We Are Hiring: Head of Academy

Location: Pontypridd United
Reports To: Club Board/Director of Football
Contract: Full-time (Minimum 37.5 Hours per week, including evenings and weekends).
Salary: £30,000
Closing Date: 1pm on Wednesday 21st May 2025
Interviews: Week Commencing 26th May 2025​

The Head of Academy will be responsible for strategic leadership, operational excellence, and the continual improvement of coaching standards, governance and player development within the framework of the FAW National Academi Licensing Regulations.

This is a senior leadership role requiring expertise in managing multi-disciplinary teams, chairing multi-departmental meetings, and ensuring full compliance with regulatory and safeguarding standards. The successful candidate will be expected to drive the club's vision and ambitions, in alignment with The Welsh Way and FAW National Academi Pathway. Pontypridd United takes great care in shaping the holistic development of young footballers across all phases of the club and academy, the candidate will be expected to align to these club values and principles.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead the development and implementation of the Academy Strategic Plan aligned to FAW Category B licensing standards.
- Ensure that Pontypridd United academy deliver and evidence all key aspects of the National Academi Category B Criteria with excellence and in accordance to FAW National Academi Regulations.
- Act as the primary point of contact with the FAW, representing the club at all forums and regulatory reviews.
- Oversee the implementation of effective processes to ensure that safeguarding and welfare frameworks are supported and in accordance with FAW and club policies.
- Chair regular multi-department and multi-disciplinary staff meetings within the academy.
- Oversee and embed the club's coaching curriculum, consistent with The Welsh Way and Club principles.
- Excellent organisation and planning - Effectively manage and co-ordinate all coaches and multi-disciplinary staff within the academy for training and matchday contacts aligned to FAW National Academi criteria and regulations.
- Provide mentorship and CPD opportunities for coaching staff.
- Evaluate coaching sessions, tactical alignment, and matchday performance.
- Lead on IDPs and player reviews for U8-U19.
- Provide monthly academy progress reports to the club board and management team.
- Manage the academy budget and resources effectively.
- Ensuring the delivery and progress of the football club KPIs.
- Support the first team and FAW developmental player pathway
- Lead an inclusive and strategic talent ID programme.
- Build relationships with grassroots clubs and schools.
- Support with the COMET system, scheduling, logistics, and matchday operations.
- Promote the clubs mission and culture in the community.

Typical Weekly Structure:
- Monday: Strategic planning, admin, oversee training in-accordance to FAW Criteria and Regulations
- Tuesday: Coach development, training observations, talent ID oversee training in-accordance to FAW Criteria and Regulations
- Wednesday: Day OFF (no training)
- Thursday: Tactical delivery and curriculum planning
- Friday: Operational logistics and fixture preparation
- Saturday: Day off/Support first team.
- Sunday: Matchday oversight and coach support in-accordance to FAW Criteria and Regulations.


Person Specification:

Essential:
- UEFA A Licence (mandatory)
- Proven experience managing or overseeing a structured football development programme
- Demonstrated leadership in chairing multi-disciplinary and multi-departmental meetings
- Strong understanding of the FAW National Academi Licensing Regulations and system.
- Exceptional communication, leadership, and organisational abilities
- Experience in financial management of budgets
- Enhanced DBS clearance and FAW Safeguarding certification
- Clean and valid driving licence

Desirable:
- Familiarity with the COMET management system
- Background in CPD delivery or coach education
- Experience developing strategic plans and reporting to board-level stakeholders
- Income generation experience such as sponsorship, football camps to promote club in its community

To apply, please send a CV and cover letter to: steve.savagepufc@gmail.com