Pre-Academy and Blues Elite Lead

Pre-Academy and Blues Elite Lead

Location: Knighthead Performance Centre, Birmingham

Department: Academy Recruitment

Reports to: Head of Local Academy Player Recruitment

Join Birmingham City Football Club

Birmingham City Football Club is entering an exciting new era, driven by ambition, innovation, and a commitment to developing world-class talent both on and off the pitch.

As we continue to strengthen our Academy pathway, we are seeking a passionate and experienced Pre-Academy and Blues Elite Lead to play a pivotal role in identifying and nurturing the next generation of Birmingham City players.

This is an outstanding opportunity to lead talent identification and recruitment activity within our Pre-Academy and Blues Elite programmes, helping shape the future of the Academy while creating exceptional experiences for young players and their families.

The Role

As Pre-Academy and Blues Elite Lead, you will be responsible for leading the identification, assessment, engagement and recruitment of the highest-potential young players within the Academy's catchment area. Working closely with the Head of Local Academy Player Recruitment and Academy colleagues, you will oversee recruitment strategies, scouting operations, talent identification programmes and pathway development for players entering the Academy system.

You will provide leadership and direction to recruitment staff and scouts, whilst fostering a player-centred environment that reflects Birmingham City Football Club's values and long-term vision.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Programme Development

• Lead the identification, assessment and recruitment of high-potential players across the Pre-Academy and Blues Elite programmes.
• Provide leadership, support and direction to recruitment staff and scouts.
• Support the development and continuous professional development of scouting and recruitment personnel.
• Build strong and positive relationships with players and families to support engagement, retention and development.
• Create a memorable Birmingham City experience that strengthens connections between players, families and the Club.

Talent Identification and Recruitment

• Develop and implement recruitment strategies aligned with the Club's player recruitment philosophy and Academy pathway.
• Identify and engage talented young players at the earliest appropriate stage of development.
• Manage the recruitment process from identification through assessment, recommendation and transition into the Academy.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of the local football landscape, including grassroots clubs, schools and talent networks.
• Organise and lead talent identification events, festivals, open trials and targeted recruitment activities.
• Provide evidence-based recommendations on player progression, recruitment and retention.

Pre-Academy and Blues Elite Delivery

• Lead the continued development and delivery of the Blues Elite programme.
• Support the ongoing enhancement of the Pre-Academy programme.
• Ensure programmes provide an engaging, enjoyable and development-focused environment.
• Work collaboratively with coaching and recruitment staff to maximise player progression opportunities.
• Support smooth transitions from the Pre-Academy into the Foundation Phase pathway.

Scouting and Player Monitoring

• Oversee grassroots scouting activity across relevant age groups.
• Lead and support the Pre-Academy scouting network to maintain high standards and effective regional coverage.
• Monitor priority players through structured observation and assessment processes.
• Maintain accurate player profiles and recruitment records using Scoutastic and other Club systems.
• Review scouting reports and player recommendations to support effective recruitment decisions.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships with grassroots clubs, schools, community programmes and partner organisations.
• Collaborate with BCFC Foundation and wider Academy departments to maximise talent identification opportunities.
• Support parents and guardians throughout the recruitment and transition journey.
• Provide regular updates to key stakeholders regarding recruitment activity, player recommendations and local talent trends.

Compliance and Professional Standards

• Ensure compliance with Academy policies, safeguarding standards and football regulations.
• Manage sensitive data in accordance with GDPR requirements.
• Engage fully in performance reviews, professional development and Club competency frameworks.
• Undertake additional duties appropriate to the role as required.

About You

We're looking for an individual who combines exceptional talent identification expertise with strong leadership skills and a genuine passion for developing young players.

Essential Qualifications

• FA Level 1 Talent ID
• FA Level 2 Talent ID
• FA Safeguarding Qualification
• Full UK Driving Licence

Desirable Qualifications

• FA Level 3 Talent ID
• UEFA C Licence

Essential Experience & Skills

• Proven leadership experience with the ability to inspire, support and develop others.
• Demonstrable success in recruiting players within the Pre-Academy and Foundation Phase age groups.
• Experience designing and implementing effective talent identification and recruitment strategies.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
• Previous experience working within a professional football Academy environment.

Desirable Experience

• Extensive experience developing players within elite football environments.
• Experience working across multiple stages of an Academy player pathway.

Personal Attributes

• Player-centred approach to decision-making.
• Passionate about the development and wellbeing of young people.
• Committed to continuous improvement and Academy excellence.
• Strong communicator with excellent organisational skills.
• Collaborative, professional and values-driven.

What We Offer

Benefits of Being Blues

At Birmingham City Football Club, we recognise that our people are at the heart of our success. In return for your commitment, we offer:

• Competitive salary.
• Pension scheme.
• Life assurance.
• Generous holiday entitlement.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• A dynamic and ambitious working environment.
• The opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of one of English football's most exciting Academy programmes.

The role is contracted at 37.5 hours per week, with flexibility required to meet the needs of the business. Evening, weekend and occasional travel commitments will be expected.

Safeguarding

Birmingham City Football Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check and complete all relevant safeguarding training.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Birmingham City Football Club is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected and able to fulfil their potential. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.