Talent Identification & Development Education Manager | The FA

The Football Association is seeking an experienced Talent Identification professional to join our team as Talent Identification and Development Education Manager. In this pivotal role, you will lead the design, delivery, and coordination of education programmes that strengthen talent identification and development practices across the game. You will play a key part in enhancing the capability of the workforce, including scouts, coaches, and performance staff, by providing modern, impactful learning experiences. Your work will ensure that football in England is equipped to identify, nurture, and retain high‑potential players at every stage of the pathway, from grassroots through to the elite game, across both the male and female pathways.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of comprehensive education programmes focused on talent identification and development for scouts, coaches, and key stakeholders across the male and female game.
• Implement continuous professional development (CPD) frameworks to keep the talent identification and development workforce up to date with cutting‑edge practices, including technical, tactical, physical, and psychological aspects of player development.
• Lead and manage a consultant tutor workforce that can deliver sector‑leading learning programmes across talent identification and development, working closely with the Senior Lead: Workforce Development to ensure tutors remain licensed and up to date regarding best practice.
• Collaborate with professional game partners (Premier League, Women’s Professional Game, Professional Football Association, League Managers Association, Women’s National League and the English Football League) to identify education needs and future trends.
• Collaborate with the Learning and Innovation team to ensure a consistent approach to multi‑modal educational design that enhances staff capabilities in identifying and nurturing emerging talent.
• Ensure education programmes are aligned with the men’s, women’s and para‑technical departments’ player development philosophy, performance standards, and long‑term objectives for talent pipeline sustainability.
• Promote best practices in talent identification, integrating modern tools and technologies, such as data analytics, video analysis, and psychosocial development into the educational curriculum.
• Alongside colleagues in strategic insight and learning evaluation, monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of talent identification and development education initiatives, using feedback and data to continuously improve programme delivery.
• Foster a systemic approach to diversifying the workforce within talent identification and development through targeted interventions.
• Establish partnerships with external organisations, universities, and talent development experts to stay informed about industry advancements and incorporate them into the FA's approach to education and development.
• Deliver a comprehensive research and insight‑driven approach to ensure all activity stays evidence‑based and learner‑focused.
• Support other work within the performance education domain as required.
• Act as a thought leader and advocate for talent identification and development best practices, representing the organisation at industry conferences, events, and forums.
• Execute additional tasks as required to meet the FA's changing priorities.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures to ensure that the highest standards of health, safety, and well‑being can be maintained.

Qualifications

• Possession of a coaching qualification (e.g., UEFA A Diploma) or a formal FA Talent Identification and Development qualification demonstrating an advanced understanding of player evaluation and development.
• Previous experience working within a high‑performance environment, particularly in scouting, player development, or an academy system, with an understanding of the pressures and demands at elite levels.
• Understanding of the evolving and escalating talent identification landscape of both male and female pathways in football.
• In‑depth knowledge of talent identification methodologies, processes, and best practices within football, including a strong understanding of the physical, technical, tactical, and psychological traits required for player success at different levels.
• Proven experience in creating and managing education programmes, workshops, or training sessions, particularly for scouts, coaches, and performance staff in a sports environment.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with multi‑disciplinary teams, including scouts, coaches, performance analysts, and technical directors.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas clearly and effectively to a range of audiences, including technical staff, senior management, and external stakeholders.
• Experience in implementing CPD frameworks, ensuring that talent identification and development staff remain current with the latest industry trends and innovations.
• Ability to incorporate data analytics and performance metrics into talent identification and development education, ensuring that decision‑making processes are informed by evidence and insights.

Beneficial Qualifications

• Degree in sport science, sport psychology, coaching or related field.
• Strong knowledge of the biopsychosocial development of children and adolescents, and how it relates to talent development and assessing player potential.
• Experience using modern tools such as performance data platforms (WyScout, Hudl), video analysis software, and psychometric assessments in the talent identification process.
• Awareness of global football talent trends, including regional differences in player development and scouting practices, as well as emerging markets for player recruitment.
• Understanding of football governing bodies (FIFA, UEFA) regulations, particularly related to youth development, scouting, and.