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Club Secretary

Blackpool Football Club
Blackpool, UK
29 Apr, 2026

Full time Administration

Job Description

Job Title: Club Secretary

Reports to: Head of Football Operations (HOFO)

Location: Bloomfield Road, Blackpool (with travel to the training venue)

Hours: No less than 40 per week – to include evenings & weekends

Salary: Dependant on Experience

Who we are:

Blackpool Football Club is an English Professional Association Football Club based in the seaside town of Blackpool, Lancashire.

The Club was founded in 1887 and has a very storied history, from being a founding member of the Lancashire League in 1889, rising to the Top-Flight of the Football League (the old First Division) in 1930, to winning the FA Cup in 1953 and being promoted to the Premier League in 2010 (becoming the first Club to gain promotion from every division of the Football League via the play-off system).

The team are competing in League One, the third tier of the English Football League.

The Club have played their home games at Bloomfield Road since 1901.

Job Purpose:

Reporting to the HOFO, you will be responsible for managing the Football administration and operations for the Club’s senior teams, ensuring compliance with the relevant regulatory bodies.

You will deliver an efficient Player registration process for the Club, also working closely with the Academy to provide support and guidance on youth registration matters. You should provide proactive advice and guidance on all matters relating to Player’s registrations and embed best practice in this area across all of the Club’s Football teams.

This varied role requires a flexible mindset to manage logistical and operational aspects of the Club’s Football activities included but not limited to matchdays, including Player travel, accommodation, training facilities, and matchday preparation.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

Football Registrations

Draft terms and playing contracts, loan/transfer agreements, image rights and representation agreements and complete all relevant registration documentation including submission of all required information on IFAS and FIFA TMS, ensuring that the necessary confirmations are received within the required timeframes and key information is communicated internally.
Lead on the administration of all International and Domestic Trialists for the Men’s senior teams. Provide advice and guidance to the Academy regarding Academy Trialists (in particular Academy International Trialists) as and when required.
Act as the lead contact for FIFA’s Transfer Matching System and the English Football League’s (EFL) Football Administration System in respect of professional registrations.
Ensure safe storage and confidentiality of all documents, making same available to Senior Management & Board members on request.
Efficiently deal with the applications and maintenance of Government Body Endorsements and Certificates of Sponsorships for all Players and playing staff.
Regularly appraise and advise the Head of Football Operations & Sporting Director of any queries relating to contractual matters.
Maintain up to date schedules of Player registrations detailing additions, amendments and terminations.
Administer the Clubs designated Private Medical Scheme for its Players, ensuring joiner and leaver information is kept up to date.
When requested, assist the Sporting Director/CEO/HR with the recruitment of playing staff personnel and ensure that appropriate contractual documentation is issued in good time.

Rules and Regulations

Ensure compliance with all Football governance and regulatory matters (EFL, The FA, UEFA & FIFA) and advising Football staff/senior Club officials of same.
As per EFL Regulations, ensure all Players are provided with a copy of the Club rules which affect the Player and of the terms and conditions of any policy of insurance in respect of or in relation to the Player with which the Player is expected to comply.
Assist with the Club in any Football related matters for legal compliance and communicate with any preferred legal partners.

Operational Management

To work with the Head of Finance to ensure that the Club operates within its set budgets, seeking at all times to achieve cost effective and efficient practices.
Responsibility for the operational management of the First Team areas of the Club.
Assist with support and care of players and football staff, when required.
To assist the Academy in the implementation and operation as an EPPP Category 3 Academy, ensuring it complies with the EFL/EPL framework, as well as all other associated governing body regulations.

Financial

Assist the Head of Finance & Senior Management on the delivery and management of the Football Budget, working closely with the Finance Team to ensure all required Football related payments (wages, transfer fees, etc.) are completed in accordance with the relevant regulations.
Responsible for all Player-related payroll, expense and subsistence payments.
Manage Player-related match day costs and First Team travel and accommodation.
Manage all Training Compensation and Solidarity claims due and payable in accordance with FIFA Regulations, including the management of the FIFA Clearing House process.
Upload Proofs of Payments in respect of international transfers on FIFA’s Transfer Matching System and maintain up to date internal records thereof.
Provide details of payments due to Agents, uploading Proofs of Payments to the EFL’s Football Administration System and maintain up to date internal records.
Oversee the Player Medical and Personal Injury Insurance responding to any claims.
Support the administration of the Professional Footballers’ Pension Scheme regarding the enrolment of new Players and that of Players leaving the Club at any time.
Liaise with Finance Department regarding the annual payment of pension contributions.
Coordinate annual PFA subscriptions and salary deductions for professional and scholarship Players.

Fixtures and Competitions

Management of the First Team fixture list and provide guidance to the Academy regarding the management of their fixture schedule.
Manage all aspects of match planning for the First Team, and other teams as and when required.
Be the main point of contact with all relevant bodies to enable all matches to be played, including the liaison of match officials.
Complete relevant match documentation for all matches and competitions.
To be present on home matchdays liaising with officials and other stakeholders as required. Attend away matches when required.
Responsible for all First Team travel and logistical requirements for match days, pre-season training camps and tours.

Disciplinary/Grievance

Manage the FA Disciplinary portal, confirming cautions and dismissals, and monitoring of accumulated cautions in accordance with Disciplinary Regulations.
Lead on and administer all FA and any other Football Regulatory charges for the Club.
Regularly review and update the Players Code of Conduct to take account of changes to working practises and legislative amendments.
In conjunction with the Senior Management & HR, be responsible for the administration of all aspects of Player discipline relating to possible claims of wrongful/unfair dismissal and misconduct charges including drafting submissions, liaising with HR/legal advisers and/or counsel, Club officials and the EFL or FA.
Conduct internal disciplinary proceedings including interviewing witnesses, administration of disciplinary meetings and appeal hearings and liaising with Club officials, PFA, EFL and FA.
Make recommendations in respect of disciplinary sanctions to be applied to Football Staff.

International Selections

Liaise with National Associations in relation to all international selections in accordance with FIFA Regulations and communication of same to relevant Club staff.
Liaise with UEFA/FIFA in relation to Participation in Benefits of European Championships/World Cup.

General

Oversee and guide the Academy Secretary, alongside the Academy Director, on Player Registration matters as signatory for Player registrations.
To represent the Club at relevant EFL Meetings, as well as any relevant meetings held by other key stakeholders, including but not limited to EFL, FA etc.
Cooperate fully with colleagues and be flexible when assisting them in response to business needs of the Club.
As and when required, liaise with First Team Coach, Sporting Director, Academy Director and other staff members to assist them carry out their regular duties.
Ensure a positive commitment towards equality and diversity by treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, bullying, victimisation or harassment of any description and to promote positive working relations amongst employees and customers.
Ensure working practices are compliant with relevant policies and legislation specifically general data protection regulations (GDPR).
Manage holiday requests, ensuring that sufficient staffing levels are maintained during the playing season in accordance with the Club’s Holiday Leave and Pay policy. Accurately update and maintain all holiday leave records.
Liaise with the Head of Media regarding media communications of Players assuring that contractual terms are complied with.
Manage and maintain the information systems updating relevant statistics, records and match information in line with relevant guidelines and internal Club requirements.
Build and maintain relationships with other Club Secretaries, Football agents and officials from relevant Football governing bodies.
Additional duties as reasonably requested by the Head of Football Operations.
Adhere to the Club’s Safeguarding Policy at all times.
To promote a safe and healthy working environment for all Players and staff.
To promote a professional image of the Club and themselves at all times.
To contribute to identifying and undertaking initiatives aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery.
To work with and support other team members as required ensuring effective and efficient service is developed and delivered.
You will be expected to seek ways of updating and improving personal skills, knowledge and understanding relevant to your own job role.

Health and Safety

Fully endorse and comply with all aspects of the Club health and safety policy.
Make recommendations/suggestions to the CEO of possible areas for improvement of the Club health and safety policy, procedures and working practices.
Comply with all group policies and statutory regulations relating to health and safety, safe working practices, hygiene, cleanliness, fire and COSHH.
Be familiar with all aspects of fire evacuation and procedures, working with the Stadium Operations Manager to help always to secure the safety of the premises/occupants.
Identify and report maintenance requirements or hazards within the workplace and encourage any workforce to do the same to avoid “near miss” incidents and/injury.

Safeguarding

Fully endorse and comply with all aspects of the Company Safeguarding Policy.
Notify the Club’s Safeguarding Officer of any suspected breach and assist to carry out any investigations if required.

The above job description is not intended to be exhaustive; the duties and responsibilities may therefore vary over time according to the changing needs of the Club.

Person Specification
	Essential Requirements	Desirable Requirement
Qualifications		Educated to degree level or equivalent.
Experience	Previous experience within a League or Football Club. Experience of Football or other sports administration at a responsible level and the pressures within. Experience of working with Football regulations. Experience working within an elite setting. Experience with IT and a range of software, including but not limited to, all Microsoft Office programmes and Email.
Knowledge & Skills	Knowledge of domestic Football regulations. Exceptional organisation and planning skills and the ability to build effective working relationships. High level of attention to detail. Good time management and organisational skills. Excellent written and telephone manner. Displays a high level of confidentiality. Trustworthy and adherence to codes of conduct and ethics.
Personal Qualities	Dynamic personality and positive attitude to work. Continually work to improve your own knowledge and performance. Conscientious, organised and provide work on time and in detail. Work at a fast pace to meet the needs of the Club. Self-motivated with the ability to work alone and as a member of a team. · Possess a progressive mindset (individually and departmentally). · Enthusiastic and positive with a willingness to learn. · Assertive, calm with the ability to work well under pressure. · Flexible to meet the requirements of the needs of the business – this includes working evenings & weekends.

To apply for the position please submit an application form and a covering letter detailing how you meet the criteria for the role to HR@Blackpoolfc.co.uk or Blackpool Football Club, Bloomfield Road, Seasiders Way, Blackpool, FY1 6JJ.

As part of your application, please also complete our Diversity Monitoring Form and return it to HR@Blackpoolfc.co.uk.

The form will be separated from your application on receipt. The information on this form will be used for monitoring purposes only and will play no part in the recruitment process.

We encourage early applicants as we reserve the right to close the application process at any time.

This job will be subject to satisfactory references and Enhanced DBS procedures.

Closing date for applications is Friday 15 May 2026, with interviews expected to take place wc 18 May 2026.

Safeguarding: Blackpool Football Club Ltd and the EFL are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to endorse this commitment. Posts advertised may require Enhanced Criminal Record Checks and may include checks against the Barred lists, as such it is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). Therefore, all convictions, including spent convictions that have not been subject to filtering by the DBS should be declared.

Recruitment checks: You will also be required to provide details of referees for the previous five years’ working history or referees whilst in full-time education.

Equality and Diversity: Employees must always carry out their duties with due regard to Blackpool Football Club’s policies and procedures. The employee must ensure a positive commitment towards equality and diversity treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation or harassment of any description and to promote positive working relationships between all internal and external stakeholders.

Inclusion and Anti-Discrimination Mission Statement: At Blackpool Football Club we aim to provide an enjoyable experience for all supporters and hold inclusion and anti-discrimination at the core of our values. We are committed to creating an environment which welcomes and respects people from all communities, promoting equality and diversity at Bloomfield Road and its associated premises. As a Club we recognise the nine protected characteristics (age, disability, gender re-assignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex and sexual orientation) under the Equality Act 2010 and will play an active role in supporting inclusion and putting an end to discrimination.

Job Title: Club Secretary

Reports to: Head of Football Operations (HOFO)

Location: Bloomfield Road, Blackpool (with travel to the training venue)

Hours: No less than 40 per week – to include evenings & weekends

Salary: Dependant on Experience

Who we are:

Blackpool Football Club is an English Professional Association Football Club based in the seaside town of Blackpool, Lancashire.

The team are competing in League One, the third tier of the English Football League.

The Club have played their home games at Bloomfield Road since 1901.

Job Purpose:

Reporting to the HOFO, you will be responsible for managing the Football administration and operations for the Club’s senior teams, ensuring compliance with the relevant regulatory bodies.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

Football Registrations

Draft terms and playing contracts, loan/transfer agreements, image rights and representation agreements and complete all relevant registration documentation including submission of all required information on IFAS and FIFA TMS, ensuring that the necessary confirmations are received within the required timeframes and key information is communicated internally.
Lead on the administration of all International and Domestic Trialists for the Men’s senior teams. Provide advice and guidance to the Academy regarding Academy Trialists (in particular Academy International Trialists) as and when required.
Act as the lead contact for FIFA’s Transfer Matching System and the English Football League’s (EFL) Football Administration System in respect of professional registrations.
Ensure safe storage and confidentiality of all documents, making same available to Senior Management & Board members on request.
Efficiently deal with the applications and maintenance of Government Body Endorsements and Certificates of Sponsorships for all Players and playing staff.
Regularly appraise and advise the Head of Football Operations & Sporting Director of any queries relating to contractual matters.
Maintain up to date schedules of Player registrations detailing additions, amendments and terminations.
Administer the Clubs designated Private Medical Scheme for its Players, ensuring joiner and leaver information is kept up to date.
When requested, assist the Sporting Director/CEO/HR with the recruitment of playing staff personnel and ensure that appropriate contractual documentation is issued in good time.

Rules and Regulations

Ensure compliance with all Football governance and regulatory matters (EFL, The FA, UEFA & FIFA) and advising Football staff/senior Club officials of same.
As per EFL Regulations, ensure all Players are provided with a copy of the Club rules which affect the Player and of the terms and conditions of any policy of insurance in respect of or in relation to the Player with which the Player is expected to comply.
Assist with the Club in any Football related matters for legal compliance and communicate with any preferred legal partners.

Operational Management

To work with the Head of Finance to ensure that the Club operates within its set budgets, seeking at all times to achieve cost effective and efficient practices.
Responsibility for the operational management of the First Team areas of the Club.
Assist with support and care of players and football staff, when required.
To assist the Academy in the implementation and operation as an EPPP Category 3 Academy, ensuring it complies with the EFL/EPL framework, as well as all other associated governing body regulations.

Financial

Assist the Head of Finance & Senior Management on the delivery and management of the Football Budget, working closely with the Finance Team to ensure all required Football related payments (wages, transfer fees, etc.) are completed in accordance with the relevant regulations.
Responsible for all Player-related payroll, expense and subsistence payments.
Manage Player-related match day costs and First Team travel and accommodation.
Manage all Training Compensation and Solidarity claims due and payable in accordance with FIFA Regulations, including the management of the FIFA Clearing House process.
Upload Proofs of Payments in respect of international transfers on FIFA’s Transfer Matching System and maintain up to date internal records thereof.
Provide details of payments due to Agents, uploading Proofs of Payments to the EFL’s Football Administration System and maintain up to date internal records.
Oversee the Player Medical and Personal Injury Insurance responding to any claims.
Support the administration of the Professional Footballers’ Pension Scheme regarding the enrolment of new Players and that of Players leaving the Club at any time.
Liaise with Finance Department regarding the annual payment of pension contributions.
Coordinate annual PFA subscriptions and salary deductions for professional and scholarship Players.

Fixtures and Competitions

Management of the First Team fixture list and provide guidance to the Academy regarding the management of their fixture schedule.
Manage all aspects of match planning for the First Team, and other teams as and when required.
Be the main point of contact with all relevant bodies to enable all matches to be played, including the liaison of match officials.
Complete relevant match documentation for all matches and competitions.
To be present on home matchdays liaising with officials and other stakeholders as required. Attend away matches when required.
Responsible for all First Team travel and logistical requirements for match days, pre-season training camps and tours.

Disciplinary/Grievance

Manage the FA Disciplinary portal, confirming cautions and dismissals, and monitoring of accumulated cautions in accordance with Disciplinary Regulations.
Lead on and administer all FA and any other Football Regulatory charges for the Club.
Regularly review and update the Players Code of Conduct to take account of changes to working practises and legislative amendments.
In conjunction with the Senior Management & HR, be responsible for the administration of all aspects of Player discipline relating to possible claims of wrongful/unfair dismissal and misconduct charges including drafting submissions, liaising with HR/legal advisers and/or counsel, Club officials and the EFL or FA.
Conduct internal disciplinary proceedings including interviewing witnesses, administration of disciplinary meetings and appeal hearings and liaising with Club officials, PFA, EFL and FA.
Make recommendations in respect of disciplinary sanctions to be applied to Football Staff.

International Selections

Liaise with National Associations in relation to all international selections in accordance with FIFA Regulations and communication of same to relevant Club staff.
Liaise with UEFA/FIFA in relation to Participation in Benefits of European Championships/World Cup.

General

Oversee and guide the Academy Secretary, alongside the Academy Director, on Player Registration matters as signatory for Player registrations.
To represent the Club at relevant EFL Meetings, as well as any relevant meetings held by other key stakeholders, including but not limited to EFL, FA etc.
Cooperate fully with colleagues and be flexible when assisting them in response to business needs of the Club.
As and when required, liaise with First Team Coach, Sporting Director, Academy Director and other staff members to assist them carry out their regular duties.
Ensure a positive commitment towards equality and diversity by treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, bullying, victimisation or harassment of any description and to promote positive working relations amongst employees and customers.
Ensure working practices are compliant with relevant policies and legislation specifically general data protection regulations (GDPR).
Manage holiday requests, ensuring that sufficient staffing levels are maintained during the playing season in accordance with the Club’s Holiday Leave and Pay policy. Accurately update and maintain all holiday leave records.
Liaise with the Head of Media regarding media communications of Players assuring that contractual terms are complied with.
Manage and maintain the information systems updating relevant statistics, records and match information in line with relevant guidelines and internal Club requirements.
Build and maintain relationships with other Club Secretaries, Football agents and officials from relevant Football governing bodies.
Additional duties as reasonably requested by the Head of Football Operations.
Adhere to the Club’s Safeguarding Policy at all times.
To promote a safe and healthy working environment for all Players and staff.
To promote a professional image of the Club and themselves at all times.
To contribute to identifying and undertaking initiatives aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery.
To work with and support other team members as required ensuring effective and efficient service is developed and delivered.
You will be expected to seek ways of updating and improving personal skills, knowledge and understanding relevant to your own job role.

Health and Safety

Fully endorse and comply with all aspects of the Club health and safety policy.
Make recommendations/suggestions to the CEO of possible areas for improvement of the Club health and safety policy, procedures and working practices.
Comply with all group policies and statutory regulations relating to health and safety, safe working practices, hygiene, cleanliness, fire and COSHH.
Be familiar with all aspects of fire evacuation and procedures, working with the Stadium Operations Manager to help always to secure the safety of the premises/occupants.
Identify and report maintenance requirements or hazards within the workplace and encourage any workforce to do the same to avoid “near miss” incidents and/injury.

Safeguarding

Fully endorse and comply with all aspects of the Company Safeguarding Policy.
Notify the Club’s Safeguarding Officer of any suspected breach and assist to carry out any investigations if required.

The above job description is not intended to be exhaustive; the duties and responsibilities may therefore vary over time according to the changing needs of the Club.

Person Specification
	Essential Requirements	Desirable Requirement
Qualifications		Educated to degree level or equivalent.
Experience	Previous experience within a League or Football Club. Experience of Football or other sports administration at a responsible level and the pressures within. Experience of working with Football regulations. Experience working within an elite setting. Experience with IT and a range of software, including but not limited to, all Microsoft Office programmes and Email.
Knowledge & Skills	Knowledge of domestic Football regulations. Exceptional organisation and planning skills and the ability to build effective working relationships. High level of attention to detail. Good time management and organisational skills. Excellent written and telephone manner. Displays a high level of confidentiality. Trustworthy and adherence to codes of conduct and ethics.
Personal Qualities	Dynamic personality and positive attitude to work. Continually work to improve your own knowledge and performance. Conscientious, organised and provide work on time and in detail. Work at a fast pace to meet the needs of the Club. Self-motivated with the ability to work alone and as a member of a team. · Possess a progressive mindset (individually and departmentally). · Enthusiastic and positive with a willingness to learn. · Assertive, calm with the ability to work well under pressure. · Flexible to meet the requirements of the needs of the business – this includes working evenings & weekends.

To apply for the position please submit a CV and a covering letter detailing how you meet the criteria for the role to HR@Blackpoolfc.co.uk or Blackpool Football Club, Bloomfield Road, Seasiders Way, Blackpool, FY1 6JJ.

We encourage early applicants as we reserve the right to close the application process at any time.

This job will be subject to satisfactory references and Enhanced DBS procedures.

Closing date for applications is Friday 15 May 2026, with interviews expected to take place w/c 18 May 2026.

Recruitment checks: You will also be required to provide details of referees for the previous five years’ working history or referees whilst in full-time education.

The employee must ensure a positive commitment towards equality and diversity by treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation or harassment of any description and to promote positive working relationships between all internal and external stakeholders.

Blackpool Football Club is an equal opportunities employer.

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