Head of Academy

About the role

AFC Fylde is looking for an exceptional individual to lead our Academy as Head of Academy (HoA)—a pivotal role at the heart of our player development pathway.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of our scholar programme (U17–U19), combining elite football development with education. You’ll lead the full Academy football operation, driving standards, developing players, and building a clear pathway into senior football.

We are seeking a driven, ambitious leader who is passionate about developing young talent and motivated to build an Academy operating at Category 2 standard.

Key responsibilities

Leadership & strategy

• Develop and deliver a clear Academy strategy aligned to club philosophy and long-term ambitions

• Drive high-performance standards across all Academy operations

• Continuously review and improve Academy provision, proactively identifying opportunities for growth

• Ensure all processes, planning and documentation are accurate and consistently maintained

Coaching & player development

• Plan and deliver high-quality, purposeful coaching sessions aligned to AFC Fylde’s playing identity

• Lead the creation and implementation of Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for all scholars

• Monitor progress through structured reviews with players and parents

• Utilise performance tools including video analysis, GPS and data tracking

Recruitment & pathway

• Lead recruitment of high-potential players from schools, grassroots and professional academies

• Build strong relationships with local clubs to identify released players

• Oversee trials and assessment processes with clear structure and documentation

• Maintain a defined pathway from Junior Academy through to the senior team

Staff, communication & education

• Lead weekly Academy staff meetings and contribute to strategic club reviews

• Build strong relationships with parents through regular communication and updates

• Work closely with the education team to ensure alignment of football and BTEC programmes

• Support scholar welfare, progression and retention

Safeguarding

• Ensure full compliance with FA and club safeguarding policies

• Maintain robust safeguarding standards across all Academy staff and operations

About you

We are looking for someone who brings energy, structure and ambition to everything they do. You’ll thrive in a fast-paced football environment and lead by example.

You will:

• Be highly organised, detail-oriented and driven to deliver excellence

• Demonstrate strong leadership and a commitment to high-performance culture

• Be passionate about youth development and long-term player progression

• Communicate clearly, confidently and professionally with all stakeholders

• Show complete alignment with AFC Fylde’s playing philosophy and values

• Be flexible to work evenings and weekends as required

• Hold a full UK driving licence

Experience within a professional football environment is desirable.

Why join AFC Fylde?

At AFC Fylde, we are committed to developing the next generation of footballers through a structured, ambitious and forward-thinking Academy programme.

This role offers the chance to:

• Shape the future of a growing Academy

• Work in a modern, high-quality sports and education environment

• Play a key role in building a clear pathway into senior football

• Leave a lasting impact on players both on and off the pitch

Apply now

If you have the ambition, expertise and drive to lead our Academy to the next level, we would love to hear from you.