Club and Coach Development Lead

Location: Glastonbury / Home Working
Salary: £23,000 - £29,000 per annum
Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Are you passionate about grassroots football? Do you have the skills to develop clubs and enhance coaching standards, and support the growth of the game across Somerset? If so, we want to hear from you!

About Us

Somerset FA is dedicated to supporting grassroots football, ensuring it remains inclusive, sustainable, and accessible for all. We work closely with clubs, leagues, volunteers, and partners to develop the game at all levels, and we are looking for a motivated individual to help us drive this vision forward.

The Role

As the Club and Coach Development Lead you will play a key role in supporting the delivery of The FA Grassroots Football Strategy and Somerset FA Business Strategy. You will provide essential support to clubs and their coaches, helping them become more sustainable through accreditation programmes, coach development, and targeted marketing initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Align club ambitions with the FA Grassroots Football Strategy through support services, initiatives, and programmes.
• Develop and manage relationships with 2-star and 3-star England Football Accredited Clubs.
• Increase the number of 3-star accredited clubs in the county.
• Support growth and sustainability of England Football Accredited Clubs through the Thriving Community Clubs Framework
• Analyse club needs to develop personalised club development plans and implement local support services

• Engage key stakeholders, including club leaders, FA consultants, ambassadors, and the Football Foundation, to develop thriving football communities.
• Conduct pathway gap analyses and support clubs in meeting accreditation criteria.
• Support the delivery of The FA Learning Strategy by providing coach education, CPD opportunities, and development programmes.
• Recruit, support, and develop coaches from under-represented groups, including female and minority ethnic coaches.
• Provide clubs with marketing and communication strategies to enhance their reach and engagement.
• Manage relationships with Men’s National League System (NLS) and Women’s Football Pyramid (WFP) clubs in the region.
• Ensure safeguarding measures are embedded across all football development programmes.
• Support the delivery of FA technology systems, including FA Learning, Whole Game System, and the Matchday app.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications & Experience:

• Educated to A-Level or equivalent.
• Experience working in sports or football development.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication, IT, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• A working knowledge of inclusion, equality, anti-discrimination, and safeguarding within football.
• Full, clean driving licence and access to a vehicle.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.

Desirable Skills & Experience:

• 2-years sports development experience.
• Knowledge of The FA Grassroots Football Strategy and club accreditation framework.
• Experience working with volunteers in a sports setting.
• Familiarity with using data and insight to inform development programmes.
• Understanding of facility development opportunities in grassroots football.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary of £23,000 - £29,000 per annum.
• Flexible working arrangements, including home-based working.
• Opportunities for professional development and FA training.
• The chance to make a real impact on grassroots football in Somerset.

How to Apply

If you are ready to take the next step in your career and contribute to the growth of grassroots football in Somerset, we’d love to hear from you.

Application Deadline: Friday 21^st March 2025 @ 5pm – interviews intended for W/C 31^st March

For further details please contact Rob Allan, Football Development Manager on, 07740 663853 or email rob.allan@somersetfa.com.

To apply for the role please complete the application form and Diversity Monitoring Form and return via email to support@somersetfa.com by the closing date. Please note the CV’s and covering letter are not accepted.

view the job role here

apply using the external applicants form here

equality and diversity monitoring form

Join us in making a difference in grassroots football!