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Location: Staplewood Campus

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Permanent

Criminal Record Check: DBS Enhanced with Childs Barred List

What is the role?

We are seeking an Academy Manager & U21s Head Coach within the Girls and Women's programme to lead the strategic direction, operational delivery and performance environment of the Girls’ Academy while directly coaching the U21 squad, creating a clear player pathway that supports individual development and progression towards first-team football.

What will you be doing?

You will provide strategic leadership for the Girls' Academy, ensuring its vision, culture and daily operations align with the club's football philosophy and long-term objectives. The role will lead the Academy's player development programme, creating a clear pathway from the U21 squad to the First Team while delivering high-quality coaching and managing all U21 training sessions and fixtures.

Working closely with coaches and multidisciplinary staff, you will create a high-performance environment that supports the technical, tactical, physical and personal development of players. You will monitor player progress, oversee reviews and transition planning, and collaborate with recruitment, education, medical, sports science and player care departments to deliver a holistic development experience.

You will be responsible for the effective management of Academy operations, including staff leadership, planning, budgeting, compliance and governance. This includes ensuring the programme consistently meets FA, safeguarding and licensing standards, producing reports for senior leadership, and representing the club at relevant meetings and stakeholder events.

The role also includes leading and developing Academy staff through regular communication, mentoring, performance management and continuous professional development, while fostering positive relationships with parents and maintaining an inclusive, professional and player-centred culture throughout the Academy.

Is this you?

You will be a passionate leader with extensive experience in elite player development and a proven ability to manage high-performing teams. You will combine strong football knowledge with excellent organisational, communication and leadership skills, and be committed to creating an environment where players and staff can achieve their full potential.

Essential Skills and Experience

• UEFA B Licence minimum, with UEFA A Licence desirable.
• Current FA Safeguarding Children qualification.
• Current FA Level 1 Introduction to First Aid in Football or equivalent emergency first aid qualification.
• Experience of leading player development programmes and coaching players within an academy or performance environment.
• Experience of staff leadership, mentoring and managing multidisciplinary relationships.
• Strong understanding of talent identification, player review processes, pathway planning and progression into senior football.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, governance, compliance and audit requirements within youth or academy football.
• Experience of budgeting, reporting and operational planning.
• Excellent communication, organisational and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work strategically, lead operational delivery and maintain high standards in a fast-paced football environment.

How this benefits you…

If you are successful, you can look forward to a healthy benefits package;

• Access to 2 free match tickets for every home league game
• Access to our staff Health & Wellbeing initiatives (Mental & Physical Health).
• Discounted Southampton Football Club merchandise.
• 26 days’ holiday per year excluding bank holidays plus your birthday off each year.
• Contributory Pension Scheme.
• Worldwide Travel Insurance for you and your family.
• Learning & Development opportunities - supporting you to develop your potential and achieve in your career.
• Free onsite parking.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Collaborative & inclusive working culture.

How can I apply?

Just click on the apply button, enter your details and answer a quick pre-screening questionnaire, then attach your CV.

The closing date for this role is 29 July 2026.

*We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if a high volume of applicants are received. *

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect everyone to share this commitment. You will be required to adhere to all relevant policies and uphold the Club’s commitment to safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk and to ensure that Southampton Football Club is free from discrimination and harassment.

The post holder will demonstrate a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, supporting the organisation’s strategic aims to remove barriers and address inequality. You will play an active role in promoting an inclusive, discrimination-free environment that ensures fair access to opportunities and resources. This includes fostering a culture of dignity, respect, and belonging where everyone is empowered to contribute, perform, and reach their full potential.