Watford Football Club’s Community Sports and Education Trust is a registered charity that has been proudly supporting people and communities for over thirty years, as originally established by Graham Taylor OBE and Sir Elton John. We continue this legacy today by engaging people of all ages and backgrounds through high-quality community-based initiatives and services.
Youth Engagement Officer
Department: Watford FC Community Sports and Education Trust
Reporting to: Premier League Kicks Manager
Hours: 40 per week
Salary: £27,040 to £34,320 pa
Location: Meriden Community Centre, Garsmouth Way, Watford WD25 9ET
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: Sunday 10 January 2026
Interview Date: Monday 19 January 2026
Our One goal – healthier, happier, stronger communities.
The Trust’s mission statement is to expand the Watford FC family by providing opportunities in Hertfordshire and London to enrich people’s lives, create special memories, and enable positive futures. To do this, the Trust focusses on the following outcomes:
* People in our communities have improved physical wellbeing.
* People in our communities have improved mental wellbeing.
* Our communities experience improved cohesion.
* People in our communities are better equipped for their future.
And will employ the following tactics to help get them there:
* Bring people and organisations together to make brighter futures for all.
* Create, manage, and deliver projects and services to achieve our organisational outcomes.
* Ensure we are a safe and sustainable charity.
* Be an insight-led and impact-driven organisation to meet the needs of our communities.
* To maintain and enhance the reach and connectivity of Watford Football Club.
Summary of your role:
Are you passionate about inspiring young people to reach their potential? Would you like to make a positive difference through sport, personal development, and education?
Then look no further and apply to join Watford FC’s Community Sports & Education Trust’s social inclusion department to provide opportunities for young people in areas of high need to create safer and more inclusive communities!
Your key responsibilities, but not limited to:
The Youth Engagement Officer (YEO) will be responsible for the coordination and delivery of the Trust’s social inclusion provision in Hertfordshire including Premier League Kicks and targeted interventions.
The role will provide regular, inclusive, and free opportunities for young people aged 8-18 to play and coach in football and other sports.
It will require improving the physical and mental wellbeing of young people to enhance self-esteem, confidence, and social skills.
The YEO will create a culture of volunteering, youth voice, and positive role models, to increase social responsibility, a sense of community, and help young people understand the value of their contributions.
The role will be responsible for promoting pro-social attitudes and behaviours to create safer and more inclusive communities by working closely with the participants, parents/guardians, police, and other stakeholders.
In addition, the YEO will provide opportunities for young people to transition into positive pathways in education, training and employment, through workshops and a structured mentoring programme.
The role involves coordinating casual coaches and volunteers to ensure that the services offered are of the highest quality and provide opportunities which inspire, engage, motivate, and empower young people to realise their potential.
You Must Have:
* Minimum of Level 2 in Youth Work qualifications
* · Proven track record of working with young people during both community hours and in school settings
* Ability to engage, motivate, and inspire young people from all backgrounds
* Knowledge of Watford, St Albans, Hemel Hempstead, and surrounding areas
* In date Safeguarding Children & First Aid certificates
* Experience of managing or supervising staff/volunteers
* Experience of developing and maintaining key stakeholder partnerships in the youth work sector
* Good knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Teams
* Have a flexible approach to work and be able to work unsociable hours
* A full driving licence and access to a vehicle for business use.
You would ideally have:
* Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Football
* A degree related to this role
* Other NGB and Youth Work qualifications (willing to work towards)
* Teaching qualification (PTTLs, DTTLs)
* Experience of writing development plans, work programmes, and reports.
* Experience of managing budgets
* Experience of using information operating systems for monitoring and evaluation purposes
What is in it for you?
* Chance to join an award-winning charity and work alongside a high-quality delivery team, determined to use the positive power of sport, physical activity and learning for social good.
* 25 days of Annual Leave entitlement plus bank holidays
* Watford FC staff kit provided relevant to the role
* Opportunities to benefit from a range of training and development opportunities from partners including the Premier League Foundation
* Two complimentary tickets for every Watford FC home fixture (after successful probation)
* Free gym usage at our two Community Centres
* Travel mileage for work related expenses
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Access to a company laptop and mobile phone to carry out the role
* Trust pension scheme
Equal Opportunities:
We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and dynamic working environment by building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more wide-ranging we are, the better our work will be.
Safeguarding:
We are committed to Safeguarding children and adults at risk. The necessary Disclosure and Barring Service check will apply to this post.
Application process:
1. If you meet the qualifying criteria, you will be sent a link to our application form. Please complete and return your application form to your initial application email. We will then consider your application.
2. If you require any further information or wish to discuss the opportunity, please contact trustrecruitment@watfordfc.com