Venue & Community Manager (Football & Padel)

Full job description

About Football World Leeds

Football World Leeds is one of Leeds’ leading small-sided football venues, offering high-quality indoor and outdoor football facilities and a vibrant social environment. The venue is entering an exciting new phase with the launch of padel courts, expanding into a multi-sport destination combining football, padel, leagues, events and social sport.

We are seeking a Venue & Community Manager to oversee the day-to-day running of both the football and padel operations while helping grow the venue’s community and social presence.

This is a hands-on operational role requiring someone energetic, organised and confident engaging with customers both in person and on camera for social media content.

Due to the nature of the business, the role requires evening and weekend work, particularly during league nights and busy periods.

Purpose of the Role

The Venue & Community Manager will be responsible for the daily operation, growth and customer experience of Football World Leeds. The role includes managing football leagues, supporting the development of padel, overseeing venue operations and bar service, supervising staff and helping create engaging social media content that promotes the venue.

Key ResponsibilitiesVenue Operations

• Oversee the day-to-day operation of the venue including football pitches, padel courts, reception areas and social spaces
• Open and close the venue in line with operational procedures
• Ensure the facility is clean, safe and professionally presented at all times
• Ensure equipment, pitches and courts are properly maintained and ready for use
• Monitor bookings and ensure sessions run smoothly and on time
• Liaise with maintenance contractors when required
• Ensure all health and safety procedures are followed

Football Operations

• Oversee weekly football leagues and fixtures
• Ensure matches run smoothly and on schedule
• Coordinate referees and match officials
• Update and manage league tables and fixtures
• Resolve disputes between teams when required
• Organise football tournaments and special events
• Build relationships with teams and regular players
• Encourage repeat bookings and league participation

Padel Operations

• Manage the introduction and development of padel at the venue
• Oversee padel court bookings and scheduling
• Organise padel leagues, social play sessions and tournaments
• Run beginner sessions and introductory padel events
• Support new players and help grow the local padel community
• Ensure courts are prepared and maintained for play
• Encourage crossover participation from football players

Bar & Hospitality Operations

The Venue & Community Manager will oversee the venue bar and ensure customers enjoy a welcoming social atmosphere after games.

Responsibilities include:

• Supervising day-to-day bar operations
• Managing stock levels and ordering drinks from suppliers
• Ensuring the bar area is clean, organised and well presented
• Supporting bar staff during busy periods
• Encouraging teams and players to stay for drinks after games
• Helping develop bar promotions and social offers
• Supporting events that include food and drinks packages
• Ensuring responsible alcohol service in line with licensing laws

During busy league nights or events, the manager may also assist behind the bar where required.

Customer Experience

• Act as a welcoming and visible presence within the venue
• Greet customers and support them with bookings and enquiries
• Ensure all players enjoy a positive experience
• Handle customer feedback or complaints professionally
• Encourage repeat visits and build relationships with regular players

Community Engagement

• Build a strong community around football and padel activities
• Encourage social interaction between players and teams
• Support local clubs, organisations and community initiatives
• Help create a lively and inclusive atmosphere within the venue

Social Media & Content Creation

The role requires someone confident appearing on camera and creating content that promotes the venue and captures the energy of the games.

Responsibilities include:

• Filming football and padel highlights
• Capturing goals, celebrations and match moments
• Conducting short player interviews
• Appearing on camera to promote leagues and events
• Creating short-form content for social media
• Supporting marketing campaigns and event promotion

Content may be used across platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.

Event Management

The manager will help organise and deliver sports and social events including:

• football tournaments
• padel tournaments
• social padel nights
• corporate bookings
• dual-sport events combining football and padel
• community leagues and competitions

Staff Management

• Supervise venue staff including reception staff and referees
• Prepare staff rotas based on venue activity
• Provide support and leadership to the team
• Ensure staff deliver high levels of customer service
• Assist with staff training where required

Commercial Growth

• Maximise pitch and court utilisation
• Encourage league growth and repeat bookings
• Identify opportunities to increase venue activity
• Support partnerships with clubs, schools and organisations
• Help drive secondary spend through bar and event activity

Working Hours

This role requires flexibility and availability during the venue’s busiest times.

Working hours will include:

• weekday evenings
• weekends
• league nights
• tournaments and special events

The role may also include some daytime operational work depending on bookings and venue activity.

Skills & Experience Required

Essential:

• Experience working in a sports venue, leisure facility or hospitality environment
• Strong organisational and operational skills
• Excellent customer service and communication abilities
• Confidence appearing on camera and creating social media content
• Ability to work evenings and weekends
• Leadership and team management skills
• Passion for sport and community engagement

Desirable:

• Football or padel playing experience
• Experience running sports leagues or tournaments
• Social media or content creation experience
• Coaching or sports development background
• Experience using booking systems

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate will be:

• energetic and enthusiastic
• confident interacting with customers
• organised and proactive
• comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
• passionate about sport and community
• confident representing the venue both in person and online

What We Offer

• Opportunity to manage a growing multi-sport venue
• Involvement in the launch and development of padel
• A fun, energetic sports environment
• Opportunity to grow with the business as the venue expands