Arsenal Women FC Academy Manager

DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION

Arsenal Women Football Club’s (AWFC) Academy programme ensures the developing teams that sit below the First Team are prepared in the best possible way to progress through the Arsenal pathway. It is proud of its unrivalled record of producing many young International players.

The primary purpose of this role is to provide an ongoing supply of talent that is capable of becoming part of the First Team squad, whilst ensuring those individuals who do not achieve this standard have the skills and education to develop their football or vocational careers elsewhere.

This role will ensure the relevant technical and educational programme is implemented to enable the elite players within the Academy (aged between 8-21) to fulfil their sporting potential.

JOB PURPOSE

To ensure that the Academy has the required level of appropriate people and facility excellence to deliver a regular supply of top quality players to the First Team squad.

To lead on the strategic development of the club’s Female talent pathway (8-21’s). To ensure a high performance culture runs throughout all programmes and provides a regular supply of top quality players to the first team squad whilst working to the style, vision and philosophy within the methodology set out by the First Team Manager.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Together with the Head of Women’s Football and First Team Head Coach define, agree and implement a three year business plan to ensure the Academy produces the required number of First Team squad players focussing on producing an average of at least one year on year.
• Adopt the club’s footballing philosophy and instill throughout the Academy
• Play an active role in attending First Team methodology/philosophy meetings
• To establish an ongoing talent acquisition strategy and that the implementation is agreed with the Head of Women’s Football and First Team Head Coach.
• To ensure the club is compliant regarding FA WSL Academy requirements whilst trying to grow the game regarding the levels of professionalism within the Academy.
• To manage, develop and motivate the Academy players, coaching and medical team creating a culture of ambition and excellence.
• To work with the First Team Head Coach to establish relevant performance measures and ensure appropriate management processes are in place to set goals, monitor results and plan for improvement.
• To ensure all Academy Coaches maximise players’ development and cater for the needs of the players both individually and collectively in order to maximize the potential of all players within the Academy.
• Oversee the ‘feeder’ development activities including the Oaklands College Women’s Football (16-19) Academy Programme & Player Development Programmes that support the club’s talent identification pathway into the Academy.
• Protect and enhance the Academy’s reputation.
• To regularly communicate with the First Team Head Coach to identify the best players coming through the system
• To effectively manage all related budgets.
• To create a safe and inclusive environment for players, staff and parents.

MAIN JOB REQUIREMENTS AND PERSON SPECIFICATION

Education/Qualifications/Training and Specific Experience:

• UEFA A Coaching License
• FA Youth Award
• FA License
• Sport related/Education degree or equivalent experience
• Proven track record of leading and developing players at either a national or elite club level.
• Understanding of the FA women’s and girls talent pathway
• Financial/people planning and administration.
• Previous experience in an Education environment desirable

Abilities/Skills/Knowledge:

• Ability to manage, change and embed new ways of thinking and working.
• A strategic thinker with high degree of intellect balanced with practical realism.
• An effective communicator at all levels.
• A clear sense of purpose to drive action and inspire confidence.
• An effective, energetic, positive and strong manager.
• High standards of personal and professional integrity.
• Committed to diversity, equal opportunities and continuing professional development.

Please note that this role is predominately based from home.

Arsenal FC is committed to the principle of equal opportunity and its policies for recruitment, selection, training, development and promotion are designed to ensure that no job applicant receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, ethnic and national origin, disability or gender reassignment.