Job Description

Role Summary

To play a leading role in managing the Pre-Academy programme to support the annual Under 9`s intake and help creating a safe, fun, authentic and child friendly experience which ensures that every participant in the Pre-Academy gains valuable experience.

Role Responsibilities

Develop relationships with grassroots clubs, leagues, community groups and schoolboy teams across Leeds and surrounding region to support the identification of high potential players Communicate clearly with parents and children, ensuring that expectations of the process are realistic, through relationship management and quality feedback. Manage the Pre-Academy Programme by organising training and games on a weekly basis. Design a challenging and fun programme for all Pre-Academy Players Undertake grassroots scouting to support the Pre-Academy Recruitment strategy under the direction of the Head of Youth recruitment & Local Head of Recruitment Oversee our regional Pre-Academy development centres. Ensure that all players, parents, clubs etc have a positive experience that reflect the values and ethos of Leeds Utd whenever they visit the Academy. Manage the invitations of grassroots & proffesional teams to play fixtures against our Pre-Academy teams. Play a key role in assessing the players in the pre-academy and support the decision-making process with other key stakeholders. Play an active role in supporting players and parents as they join the club and when they transition out of the pre academy. Manage the PMA for the pre-academy to ensure that all information is up to date. This includes maintaining accurate records of our scouting coverage for audit purposes. Manage the pre-academy kit order and stock on a yearly basis. This includes the distribution of player and staff kit. Oversee a team of coaches and scouts within the Pre-Academy Programme. Report and feedback to Head of Youth Recruitment & Head of Local Recruitment on a regular basis.

Operational Responsibilities

Working autonomously to an agreed level and in the best interests of the Academy Forging positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders to benefit the Academy Being visible to all internal and external stakeholders and supporting key staff when liaising with parents at critical moments Championing all Club and Academy policy through ensuring best practice in areas such as safeguarding, health and safety and equality, diversity and inclusion throughout the coaching department Living the values of the Club and championing our culture to help deliver the Academy performance plan and ultimately the vision of the Academy and the Club

Personal Development

Championing innovative and emerging best practice through accessing internal and external sources of expertise to help contribute to ongoing personal development and the overall Academy programme Engaging in the Academy staff development programme and attending all CPD events Participating in all external CPD to ensure compliance with PL, EFL and NGB standards

Essential Qualifications

Talent ID Level 2 FA Safeguarding children certificate DBS check with children's barred list check UK Driving License

Essential Experience

A minimum of 2 years experience in Academy Recruitment Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team to support player development

Required Knowledge

Understands the current Academy system and professional football culture and landscape Possesses an applied knowledge of EPPP standards and working practices Understands how a long-term, holistic development programme is structured Understands the function of each facet in a multi-disciplinary team in an Academy Possesses a demonstrable knowledge of health and safety policy and best practice Possesses a demonstrable knowledge of safeguarding policy and best practice Possesses a strong awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion

Required Technical Skills

Experience of working in talent identification in football. Excellent knowledge of grassroots football in the Leeds area. Experience of managing a team of staff. Ability to co-ordinate and multitask. Ability to be pro-active and organised. Excellent communication skills. Strong It skills with and Excell, Powerpoint and Outlook

Required Behavioral Attributes

Inspires others and is a positive role model Is personable and able to connect and build relationships with others easily Demands high standards and has an attention to detail Shares the vision and values of the Academy and is motivated to achieve its objectives Aligns with the Academy playing and coaching philosophy Takes a long-term view of player development and align with the Academy approach to winning Possesses a passion for talent development and are motivated to work with young players Able to work in a high-profile environment with regular media coverage and public interest Is responsible and acts in the best interests of the Academy Is open minded, innovative and willing to explore new ideas/concepts Enjoys facing challenges and have the resilience and resourcefulness to see complex tasks through Is proactive and able to identify and mitigate risks Is a collaborator and relishes the opportunity to work alongside others to overcome challenges and achieve goals Willing to share their knowledge and experience as part of a community of practice Able to work with players, staff and other stakeholders of varying ages, experience, backgrounds and cultures Committed to personal development and continuous improvement Possesses a strong work ethic and are motivated to be the best they can be Able to promote the positive image of the Academy and the Club
To Apply for this role please complete the online application form:

https://forms.office.com/e/CkkmANYTYj

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

Company pension On-site parking
Schedule:

Monday to Friday Weekend availability
Experience:

Academy Player Recruitment: 2 years (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 11/07/2025