Women & Girls Pathway Development Lead
Leeds United
7 days ago
Full-time
On-site
Elland Road, Leeds UK
Women & Girls Pathway Development Lead – Leeds United Foundation
Location: Elland Road, Leeds UK
12 Month Fixed Term Contract Application Deadline: 12th June 2026
Apply here: Women & Girls Pathway Development Lead – Fill out form
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Join the Team Behind the Team
The purpose of the Player Development Lead is to design, embed and continually develop the technical framework within the Emerging Talent Centre. This framework will underpin all aspects of delivery and ensure that individual player development is consistently embedded throughout the programme.
The Player Development Lead will be responsible for designing, implementing and regularly reviewing a Talent Identification (Talent ID) strategy that supports the identification, recruitment and retention of players with appropriate potential. This strategy must actively seek to recruit local players, including those from hard‑to‑reach and underrepresented backgrounds, and ensure the programme reflects and meets the diverse demographics of the Leeds area.
The role will ensure that access to the programme is as inclusive as possible, reducing barriers to participation and supporting equality of opportunity in line with FA Equality, Diversity and Inclusion principles.
This commitment must include attendance at games, festivals and fixtures to support player observation, development review, Talent ID decisions and progression planning
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What You’ll Be Doing
Key Responsibilities:
• Implement and regularly review a centre-wide technical framework aligned with the club’s coaching philosophy, playing identity and long-term player development model.
• Ensure all coaching sessions, training activities and fixtures reflect the technical, tactical, physical, psychological and social objectives of the programme.
• Provide clear direction, guidance and expectations to coaching staff to ensure consistent and high-quality delivery across all age groups within the centre.
• Support the planning and coordination of the coaching curriculum to ensure an age-appropriate and player-centred learning environment.
• Embed individual player development as a core principle of the programme, ensuring every player has an appropriate and regularly reviewed Individual Development Plan (IDP).
• Monitor and evaluate player progress through regular observation, formal review processes and constructive feedback to players, parents and coaches.
• Support coaches in adapting training content and delivery methods to meet the individual needs and learning styles of players.
• Ensure player learning, development and long-term progression are prioritised above short-term competitive outcomes.
• Design, implement and annually review a Talent Identification strategy aligned with the club’s female player pathway and recruitment objectives.
• Identify, assess and recruit players with the potential to progress within the Emerging Talent Centre and into Academy or performance environments.
• Establish and oversee effective processes for player trialling, selection, de-selection and retention in line with FA guidance, safeguarding requirements and best practice standards.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with schools, grassroots clubs, coaches, scouts and parents to support Talent Identification and recruitment activity.
• Ensure appropriate support structures are in place to maximise player engagement, enjoyment, wellbeing and long-term retention within the programme.
• Support clear and transparent progression opportunities for players across all age groups and into the next stage of the female player pathway.
• Contribute to transition planning and support for players progressing into Academy, U14, U16 or other performance programmes.
• Regularly review and evaluate the effectiveness of the technical framework, coaching provision, player development processes and Talent Identification strategy.
• Use feedback from players, parents and staff to support continual reflection, learning and programme improvement.
• Ensure all programme delivery consistently meets FA safeguarding, welfare, inclusion and regulatory standards.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for someone proactive, personable, and who thrives in a busy environment. You’ll be a key point of contact for the Leeds United Foundation, so building trust, staying organised, and maintaining confidentiality are all essential.
You’ll have:
UEFA B Coaching Licence (or above)
Valid FA DBS check
FA Safeguarding Children Course
FA Level 1 Introduction to First Aid in Football (IFAiF) or FA Emergency First Aid qualification
Demonstrate a clear understanding of and commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young players.
Undergo an enhanced DBS check (with Children’s Barred List check) prior to appointment.
Provide satisfactory references, including relevant experience working with children and young people.
Complete FA Safeguarding Children and Equality & Diversity training (if not already held).
Comply with all FA regulations, safeguarding policies, and club codes of conduct.
Work fully in line with the club’s safeguarding policies, reporting any concerns in accordance with agreed procedures.
FA First Aid Qualification
Desirable
UEFA A License
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Why Should You Join The Leeds United Foundation?
Whether you are on the pitch or behind the scenes here, we’re united by passion, pride, and a drive to always improve. You’ll be joining a supportive people team where your voice is valued and your development matters.
In return for your dedication, you’ll receive a competitive salary package and pension scheme, along with a range of exciting perks.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you’re looking to take the next step in your career and want to be part of a club that’s as committed to its people as it is to performance, we would love to see your application.
📅 Deadline: 12th June 2026
📍 Apply here: Women & Girls Pathway Development Lead – Fill out form
Location: Elland Road, Leeds UK
12 Month Fixed Term Contract Application Deadline: 12th June 2026
Apply here: Women & Girls Pathway Development Lead – Fill out form
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Join the Team Behind the Team
The purpose of the Player Development Lead is to design, embed and continually develop the technical framework within the Emerging Talent Centre. This framework will underpin all aspects of delivery and ensure that individual player development is consistently embedded throughout the programme.
The Player Development Lead will be responsible for designing, implementing and regularly reviewing a Talent Identification (Talent ID) strategy that supports the identification, recruitment and retention of players with appropriate potential. This strategy must actively seek to recruit local players, including those from hard‑to‑reach and underrepresented backgrounds, and ensure the programme reflects and meets the diverse demographics of the Leeds area.
The role will ensure that access to the programme is as inclusive as possible, reducing barriers to participation and supporting equality of opportunity in line with FA Equality, Diversity and Inclusion principles.
This commitment must include attendance at games, festivals and fixtures to support player observation, development review, Talent ID decisions and progression planning
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What You’ll Be Doing
Key Responsibilities:
• Implement and regularly review a centre-wide technical framework aligned with the club’s coaching philosophy, playing identity and long-term player development model.
• Ensure all coaching sessions, training activities and fixtures reflect the technical, tactical, physical, psychological and social objectives of the programme.
• Provide clear direction, guidance and expectations to coaching staff to ensure consistent and high-quality delivery across all age groups within the centre.
• Support the planning and coordination of the coaching curriculum to ensure an age-appropriate and player-centred learning environment.
• Embed individual player development as a core principle of the programme, ensuring every player has an appropriate and regularly reviewed Individual Development Plan (IDP).
• Monitor and evaluate player progress through regular observation, formal review processes and constructive feedback to players, parents and coaches.
• Support coaches in adapting training content and delivery methods to meet the individual needs and learning styles of players.
• Ensure player learning, development and long-term progression are prioritised above short-term competitive outcomes.
• Design, implement and annually review a Talent Identification strategy aligned with the club’s female player pathway and recruitment objectives.
• Identify, assess and recruit players with the potential to progress within the Emerging Talent Centre and into Academy or performance environments.
• Establish and oversee effective processes for player trialling, selection, de-selection and retention in line with FA guidance, safeguarding requirements and best practice standards.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with schools, grassroots clubs, coaches, scouts and parents to support Talent Identification and recruitment activity.
• Ensure appropriate support structures are in place to maximise player engagement, enjoyment, wellbeing and long-term retention within the programme.
• Support clear and transparent progression opportunities for players across all age groups and into the next stage of the female player pathway.
• Contribute to transition planning and support for players progressing into Academy, U14, U16 or other performance programmes.
• Regularly review and evaluate the effectiveness of the technical framework, coaching provision, player development processes and Talent Identification strategy.
• Use feedback from players, parents and staff to support continual reflection, learning and programme improvement.
• Ensure all programme delivery consistently meets FA safeguarding, welfare, inclusion and regulatory standards.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for someone proactive, personable, and who thrives in a busy environment. You’ll be a key point of contact for the Leeds United Foundation, so building trust, staying organised, and maintaining confidentiality are all essential.
You’ll have:
UEFA B Coaching Licence (or above)
Valid FA DBS check
FA Safeguarding Children Course
FA Level 1 Introduction to First Aid in Football (IFAiF) or FA Emergency First Aid qualification
Demonstrate a clear understanding of and commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young players.
Undergo an enhanced DBS check (with Children’s Barred List check) prior to appointment.
Provide satisfactory references, including relevant experience working with children and young people.
Complete FA Safeguarding Children and Equality & Diversity training (if not already held).
Comply with all FA regulations, safeguarding policies, and club codes of conduct.
Work fully in line with the club’s safeguarding policies, reporting any concerns in accordance with agreed procedures.
FA First Aid Qualification
Desirable
UEFA A License
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Why Should You Join The Leeds United Foundation?
Whether you are on the pitch or behind the scenes here, we’re united by passion, pride, and a drive to always improve. You’ll be joining a supportive people team where your voice is valued and your development matters.
In return for your dedication, you’ll receive a competitive salary package and pension scheme, along with a range of exciting perks.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you’re looking to take the next step in your career and want to be part of a club that’s as committed to its people as it is to performance, we would love to see your application.
📅 Deadline: 12th June 2026
📍 Apply here: Women & Girls Pathway Development Lead – Fill out form