Main Objective & Vision
The Head of Football Academy provides strategic leadership for the development, organisation, and delivery of a high-performance, inclusive, and community-focused Football Academy at Braeburn Garden Estate. The role ensures year-round training, high-quality coaching, competitive opportunities, and clear development pathways for students of all abilities, as well as the wider community.
The vision is to establish the Academy as a leading school-based football development program in East Africa, renowned for coaching excellence, player development, and competitive success.
Key Responsibilities
Academy Development & Strategic Leadership
- Lead the strategic development, implementation, and continuous growth of the year-round football academy program.
- Establish a clear vision that promotes excellence, broad participation, inclusivity, and student wellbeing.
- Use data, feedback, and participation rates to evaluate program effectiveness and inform future strategic planning.
- Manage the Academy's operations budget and maintain accurate attendance, performance, and competition records.
Player Development & Talent Pathways
- Create structured progression pathways for players, ranging from grassroots and recreational participation to high-performance and elite levels.
- Design and implement tailored development pathways specifically for Braeburn students showing talent in football.
- Track individual player progress and provide regular, structured feedback to both players and parents.
Coaching & Staff Development
- Lead, mentor, and support football coaches and sports staff, providing regular performance feedback and identifying professional development opportunities.
- Drive a year-round coaching model for both boys' and girls' football, ensuring alignment with a unified coaching philosophy.
- Organise and lead regular Continuing Professional Development (CPD) workshops for coaches across the Braeburn Group to raise the collective standard of football coaching.
Squad Management, Fixtures & Events
- Oversee squad planning and ensure fair, transparent selection processes across all academy levels.
- Provide strategic oversight for fixtures, local leagues, and invitational tournaments, ensuring appropriate levels of competition locally, regionally, and internationally.
- Organise and host fixtures, holiday camps, and academy events.
- Liaise with local football associations to align academy initiatives with national programs and talent identification schemes.
Operations, Facilities & Safety
- Oversee the effective use and management of football facilities and equipment, ensuring high standards of maintenance, safety, and accessibility.
- Ensure safeguarding, child protection, and student welfare are central to all academy activities, training sessions, and events.
- Conduct and oversee strict risk assessments for all training, fixtures, and travel.
Branding, Communication & Community Engagement
- Promote the Football Academy brand as a key component of the school's identity and marketing strategy.
- Partner with marketing teams to generate media content, social media campaigns, and promotional materials.
- Lead clear and effective communication regarding schedules, fixtures, and achievements to students, parents, and the wider community.
- Actively build relationships with external clubs, youth organisations, and governing bodies to enhance student opportunities.
Practical Expectations
- Be primarily based on-site at Braeburn Garden Estate, remaining flexible to work evenings, weekends, and holiday periods to support matches and camps.
- Regularly collaborate with PE departments and coaches across the wider Braeburn Group to align football development objectives.
Desired Qualifications & Experience
- Qualifications: A recognized professional football coaching qualification (e.g., FA, UEFA, or equivalent). A BA/BSc/HND degree is required.
- Experience: Proven experience leading and delivering a successful youth, academy, or school-based football program.
- Skills: Strong organisational, administrative, and budget management skills, with the ability to handle complex logistics and schedules.
- Communication: Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to engage confidently with students, staff, parents, and external stakeholders.
- Core Values: A deep understanding of safeguarding protocols, paired with a genuine passion for developing young athletes and driving inclusivity through sport.
