Job Description
Sussex FA are seeking to appoint an ambitious and proactive Football Development Officer to lead on Volunteers & Youth to help shape the future of grassroots football across Sussex.
Joining the team at an exciting time of growth, transformation and ambition, the successful candidate will play a key role in delivering programmes that develop volunteers, empower young people and create positive football experiences across the county.
Working closely with clubs, leagues, education providers and community partners, the Football Development Officer will build strong relationships and deliver initiatives that recruit, develop, recognise and retain volunteers while creating opportunities for young people to lead and thrive within the game.
Sussex FA are committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk, and anyone working with them will be required to follow our safeguarding policies.
Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) enhanced check through The FA DBS process. The possession of 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 information provided.
What can Sussex FA offer?
• An exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking, progressive organisation at a pivotal moment
• A rewarding role with the opportunity to make a tangible difference to volunteers, young people and grassroots football across Sussex
• A chance to work with key stakeholders across the grassroots and professional game
• A commitment to empowered and supportive personal development
• A Workplace Pension Scheme
• A Personal Accident Policy
• Additional leave after 5 and 10 years' service
• Flexible working hours
• Long Service Awards
• Health Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to FA Cup Final and England tickets at Wembley
• 20 days annual leave, plus public holidays
• Additional time off over Christmas, wellbeing leave and birthday holiday
• Personal Development Budgets
• Free Nike Staff Uniform every year
The role is full-time, permanent, based at GoCardless Stadium, Culver Road, Lancing. Flexible working arrangements can be considered.
The salary range for the position is £25,000 to £30,000. The position offers 20 days leave per annum (plus public holidays, birthday and additional Christmas leave) and is subject to a 3-month probationary period.
Either email your completed application to Abi.Knight@SussexFA.com or post it to the following address:
Strictly Private & Confidential
Abi Knight
Football Development Officer Vacancy
Sussex County FA
Culver Road
Lancing
West Sussex
BN15 9AX
Closing date for applications is 5pm Wednesday 26th August 2026, with interviews taking place on Thursday 17th September 2026.
Disability Confident
Sussex County FA is committed to supporting candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment and selection process. They have a dedicated team to support any employee with a disability. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Equality Statement
Sussex County FA believes that football belongs to, and should be enjoyed by, anyone who wants to participate in it. They are committed to promoting equality within the business in every aspect of its work and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, and experiences to apply for this role, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage and civil partnership.
If any questions arise about the role or clarity is required on the recruitment pack, please contact the Sussex FA Development team:
Development
T: 01903 753547
E: Development@SussexFA.com
Careers at The Football Association
The Football Association are the governing body of football in Engand. The FA are responsible for ensuring that all the leagues within the country are fair and uphold specific standards. They are also responsible for overseeing, promoting and developing English football at all levels, including youth grassroots amateur and semi-pro leagues, as well as elite professional leagues.
The FA was established on 26 October 1863 as the British Football Association, before changing its name to The English FA in December 1910. Currently the Football Association is responsible for all legalities involving football played in England and it's also considered as their national governing body which is based in London, UK. The main responsibility of this organization is to run all leagues as well as provide support with coaching and facilities so they can help grow the game at all levels.
The FA are based out of Wembley Stadium and St George's Park
Wembley Stadium
Wembley Stadium is the largest stadium in the UK, and with a capacity of over 90,000 is one of the largest stadiums in Europe. It is the playing venue of the English national team and also hosts such notable games as the League Cup final, FA Cup final, and Community Shield.
The current stadium was officially opened in 2007, replacing the original 1923-built Wembley Stadium which stood on the same site.
St George's Park
St. George’s Park, The FA's National Football Centre, is located in Burton-on-Trent and is an education and research centre giving future generations of English football coaches the fundamentals they need to effectively coach in their communities.
The £105m St George's Park, an impressive 330-acre facility, has 11 outdoor pitches, including an exact replica of the pitch at Wembley Stadium, as well as an altitude chamber that allows them to mimic playing conditions in different stadia around the world.