Pre-Academy Manager

Salary

Competitive

Location

Thorp Arch, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS23 7BA

Contract type

Permanent (Full time)

Closing date

11 July 2025

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

APPLICATIONS

To apply please complete the online application form.