Company Description
Camden & Islington United (“CANDI”) is a community-focused football club founded by local residents, coaches, players, youth workers, and business owners who share a passion for football and community building. Based in the boroughs of Camden and Islington, CANDI aims to become the area's first semi-professional football club. The organization uses football as a vehicle to enhance social cohesion and foster meaningful community connections through matches, events, and programming. CANDI is committed to creating a positive impact by uniting people from diverse backgrounds around a shared love for the sport.
The Head Coach will lead the sporting development of the team while helping to maintain and strengthen the positive, inclusive culture that defines the club. This role requires someone who can develop players technically and tactically while also supporting their growth as people, embodying the club’s values of both on and off the
pitch development. We are seeking a passionate and committed Head Coach to lead the football programme into its exciting new phase. The successful candidate will help create and deliver an environment that promotes a high-performance environment while ensuring the team reflects the club’s commitment to respect, inclusivity, community impact, and positive vibes.
Key Responsibilities
FOOTBALL & PERFORMANCE
• Develop a playing philosophy/style and deliver high-quality weekly training sessions in line with it
• Lead matchday preparation, team selection, and tactical strategy
• Support the development of players across all levels of experience
• Work collaboratively with other coaches across the club’s teams
• Identify and nurture talent within the squad and in the local area
CULTURE & VALUES
• Promote a safe, respectful, and inclusive team environment
• Uphold the club’s commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Encourage positive behaviour, sportsmanship, and respect for opponents and officials
• Represent the club’s ethos of community first football
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
• Support players in developing both football skills and personal confidence
• Encourage leadership within the squad
• Help create pathways for players interested in coaching, refereeing, or volunteering
CLUB CONTRIBUTION
• Work with club leadership on football strategy
• Support community initiatives where appropriate
• Contribute to a collaborative coaching culture across the club
Person Specification
ESSENTIAL
• FA Coaching Qualification (minimum FA Level 1 / Introduction to Coaching Football or
working towards UEFA C)
• Experience coaching adult grassroots football
• Strong communication and leadership skills
• Commitment to inclusive football environments
• Ability to inspire and motivate players
DESIRABLE
• UEFA C Licence or higher
• Experience developing players in community clubs
• Understanding of safeguarding and welfare in sport
• Experience mentoring assistant coaches
WHAT WE OFFER
* The opportunity to coach at one of London’s most values-driven grassroots clubs
• A diverse and passionate football community
• Support for coach education and development
• The chance to play a role in a club committed to changing football culture for the better
If you are passionate about football, community, and creating opportunities for others, we would love to hear from you. Please send a brief expression of interest outlining your coaching experience and why you want to join CANDI to .
This is a paid position dependent on experience and qualifications, which will be discussed at the interview.