Job Title: Head of Academy
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About the Role:
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* We are seeking a strategic and progressive leader to head our entire academy structure from grassroots to U20, including the scholarship programme.
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* This pivotal leadership role is a key step forward in our commitment to building the best academy in the Irish League.
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Key Responsibilities:
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1. Strategic Leadership & Vision:
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* Develop and implement a long-term academy strategy aligned with our vision.
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* Build structured academy systems, policies, and SOPs to ensure operational excellence.
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* Align academy playing philosophy with first-team game model and recruitment strategy.
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2. Player Development & Pathways:
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* Oversight of all aspects of player development, including Individual Player Development Plans (IDPs).
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* Ensure training is age-appropriate, progressive, and stimulating.
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* Establish clear progression pathways from academy to first team, including loans and external opportunities.
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3. Coaching Team Management:
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* Recruit, lead, and support academy coaches across all phases.
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* Ensure staff meet required qualifications (UEFA A/B) and IFA licensing standards.
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* Deliver regular CPD and performance reviews to maintain coaching quality.
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4. Talent Identification & Recruitment:
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* Lead the clubs youth scouting and recruitment strategy from U6 to U20.
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* Build strong relationships with local clubs, schools, and community programmes.
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* Organise and oversee trials, outreach programmes, and camps.
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5. Education, Welfare & Personal Development:
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* Champion holistic development, supporting academic, emotional, and life skills growth.
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* Liaise with schools, families, and welfare staff to ensure players are supported off the pitch.
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* Embed safeguarding procedures and ensure Access NI checks are completed for all staff.
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6. Facilities, Technology & Resources:
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* Assess and plan for academy facility and infrastructure needs.
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* Integrate sports science, performance analysis, and injury prevention across the academy.
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* Oversee academy logistics, equipment, and resource allocation.
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7. Compliance, Licensing & Reporting:
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* Ensure full compliance with IFA, NIFL, and UEFA regulations and club licensing criteria.
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* Maintain safeguarding, governance, and medical standards across the academy.
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* Provide regular reports to the Chairman on academy performance, budgets, and KPIs.
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What We Offer:
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* Competitive salary and expenses
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* Company pension
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* Full support from a forward-thinking board and leadership team
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* The opportunity to lead a respected academy and shape its long-term legacy
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* A chance to positively influence the lives and careers of young footballers across the region
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Required Criteria:
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* UEFA A Licence (or Elite Youth A Licence); must meet IFA Club Licensing requirements
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* Minimum 2 years experience in talent identification, scouting, and youth development
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* Strong leadership and people management experience in a football environment
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* Proven knowledge of academy frameworks, player development, and modern coaching methodologies
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* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
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* Experience managing change within existing structures or legacy systems
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* Strong organisational, administrative, and planning skills
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* Understanding of the EPPP or equivalent academy models
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* Demonstrated commitment to safeguarding, welfare, and holistic player support
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Desired Criteria:
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* Broad network of contacts in youth football, locally and nationally
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* Academic qualifications in coaching, education, or sports science
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* Familiarity with performance data tools and analysis systems
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* Experience working in a multi-disciplinary high-performance environment
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* Conflict resolution and people-management skills
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Skills Needed:
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* Applying Data to Decisions
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* Audit Compliance
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* Networking
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* Coaching
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