Academy Manager (Football)

Job Purpose

• Working closely alongside the Academy Manager (Operations) and maximise the potential of Northampton Town FC Academy and all players and staff within it.
• With a focus on the football operations and strategy, maintain an elite professional environment that attracts and develops the best young local talent, transitioning players through the pathway.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with the Academy Manager (Operations) to oversee all aspects of the strategy, management, operations and safeguarding of Northampton Town FC Academy.
• Design, deliver and monitor the Academy Performance Plan including the vision for the academy and Key Performance Indicators, from the foundation phase through to the professional development phase.
• Work closely with the Technical Director, First Team Staff, Head of Coaching and Phase Lead Coaches on the setting and implementation of the Philosophy within the Academy and ensure this is applied across the Academy.
• Oversee the recruitment of young players across all age groups of the Academy, working closely with the Head of Emerging Talent and coaches. Overseeing the Emerging Talent Centres and Pre-Academy.
• Support in the decision-making process of the retention or release of players, including of scholars. Providing clear and supportive exit strategies for players.
• Coordinate all training schedules and the games programme.
• Have a regular presence at Academy training and games, being approachable to players, staff and parents and maintaining good relationships.
• Share responsibility for the implementation and organisation of all facility hire for training, thegames programme as well as pre-season training and tours.
• Oversee and implement the Academy values, standards, beliefs and philosophies to young players, coaches and support staff.
• Maintain a clear understanding of all applicable Youth Development, Football League, Football Association, and Premier League regulations. Ensuring compliance with these and playing a lead role in all audits and compliance reporting requirements related to the regulations.
• Oversee the completion of all relevant paperwork or electronic recording for training sessions, games, and medical reporting.
• Help to provide a structured working environment for all academy staff allowing them to supervise and work in a responsible manner, adhering to all club policies.
• To continuously promote and develop the academy coaching programme.
• Maintain relationships and explore opportunities to work closely with the Football and Education Programme.
• Ensure the Academy Code of Conduct is implemented and adhered to at all times by staff, coaches and players.
• Maintain a knowledge of the safeguarding operations within the Academy and support the implementation of the safeguarding strategy in line with EFL Safeguarding Standards.
• Be a member of the Club’s Technical Board, attending and often leading on meetings. Including the regular reporting on Key Performance Indicators.
• Attend and take an active lead in regular Academy Management and Operations Meetings, Technical Board Meetings and other meetings as required.
• Oversee and implement CPD both internally and externally of coaches including cluster days and in service training days.
• Be involved in the setting of, and review of Academy budgets.
• Share responsibility for the management of all academy staff.
• Recruit, develop, motivate and monitor staff, ensuring timely reviews and feedback of performance.
• Maintain close relationships with First Team Staff at times adapting and accommodating the wishes of the 1st team manager and staff.
• Working closely with other coaches to create relationships with local non-league clubs in the area to enhance work experience or loan possibilities.Ensuring players are fully supported throughout.
• Through contacts and networking look to promote the academy and help in the attracting of sponsorship funds.