Kent FA - Football Development Officer (Youth & Mini Soccer)

We have an great opportunity for you to join the Kent FA team as our Football Development Officer (Youth & Mini Soccer).

Headline details

Job Title: Football Development Officer (Youth & Mini Soccer)
Salary: £22,000 - £26,000.
Hours per week: 35 hours per week. The Kent FA currently has a hybrid working policy of two office days (Tuesday is the designated office day, plus one other) and three remote days. This arrangement may change due to business needs. The position also involves occasional evening and weekend work.
Vacancy Type: Full-Time position, 35 hours per week. Permanent contract.
Location: Kent FA HQ, Invicta House, Cobdown Park, London Road, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 6DQ. 

There has never been a better time to join the Kent FA to play a leading role in the strategic development of recruiting, retaining and developing match officials within Kent football. 

The role

The Kent FA is looking to recruit a dynamic and inspiring Football Development Officer (Youth & Mini Soccer) to join our team at a truly exciting time. We are looking for an individual who brings passion and enthusiasm to the team and who will work collaboratively with others, both internally and externally, from the organisation. The successful candidate will support implementing and delivering the FA National Game Strategy and the Kent FA Play. Protect. Promote 2024-2028 Strategy, helping to deliver a sustainable plan for growth and quality across the youth football pathway. 

The Football Development Officer (Youth & Mini Soccer) will report directly to the Head of Football Development but will be line-managed by the Club Development Lead and will be an important member of the Football Development Team. 

Key responsibilities

• Provide the highest level of customer excellence to support volunteers across all FA Technology systems (Platform For Football, Club Spark, Matchday app and Full-Time).
• Identify sources of funding that will be of benefit to grassroots football and provide appropriate advice and support to applicants.  
• Provide football development support and advice to clubs and leagues.
• Complete an annual analysis of youth football to map participation and identify gaps in provision.
• Facilitate the movement of male players from mini-soccer to youth football and youth football to adult football. 
• Guide clubs and leagues through upcoming playing format and rule changes as part of the FA's Future of Youth Football project.
• Develop programmes to support and grow male football provision, with a focus on retaining 12 to 18-year-old male players. 
• Support the Club Development Lead with the England Football Accreditation programme, working to support clubs (and leagues) to become and then stay accredited.
• Provide or facilitate the development of other formats of football (e.g. futsal) that reflect changing participant behaviour and expectations. 
• Facilitate the delivery of the Youth Male Participation Pathway working group.

What we are looking for

The successful candidate will be educated to A Level or have 2 years of sports development experience. They will be able to think and work strategically, be self-motivated and have excellent organisational skills. In addition, they will be able to forge and build exceptional relationships with partner organisations and have a strong customer service ethos.

What we can offer

• A great start to your career in football with the local governing body of the grassroots game here in the heart of the County
• Opportunities to progress your career across the County FA Network throughout England and at The FA
• Access to high-quality training, networking and personal development opportunities
• A varied and exciting working life where you'll learn about all aspects of grassroots football
• Enhanced Holiday entitlement and additional days leave for your Birthday
• Access to employee benefits, including Group income protection, Life Insurance, Private Medical insurance, an employee experience and engagement platform and employee assistance scheme.  

About the application and selection process

• Complete the Application Form and Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form and return them to Jobs@KentFA.com no later than midnight on Sunday, 5th January 2025. Applications received after the deadline will only be considered in exceptional circumstances, e.g., proof of posting indicates undue delay through no fault of the applicant.
• Please do not convert Application forms or Equality and Diversity Monitoring forms into PDF file format when submitting. 
• Unfortunately, we cannot acknowledge receipt of applications or provide feedback to those who are not shortlisted for an interview. 
• Shortlisted applicants will be contacted the week commencing 13th January 2025 communicating their interview date/time.
• Interviews will be held the week commencing 20th January 2025. 
• If necessary, second interviews may be held to determine the most suitable candidate for the role.  

Application documents

Job Description and Person Specification

Application Form

Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form

About Kent FA

The Kent FA prides itself on being an innovative and forward-thinking organisation. We are embarking on a new corporate strategy to reinforce the vision and objectives for the next four years, and the successful candidate for this role will be instrumental in helping the Kent FA deliver this.

Safeguarding

Kent FA is committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk. Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service [DBS] check through the FA DBS process. Possessing a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and the information provided.

Equality and Diversity

Kent FA promotes inclusion and diversity and welcomes applications from everyone. If you have any requirements concerning the recruitment or interview process, please include details on the application form.

Contact

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Jeff Davis, Head of Football Development, at Jeff.Davis@KentFA.com for an informal discussion.