Academy Development & Support Manager

Football Association of Ireland

LOI Academy Development & Support Manager providing strategic leadership and operational support across Irish football academies. Driving continuous improvement and strengthening the League of Ireland Academy system through effective collaboration.

Posted 7/26/2026full-timeDublin • 🇮🇪 IrelandMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in player development, strategic planning, and quality assurance within academy environments, with a strong focus on collaboration and continuous improvement. Proficient in using performance data and insights to inform decision-making and enhance organizational effectiveness.

Highest-signal resume keywords

UEFA A LicencePlayer DevelopmentStrategic PlanningStakeholder ManagementQuality Assurance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Data AnalysisPerformance InsightsImprovement FrameworksProject ManagementReport Writing

Soft Skills

Excellent CommunicationCollaborationOrganizational SkillsProactive ApproachSolutions-Focused

Certifications & Qualifications

Garda VettingSafeguarding 2 Certification

Industry Keywords

Youth DevelopmentTalent DevelopmentAcademy LeadershipLong-Term Player DevelopmentAcademy Regulations

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Work collaboratively with the League's Academy Auditing and Quality Assurance partners to support clubs in developing, implementing and reviewing Academy Development Plans aligned with strategic objectives.
Support academies in establishing priorities, measurable KPIs and continuous improvement plans, using quality assurance insights, benchmarking and performance data to inform decision-making.
Develop trusted relationships with allocated academies, acting as a strategic partner and trusted advisor by providing constructive challenge, practical support and expert guidance.
Conduct academy visits, review meetings and development planning sessions to assess progress, identify opportunities and provide tailored support.
Support Club Leadership Teams and Academy staff in enhancing player development environments, organisational effectiveness and academy operations, including delivery of strategic projects aligned with national player development objectives.
Promote collaboration, innovation and the sharing of best practice across the League of Ireland Academy network.
Support the strategic development, review and continuous improvement of the League of Ireland Academy Games Programme, ensuring competitions, festivals, tournaments and showcase events provide high-quality, player-centred learning environments.
Contribute to the design and evaluation of Games Programme activities that promote player learning, coach development and positive parent engagement.
Build effective relationships with Youth National Team staff and key stakeholders to ensure alignment, information sharing and consistency across the player development and progression pathway.
Use stakeholder feedback, performance insights and emerging best practice to enhance programme effectiveness and alignment with national player development objectives.
Work collaboratively with the League's Academy Auditing and Quality Assurance partners to coordinate academy reviews and organisational development processes.
Support clubs in implementing recommendations arising from reviews, audits and assessments, promoting continuous improvement across the academy network.
Promote high standards of governance, safeguarding, player welfare and compliance with academy regulations, policies and reporting requirements.
Act as a key link between clubs, Academy Auditing and Quality Assurance partners, the League of Ireland Academy Department and relevant internal stakeholders.
Contribute to the ongoing enhancement of quality assurance frameworks that support safe, inclusive and player-centred development environments.
Collaborate with the Club Licensing Department to promote, monitor and support safeguarding compliance across League of Ireland academies.
Work collaboratively with the League's Academy Auditing and Quality Assurance partners to support the implementation and ongoing development of the LOI Academy Mark across the League of Ireland Academy system.
Assist clubs in evaluating improvement initiatives and demonstrating the impact of academy investment on player development, organisational effectiveness and overall academy outcomes.
Contribute to the ongoing refinement and evolution of the LOI Academy Mark to ensure it remains a leading framework for quality, development and excellence within Irish football.
Identify and promote emerging best practice and innovation from across Irish and international football.
Contribute to research, policy development and strategic projects that strengthen the League of Ireland Academy system.

Requirements

What you’ll need

UEFA A Licence or equivalent qualification and/or significant experience within elite player development, academy leadership, education or performance environments.
Significant experience within football, youth development, education, talent development or academy environments.
Strong understanding of long-term player development principles and talent pathway systems.
Experience supporting organisational improvement, strategic planning and development programmes.
Experience working with senior leaders and managing complex stakeholder relationships.
Ability to develop, implement and monitor strategic development plans and improvement frameworks.
Experience using data, performance insights and evidence-based approaches to support decision-making and evaluate impact.
Excellent communication, presentation and report-writing skills.
Ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary environments.
Strong organisational, planning and project management skills.
A proactive and solutions-focused approach to supporting clubs and driving continuous improvement.
Willingness to travel regularly and work evenings and weekends where required.
Successful completion of Garda Vetting and Safeguarding 2 certification prior to commencement of employment.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Two premium level tickets to each home international game
Sick pay scheme and family friendly leave
Opportunities to work at international matches
Company pension
Life assurance
Bike to work scheme
Free onsite parking
Employee assistance programs
Hybrid working arrangements and flexible hours working arrangements
Discounted access to the National Aquatic Centre and gym complex