Job Title: Head of Academy Reports to: Chairman Location: Based at Coleraine FC (The Showgrounds) with regular travel required Hours of Work: Full-time (flexible, based on club needs) Salary: Competitive salary, plus expenses The Role: Coleraine FC is seeking a strategic and progressive Head of Academy to lead and manage the clubs entire academy structure from grassroots to U20, including the scholarship programme. This is a pivotal leadership role and a key step forward in our commitment to building the best academy in the Irish League. The successful candidate will be responsible for creating a high-performance, player-centred environment that nurtures young talent both on and off the pitch. This includes embedding best practices across coaching, education, welfare, recruitment, and infrastructure in alignment with the clubs long-term vision and first-team philosophy. The Head of Academy will be expected to lead change collaboratively and respectfully, valuing the strong foundations already in place, while raising standards and delivering a professional, progressive academy culture. About The Role Key Responsibilities 1. Strategic Leadership & Vision Develop and implement a long-term academy strategy aligned with Coleraine FCs vision. Build structured academy systems, policies, and SOPs to ensure operational excellence. Align academy playing philosophy with first-team game model and recruitment strategy. 2. Player Development & Pathways Oversee all aspects of player development, including Individual Player Development Plans (IDPs). Ensure training is age-appropriate, progressive, and stimulating. Establish clear progression pathways from academy to first team, including loans and external opportunities. 3. Coaching Team Management Recruit, lead, and support academy coaches across all phases. Ensure staff meet required qualifications (UEFA A/B) and IFA licensing standards. Deliver regular CPD and performance reviews to maintain coaching quality. 4. Talent Identification & Recruitment Lead the clubs youth scouting and recruitment strategy from U6 to U20. Build strong relationships with local clubs, schools, and community programmes. Organise and oversee trials, outreach programmes, and camps. 5. Education, Welfare & Personal Development Champion holistic development, supporting academic, emotional, and life skills growth. Liaise with schools, families, and welfare staff to ensure players are supported off the pitch. Embed safeguarding procedures and ensure AccessNI checks are completed for all staff. 6. Facilities, Technology & Resources Assess and plan for academy facility and infrastructure needs. Integrate sports science, performance analysis, and injury prevention across the academy. Oversee academy logistics, equipment, and resource allocation. 7. Compliance, Licensing & Reporting Ensure full compliance with IFA, NIFL, and UEFA regulations and club licensing criteria. Maintain safeguarding, governance, and medical standards across the academy. Provide regular reports to the Chairman on academy performance, budgets, and KPIs. What We Offer Competitive salary and expenses Company pension Full support from a forward-thinking board and leadership team The opportunity to lead a respected academy and shape its long-term legacy A chance to positively influence the lives and careers of young footballers across the region To Apply: If this role appeals to you, please submit your CV along with a covering letter explaining how you meet the above criteria by 23rd June 2025. Coleraine FC reserves the right to enhance the criteria in the event of an unprecedented response. Coleraine FC is an equal opportunities employer and will consider reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. Required Criteria UEFA A Licence (or Elite Youth A Licence); must meet IFA Club Licensing requirements Minimum 2 years experience in talent identification, scouting, and youth development Strong leadership and people management experience in a football environment Proven knowledge of academy frameworks, player development, and modern coaching methodologies Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Experience managing change within existing structures or legacy systems Strong organisational, administrative, and planning skills Understanding of the EPPP or equivalent academy models Demonstrated commitment to safeguarding, welfare, and holistic player support Desired Criteria Broad network of contacts in youth football, locally and nationally Academic qualifications in coaching, education, or sports science Familiarity with performance data tools and analysis systems Experience working in a multi-disciplinary high-performance environment Conflict resolution and people-management skills Skills Needed Applying Data to Decisions, Audit Compliance, Networking, Coaching Salary Not disclosed Skills: Applying Data to Decision Audit Compliance Networking Coaching Benefits: Vacation, Paid time off Retirement plan and/or pension Flexible schedule Competitive salary