leadership on and off the pitch. Significant experience working with youth players with a track record of high performance. Understanding of international football. Experience in high‑performance environments. Deep knowledge of technical and tactical components of the game, including strategies and tactics. Experience as a Head Coach within the female game. Experience developing detailed game plans and reviews. Ability to create and implement a Player Development Plan. Understanding of how to apply a ‘Performance Backwards’ approach to player development. Proficient use of tech applications and systems.
• Beneficial Knowledge: The FA Advanced Youth Award, FA Talent ID Level 3
• Beneficial Experience: Teaching experience. Experience working in the WSL, Championship, or an academy set‑up. Understanding of the talent system and benchmarks in England. Understanding of the domestic women’s football landscape in England and across Europe. Understanding of the top‑level demands of international football.
• Beneficial Technical Skills: Basic Project Management skills. Basic Analysis skills. Previous experience using Sportscode application.

Benefits

We are committed to ensuring everyone can flourish in their roles. To achieve this, we provide unique office spaces under the arch of the iconic Wembley National Stadium and a world‑class, Elite Performance Centre at St. George’s Park, an exceptional setting to develop and inspire high‑performing England teams and leaders. We offer a competitive salary and a range of benefits, including:

• Access to event‑day tickets at Wembley Stadium and regular internal events.
• Free nutritious lunches at Wembley Stadium and St. George’s Park.
• Free private medical cover.
• A contributory pension scheme.
• An additional ‘Thank You’ day’s leave, volunteering days, and 25 days of annual leave (on a full‑time, permanent contract).
• A hybrid working model offering greater flexibility.

For more information on what it is like to work at The FA, please visit our FA Careers page. 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. As part of the FA’s commitment to ensuring a safe environment for everyone in football, every employee will be required to complete a DBS check, the level of which aligns with legislation and government guidance.