Head of Football Academy at Braeburn Schools

Main Objective & Vision

The Head of Football Academy provides strategic leadership for the development, organisation, and delivery of a high-performance, inclusive, and community-focused Football Academy at Braeburn Garden Estate. The role ensures year-round training, high-quality coaching, competitive opportunities, and clear development pathways for students of all abilities, as well as the wider community. 

The vision is to establish the Academy as a leading school-based football development program in East Africa, renowned for coaching excellence, player development, and competitive success. 

Key Responsibilities

Academy Development & Strategic Leadership

• Lead the strategic development, implementation, and continuous growth of the year-round football academy program. 
• Establish a clear vision that promotes excellence, broad participation, inclusivity, and student wellbeing. 
• Use data, feedback, and participation rates to evaluate program effectiveness and inform future strategic planning. 
• Manage the Academy's operations budget and maintain accurate attendance, performance, and competition records. 

Player Development & Talent Pathways

• Create structured progression pathways for players, ranging from grassroots and recreational participation to high-performance and elite levels. 
• Design and implement tailored development pathways specifically for Braeburn students showing talent in football. 
• Track individual player progress and provide regular, structured feedback to both players and parents. 

Coaching & Staff Development

• Lead, mentor, and support football coaches and sports staff, providing regular performance feedback and identifying professional development opportunities. 
• Drive a year-round coaching model for both boys' and girls' football, ensuring alignment with a unified coaching philosophy. 
• Organise and lead regular Continuing Professional Development (CPD) workshops for coaches across the Braeburn Group to raise the collective standard of football coaching. 

Squad Management, Fixtures & Events

• Oversee squad planning and ensure fair, transparent selection processes across all academy levels. 
• Provide strategic oversight for fixtures, local leagues, and invitational tournaments, ensuring appropriate levels of competition locally, regionally, and internationally. 
• Organise and host fixtures, holiday camps, and academy events.
• Liaise with local football associations to align academy initiatives with national programs and talent identification schemes. 

Operations, Facilities & Safety

• Oversee the effective use and management of football facilities and equipment, ensuring high standards of maintenance, safety, and accessibility. 
• Ensure safeguarding, child protection, and student welfare are central to all academy activities, training sessions, and events. 
• Conduct and oversee strict risk assessments for all training, fixtures, and travel. 

Branding, Communication & Community Engagement

• Promote the Football Academy brand as a key component of the school's identity and marketing strategy. 
• Partner with marketing teams to generate media content, social media campaigns, and promotional materials. 
• Lead clear and effective communication regarding schedules, fixtures, and achievements to students, parents, and the wider community. 
• Actively build relationships with external clubs, youth organisations, and governing bodies to enhance student opportunities. 

Practical Expectations

• Be primarily based on-site at Braeburn Garden Estate, remaining flexible to work evenings, weekends, and holiday periods to support matches and camps. 
• Regularly collaborate with PE departments and coaches across the wider Braeburn Group to align football development objectives. 

Desired Qualifications & Experience

• Qualifications: A recognized professional football coaching qualification (e.g., FA, UEFA, or equivalent). 
• Experience: Proven experience leading and delivering a successful youth, academy, or school-based football program. 
• Skills: Strong organisational, administrative, and budget management skills, with the ability to handle complex logistics and schedules. 
• Communication: Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to engage confidently with students, staff, parents, and external stakeholders. 
• Core Values: A deep understanding of safeguarding protocols, paired with a genuine passion for developing young athletes and driving inclusivity through sport.