Job Description

Our Organisation

The Amateur FA is a County Football Association, affiliated to the Football Association.

Whilst the majority of our clubs are in London and the Home Counties, we have member clubs throughout England. The Amateur FA is unusual among County FA\'s, as it is not based around a particular geographical area. A Football Environment Based on Fun, Fair-Play and Friendship for all Abilities. We aim to provide football opportunities For All, regardless of age, gender, ability, race, culture or background, to enjoy the spirit of amateur football, both competitively and for recreation. We also pride ourselves on the skill and competitiveness of our leagues, and on our traditions of fair play and respect for opponents and match officials.

Amateur FA Strategy 2021-2024: Together in Alliance - The new Amateur FA strategy \'Together in Alliance\' for 2021-2024 has been launched and encompasses our ethos that football is for all abilities, and embraces Disability football, Futsal, Small Sided, Veterans, Walking football, Women\'s football and Safeguarding by continuing to improve our safeguarding to support for clubs and leagues. The Amateur FA\'s Mission is to provide everyone with the chance and opportunity to enjoy the freedom of amateur football both competitively and recreationally purposes played in the right spirit as well as complying with the Laws of the beautiful game.
We recognise the importance of regular participation in football to health and wellbeing, and the wider impact football can have on society.

Our football journey into Strategy 2021-24 starts now. Read the strategy .

The Role

The Amateur FA is looking for an enthusiastic and experienced individual with a passion for developing disability football within the grassroots, adult game to join the team as a Disability Football Ambassador.

The successful candidate will drive the launch and growth of a new recreational session for adults with cerebral palsy. Additionally, they will support grassroots football clubs in applying their learnings from the Disability Football Training: Journey to Inclusion, to create and implement their own disability football game plan, in turn creating more opportunities for people with disabilities.

The FA\'s landmark disability football game plan: Football Your Way, was launched in October 2021 and set out a goal to create more sustainable, safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment within our football clubs. Our Disability Football Ambassador will provide England Football Accredited clubs with off-field support to become more inclusive of disabled people.

The Disability Football Ambassador will work with Amateur FA clubs in London and the Home Counties on a casual contact (50 hours across 2023/24). The role will be predominantly home-based but with a requirement to deliver some in-person sessions during the evenings and/or weekends.

Key Accountabilities

• Attend the \'Disability Training for Clubs: Journey to Inclusion - CFA Pilot\'; scheduled on 6 November (online).
• Launch, grow and sustain a recreational impairment-specific football session for adults with cerebral palsy in North-East London, that commences in January 2024.
• Engage with selected England Football Accredited clubs following their completion of the Disability Training for Clubs, to support in the creation of a bespoke disability game plan which will outline new club-based opportunities for disabled people which may include new playing provisions, coaching opportunities, and/or volunteering roles.
• Drive engagement at every level of the clubs to maximise and sustain these opportunities for disabled people.
• Support clubs to build and sustain relationships with relevant local partners such as charitable organisations, disability support groups, educational establishments, alongside other key partners to promote the new opportunities.
• Help clubs access relevant support including funding and coach development opportunities with support from the County FA.
• To collaborate with County FA staff, national FA staff, disability football coach mentors, external partners, and wider members of the grassroots delivery team workforce.
• Maintain records of the support being provided to grassroots clubs with the aim of providing clarity on work programmes, development opportunities and sharing of good practice.
• Contribute to ensuring that safeguarding and equality are embedded throughout the Amateur Football Alliance and grassroots football.

What we are looking for

Essential

• Can demonstrate success in developing disability grassroots football opportunities and/or an experienced sports development professional.
• Experience of facilitating and engaging with volunteers and external stakeholders.
• Ability to build trust and develop effective working relationships.
• Ability to deliver practical support sessions to a range of volunteers.
• Understanding of how grassroots clubs can operate.
• An advocate for disability football with an understanding of the challenges and barriers that both players and volunteers can face.
• Commitment to attend additional training provided as part of this programme.
• Proficient IT skills in Microsoft Office with experience in organising and leading virtual meetings.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills, alongside exceptional customer service.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent time management and prioritisation skills.
• Flexible in approach with willingness to work evenings and weekends, as well as travel across the County.

Desirable

• Experience of volunteering within a grassroots football club as a committee member.
• Experience of mentoring others.
• Experience of accessing external funding.
• Experience of coaching disability football.
• Knowledge of The FA\'s Gameplan for Disability Football; Football Your Way.
• Knowledge of the England Football Accreditation Framework and the existing support measures available to Accredited Clubs.
• Knowledge of the The FA\'s technology systems, particularly the Events platform.

To Apply

Click to apply for the role. Candidates will be expected to provide a covering letter, as well as a CV.

The deadline for applications is 23:59 on Monday 9th October 2023.

Interviews will take place on Thursday 19 October 2023 at the Amateur FA office. The successful applicant will be required to attend an online training event on the evening of Monday 6 November 2023.

If you require any further details regarding the role, please contact James Tierney, Football Development Manager on .

The Amateur Football Alliance is committed to achieving equality and fairness in employment and service delivery. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, including males and females, those from a BAME background and those with a disability. The Amateur Football Alliance is committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk. Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) 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 the information provided.

Documents

The Football Association