Higher Education Lecturer in Watford

Watford FC Community Sports & Education Trust is the official registered charity of Watford Football Club and has been positively impacting lives through sport, physical activity and learning for over 30 years. Originally established by Graham Taylor OBE and Sir Elton John, the Trust has built an award‑winning reputation for delivering high‑quality community programmes that improve health and wellbeing, develop skills and education, promote inclusion and create opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds. Today, the Trust employs more than 60 full and part‑time staff, supported by a dedicated team of sessional staff and volunteers, collectively engaging over 15,500 people each year across Hertfordshire, Harrow and beyond. Through a wide range of innovative projects, partnerships and community facilities, including Meriden Community Centre and Cedars Youth & Community Centre, the Trust invests over £2.5 million annually into local communities. Driven by the vision of creating healthier, happier and stronger communities, the Trust continues to harness the power of football and education to make a lasting positive difference for all.

Our Higher Education provision has changed in recent years, to reflect evolving industry trends and valuable feedback from students, staff and sector partners, ensuring our curriculum remains relevant, innovative and aligned to the needs of the football workforce. Originally established as a progression pathway for learners from our Football Education Centres, our new three‑year BSc (Hons) Football Coaching & Performance degree has evolved into an innovative and industry‑focused qualification designed to develop the next generation of football coaches, practitioners and leaders. Students benefit from a broad and engaging curriculum encompassing football coaching, performance analysis, sport psychology, nutrition, biomechanics, physiology, and Talent ID, reflecting the diverse career opportunities available within the modern football industry. We provide students with a unique opportunity to combine academic study with real‑world industry experience through the Watford FC Community Sports & Education Trust and Middlesex University partnership.

We are now seeking an enthusiastic and knowledgeable lecturer who is passionate about developing future football professionals. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in football coaching and performance, alongside experience or knowledge of talent identification and player development pathways. Experience within an academy environment would be highly advantageous, enabling you to bring contemporary industry insight into the classroom and support students in developing the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to succeed in the football sector.

Summary of your role

Are you passionate about football, coaching and developing the next generation of industry professionals? Do you want to combine your practical experience with teaching and mentoring within Higher Education? We are seeking an enthusiastic and knowledgeable Lecturer to join our Higher Education team and play a key role in the delivery and ongoing development of our BSc (Hons) Football Coaching & Performance degree, delivered in partnership with Middlesex University. Working closely with the Higher Education Strategic Lead, you will inspire and support students through the delivery of specialist football coaching and performance modules, helping them develop the knowledge, skills and industry experience required for successful careers within football and sport.

The successful candidate will lead the delivery of the following modules:

• Level 4 – Fundamentals of Football Coaching
• Level 5 – Applied Football Coaching & Performance
• Level 5 – Talent Identification & Development

Based at Cedars Youth & Community Centre, Harrow Weald, the role offers a dynamic blend of classroom‑based learning, workshops and seminars alongside practical coaching sessions delivered on our 4G artificial pitch. This provides an exciting opportunity to bring academic concepts to life through applied football practice and industry‑relevant learning experiences. Beyond teaching, you will contribute to the wider student experience by supporting recruitment activities, open days, industry placements, enrichment opportunities and programme development. This is an excellent opportunity to influence the future of football education, build strong links with the industry and help shape the next generation of football coaches, practitioners and talent developers.

Your key responsibilities, but not limited to:

• Plan, prepare and deliver high‑quality, engaging and inclusive teaching sessions across both theoretical and practical environments, including classroom‑based workshops, pitch‑based coaching sessions and off‑site learning activities where appropriate.
• Design, develop and deliver learning activities that support students in achieving module learning outcomes and developing industry‑relevant knowledge, skills and behaviours.
• Create, administer and mark assessments in accordance with Middlesex University regulations, providing constructive and timely feedback that supports student success.
• Monitor and record student progress, achievement and attendance, implementing appropriate interventions to support student engagement, retention and attainment.
• Foster a positive and inclusive learning environment that promotes student participation, wellbeing, personal development and a sense of belonging.
• Provide academic guidance and support to students through tutorials, one‑to‑one meetings, email and other appropriate communication channels.
• Maintain the Virtual Learning Environment, ensuring students can access high‑quality learning resources, assessment information, seminar materials and additional reading.
• Contribute to the ongoing review and development of module content and curriculum design, ensuring programmes remain current, innovative and industry aligned.
• Participate in quality assurance and course management activities, including assessment boards, moderation, student voice meetings, annual monitoring, curriculum reviews and the implementation of actions arising from external examiner and university feedback.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of current research, industry trends and professional practice within teaching, football coaching, talent development and Higher Education either through CPD or internal training and development.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal colleagues, external partners and football industry professionals to enhance curriculum delivery, guest speaker opportunities and student employability.
• Support student recruitment, outreach and marketing activities including open days, school and college engagement events and other promotional activities.
• Support the organisation, monitoring and development of student placement opportunities, industry experiences and enrichment activities that enhance employability and professional development.
• Ensure all activities are delivered in accordance with safeguarding, health and safety, equality, diversity and inclusion policies and procedures.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade and responsibilities of the post.

You Must Have:

• Master's degree (or working towards) in a relevant discipline such as Football Coaching, Sports Coaching, Sport Science, Performance Analysis or a related subject area.
• Experience of teaching, training, mentoring or facilitating learning within Higher Education, Further Education or a professional football environment.
• Minimum UEFA C Licence (or equivalent) or higher.
• FA National Talent ID & Scouting qualification (or demonstrable experience within talent identification and player recruitment environments).
• Significant industry experience within football coaching, player development, talent identification and/or talent development pathways.
• Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse groups of learners.
• Strong organisational, administrative and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and maintaining up‑to‑date knowledge of contemporary football coaching, performance and talent development practices.

You would ideally have, but not vital:

• PG Cert HE or other teaching qualification.
• UEFA B licence or above.

What is in it for you?

• Chance to join an award‑winning charity and work alongside a high‑quality delivery team, determined to use the positive power of sport, physical activity and learning for social good.
• Opportunity to benefit from a range of training and development opportunities.
• Free gym usage at our two Community Centres.
• Flexible working environment.
• 25 days of Annual Leave entitlement (Pro‑rata) plus bank holidays.
• Great Trust pension scheme.

Equal Opportunities: We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and dynamic working environment by building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more wide‑ranging we are, the better our work will be. We are committed to Safeguarding children and adults at risk. The necessary Disclosure and Barring Service check will apply to this post.