Football Programme Manager

Ready to lead, inspire and shape the future of over 1,100 young footballers?

Help shape the future of one of the South West's largest independent football development programmes.

You'll drive standards, guide our coaches, identify talent and play a critical role in creating opportunities for the next generation of footballers.

About North Somerset Regional Talent Centre

North Somerset Regional Talent Centre (NSRTC) is one of the South West's leading football development pathways. We provide ambitious young players with structured opportunities to develop, compete and progress.

Beginning with just a handful of players over 20 years ago, our football pathway now supports more than 1,100 male and female players across multiple age groups, training venues and competitive programmes.

From skills development to Junior Premier League football, international tours and professional club fixtures, we provide clear and realistic pathways for players to reach their potential.

We aren't just any club. As part of the North Somerset Sports Foundation, our purpose extends beyond developing better footballers.

We are committed to creating opportunities, removing barriers to participation and delivering an environment where young people can thrive both on and off the pitch.

As we continue to grow, we're looking for an exceptional Football Programme Manager to help lead our football programme and maintain the high standards that define NSRTC.

Why This Role Is Different

Unlike many academy roles, this position offers genuine leadership responsibility. 

You'll influence strategy, shape programmes, develop coaches, build relationships with professional clubs and help create one of the country's leading independent football development pathways.

With more than 1,100 players, multiple training venues, a Post-16 Football Education Programme, Junior Premier League teams, regular fixtures against professional clubs, international tours and a direct pathway into Clevedon Town FC, this is one of the most exciting football leadership opportunities outside the professional game in the South West.

Our Culture 

We work hard. We care deeply about our players. We challenge each other. We innovate. We celebrate success. We learn from mistakes. We take ownership. We never stand still.

If those values resonate with you, you'll fit right in.

What You Get

This is an opportunity to take ownership of one of the largest independent football development programmes in the South West and play a key role in shaping its future.

You'll work closely alongside our Director of Football & Pathways, Technical Director and Head of Recruitment in an ambitious organisation where all ideas are welcomed, standards are high and player development is always the priority.

You'll also benefit from:

• The opportunity to help build and innovate one of the South West's most established football development programmes, shaping the future of more than 1,100 young male and female footballers.

• A genuine opportunity to influence how the programme develops and grows.

• Ongoing professional development and mentoring.

• International travel.

• Working alongside experienced coaches and player development professionals.

• The opportunity to build relationships with professional clubs and football partners.

• Being part of a growing charity making a positive impact through sport.

• Free Gym Lab membership.

• Staff uniform.

• Competitive salary and benefits.

The Opportunity

This is far more than an operations role.

You'll play a central role in leading one of the South West's most ambitious football development programmes, helping shape the experience of more than 1,100 players while supporting the continued growth of the organisation.

Working closely with our Director of Football & Pathways, Technical Director and Head of Recruitment, you'll provide leadership across every aspect of the programme; from coach development and player progression to programme quality and football operations.

You'll be trusted to make decisions, solve problems, raise standards and continually look for ways to improve what we do.

In this role you'll:

• Lead the day-to-day delivery of our football programme across multiple venues.

• Support and develop a high-performing coaching team.

• Help identify and develop talented players through our football pathway.

• Build strong relationships with players, parents and professional clubs.

• Drive recruitment, retention and programme growth.

• Lead tours, fixtures, football events and player experiences.

• Champion innovation while maintaining consistently high standards across every area of the programme.

About You

We're looking for someone who combines outstanding football knowledge with excellent leadership, organisation and communication skills.

You'll thrive if you:

• Lead by example and inspire others.

• Build strong relationships with players, parents and coaches.

• Thrive in a fast-paced environment.

• Have a relentless drive to improve standards.

• Take ownership and embrace accountability.

• Are passionate about developing young players.

Essential Qualifications - the must haves

• UEFA B Licence.

• Experience leading or coordinating football programmes.

• Experience managing coaches or multidisciplinary teams.

• Experience within a professional academy, Junior Premier League or other high-performance youth football environment.

• Strong understanding of player development pathways.

• Strong understanding of talent identification and player progression.

• Excellent planning and organisational skills.

• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.

• FA qualifications in Safeguarding & Emergency First Aid in Football

• Ability to work evenings and weekends and travel internationally when required.

• Full UK Driving Licence.

Desirable

• UEFA A Licence (or currently working towards).

• Degree in Sports Coaching, Sports Science, Sports Management or a related discipline.

• Experience as a Phase Lead, Head of Coaching or Academy Manager.

• Experience organising football tours, fixtures or festivals.

• Experience in talent identification and player recruitment.

• Experience building relationships with professional clubs.

• Experience managing full-time staff

If you want to influence the future of one of the country's fastest-growing independent football development programmes and leave a lasting impact on the next generation of players, we'd love to hear from you.

To apply please email your CV and a short covering letter outlining your suitability to the job to development@nssportsfoundation.co.uk

Safeguarding

North Somerset Regional Talent Centre is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and we expect all staff and volunteers to share our commitment to creating a safe, inclusive and positive environment.

We operate a safer recruitment process and all appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, including references and Enhanced DBS clearance.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

North Somerset Regional Talent Centre is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are committed to ensuring fair and equal opportunities throughout our recruitment process and employment practices.

We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and strengthens the communities we serve.