Girls' National Talent Programme Lead
Posted 2 hours 17 minutes ago by Irish FA
£30,000 - £40,000 Annual
Permanent
Not Specified
Temporary Jobs
Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Job Description
Job Title: Girls' National Talent Programme Lead
Department: Women's & Girls' Football
Reporting to: Director of Women's Football
Role family: Professional
Salary scale: £30,000 - £40,000
Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week (including unsociable hours - notably weekends)
Duration of Post: Permanent
Location: Head office - the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park
PURPOSE OF THE JOB:
The post holder will lead the identification, development and support of high-potential female players within the Irish FA Girls' Performance Pathway (U11-U14), and provide strategic leadership for the Girls' National Talent Programme and technical football delivery at this stage of the pathway.
Design, implement and monitor an age-specific elite curriculum that provides a high-quality, player-centred development environment and prepares talented players for progression into the Girls' National Academy and future national team programmes.
Build strong partnerships with clubs, schools, grassroots providers and national team staff to ensure a coordinated and nationally aligned player pathway, with effective processes for talent identification, player monitoring, individual development and progression.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Work closely with colleagues across departments to maximise opportunities for player development and management, sharing best practices and learning from others. This will specifically include the Women's Senior Team Technical Staff and the Youth National Team Coaches, supporting the information transfer and development journeys of high potential players.
Co-ordinate player monitoring, profiling and performance reporting processes to ensure collaboration with relevant stakeholders for the transition of identified players into National Performance Squads.
Attend live fixtures each week and conduct regular club visits to maintain an up-to-date understanding of player performance and potential, and to build strong relationships with clubs for effective individual player development plans (IDPs).
Contribute to the coaching and technical sessions for other stages of the performance pathway as required.
Lead the casual coaching staff assigned to 11-14 age groups, including technical coaches, Goalkeeping Coaches, S&C Coaches and Physiotherapists ensuring effective collaboration, professional development, and alignment with the Irish FA's objectives.
Select squads for relevant events, collaborating with the Girls' National Academy Manager, as well as WU17, WU19 and Senior National Team Head Coaches to ensure the best possible team composition and readiness.
Support the Irish FA Coach Education Team by assisting in the development of pathway coaches in the female game through formal and informal coach development opportunities.
Ensure full compliance with The Irish FA's Safeguarding Policy and all company policies and procedures, maintaining the highest standards of health, safety, and wellbeing for players and staff.
Represent the Irish FA at FIFA and UEFA symposia and meetings as required.
Support local and national promotional activities including school and club visits throughout NI and UK as required.
Complete other duties appropriate to the role, as directed by the Director of Women's Football and the Chief Executive.
Proactively participate in all in-service training courses, training and development opportunities, staff performance appraisals and reviews as required.
Adhere to and actively support at all times all company policies, procedures, processes and working practices, including adhering to best practice and to service the Irish Football Association's policies in line with its development plans.
Any other reasonable duties relevant to the programme and/or the department
Note: In the interest of the efficient management of the Association, the duties described in the above job description will be reviewed periodically and may be subject to modification or amendment after consultation with the postholder.
Essential Criteria :
1. Education & Qualification
1.1 UEFA A Licence.
2. Experience
2.1 Minimum 3 years experience coaching within an elite youth football environment.
2.2 Proven experience leading, designing and delivering structured player development programmes, including creating and implementing Player Development Plans.
2.3 Experience managing and mentoring coaching/scouting staff and collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams (e.g. S&C, medical and analysis).
2.4 Demonstrable expertise in talent identification, player assessment and performance monitoring, including the use of data analysis tools and systems.
2.5 Proven knowledge and understanding of female player development and the specific factors influencing player progression.
3. Skills, Knowledge & Competencies
3.1 Strong technical and tactical knowledge of talent identification, long-term player development and elite youth coaching methodology.
3.2 Excellent communication, interpersonal and people development skills, with the ability to engage and present effectively to a wide range of stakeholders.
3.3 Ability to design and implement age-specific elite curricula, interpret performance data and provide meaningful insight using relevant monitoring systems.
3.4 Highly organised and proficient in Microsoft Office, with strong time management and the ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines
4. Personal Disposition
4.1 Proactive team player with the ability to work on own initiative and handle pressurised/stressful situations.
4.2 Passion for the development of girls' and women's football.
4.3 Professional, adaptable and capable of working within a performance pathway environment.
4.4 The ability to work unsociable hours and travel nationally and internationally.
4.5 Growth mind-set and strong evidence of continued professional development
5. Other Requirements
5.1 Proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
5.2 Have a valid passport allowing unrestricted international travel.
5.3 Have a full, clean driving licence and access to a car for business use to meet the full requirements of the post.
5.4 Completion of a medical questionnaire demonstrating the ability to fulfil the Occupational Health requirements for the post and flag any reasonable adjustment required.
5.5 Two satisfactory employment references, one of whom should ideally be the current/most recent employer.
5.6 Enhanced Access NI checks with satisfactory clearance.
Desirable Criteria :
1. Education & Qualification
1.2 UEFA Youth B licence
1.3 Talent Identification or Talent Development certification
2. Experience
2.6 Experience working within a national governing body or professional academy.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Closing date: The closing date for completed applications is 24 th September 2026 at 12.00 NOON. Applications received after the closing date and time will not be considered.
Shortlisting: Only those applications which clearly demonstrate the requirements set out in the personnel specification will be shortlisted. Please note that the Association reserves the right to implement all or some of the desirable criteria in addition to the essential criteria for shortlisting purposes.
Offer of employment: Any offer of employment is subject to the receipt of two satisfactory employment references, proof of eligibility to work in the UK, and proof of any required qualifications.
Reserve list: A reserve list of suitable candidates may be maintained for the purpose of any similar vacancies (temporary or permanent) that may arise within twelve months of the completion of the recruitment exercise.
Vetting & Safeguarding: The Irish FA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and employees to share this commitment. This role involves work with young people and is subject to Enhanced AccessNI checks, including barred list checks. Clearance through this system is required.
Criminal Records & Ex-Offenders: Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar an applicant from being considered for this role. The Irish FA has a formal policy on recruiting ex-offenders, and applicants will be assessed fairly in line with this policy. Convictions will only be taken into account where relevant to the requirements of the position.
Disclosure Information Handling: The Irish FA operates a written policy on the secure handling, use, storage, and retention of disclosure information. All personal information obtained through Enhanced AccessNI checks will be handled confidentially and in compliance with data protection legislation.
. click apply for full job details
Department: Women's & Girls' Football
Reporting to: Director of Women's Football
Role family: Professional
Salary scale: £30,000 - £40,000
Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week (including unsociable hours - notably weekends)
Duration of Post: Permanent
Location: Head office - the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park
PURPOSE OF THE JOB:
The post holder will lead the identification, development and support of high-potential female players within the Irish FA Girls' Performance Pathway (U11-U14), and provide strategic leadership for the Girls' National Talent Programme and technical football delivery at this stage of the pathway.
Design, implement and monitor an age-specific elite curriculum that provides a high-quality, player-centred development environment and prepares talented players for progression into the Girls' National Academy and future national team programmes.
Build strong partnerships with clubs, schools, grassroots providers and national team staff to ensure a coordinated and nationally aligned player pathway, with effective processes for talent identification, player monitoring, individual development and progression.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead the Girls' National Talent Programme (U12-U14), delivering high-quality player development through:
- National Talent Squads and programmes. Age-appropriate technical and tactical development. Structured training and match programmes. Individual Development Plans (IDPs) and player review processes.
Work closely with colleagues across departments to maximise opportunities for player development and management, sharing best practices and learning from others. This will specifically include the Women's Senior Team Technical Staff and the Youth National Team Coaches, supporting the information transfer and development journeys of high potential players.
Co-ordinate player monitoring, profiling and performance reporting processes to ensure collaboration with relevant stakeholders for the transition of identified players into National Performance Squads.
Attend live fixtures each week and conduct regular club visits to maintain an up-to-date understanding of player performance and potential, and to build strong relationships with clubs for effective individual player development plans (IDPs).
Contribute to the coaching and technical sessions for other stages of the performance pathway as required.
Lead the casual coaching staff assigned to 11-14 age groups, including technical coaches, Goalkeeping Coaches, S&C Coaches and Physiotherapists ensuring effective collaboration, professional development, and alignment with the Irish FA's objectives.
Select squads for relevant events, collaborating with the Girls' National Academy Manager, as well as WU17, WU19 and Senior National Team Head Coaches to ensure the best possible team composition and readiness.
Support the Irish FA Coach Education Team by assisting in the development of pathway coaches in the female game through formal and informal coach development opportunities.
Ensure full compliance with The Irish FA's Safeguarding Policy and all company policies and procedures, maintaining the highest standards of health, safety, and wellbeing for players and staff.
Represent the Irish FA at FIFA and UEFA symposia and meetings as required.
Support local and national promotional activities including school and club visits throughout NI and UK as required.
Complete other duties appropriate to the role, as directed by the Director of Women's Football and the Chief Executive.
Proactively participate in all in-service training courses, training and development opportunities, staff performance appraisals and reviews as required.
Adhere to and actively support at all times all company policies, procedures, processes and working practices, including adhering to best practice and to service the Irish Football Association's policies in line with its development plans.
Any other reasonable duties relevant to the programme and/or the department
Note: In the interest of the efficient management of the Association, the duties described in the above job description will be reviewed periodically and may be subject to modification or amendment after consultation with the postholder.
Essential Criteria :
1. Education & Qualification
1.1 UEFA A Licence.
2. Experience
2.1 Minimum 3 years experience coaching within an elite youth football environment.
2.2 Proven experience leading, designing and delivering structured player development programmes, including creating and implementing Player Development Plans.
2.3 Experience managing and mentoring coaching/scouting staff and collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams (e.g. S&C, medical and analysis).
2.4 Demonstrable expertise in talent identification, player assessment and performance monitoring, including the use of data analysis tools and systems.
2.5 Proven knowledge and understanding of female player development and the specific factors influencing player progression.
3. Skills, Knowledge & Competencies
3.1 Strong technical and tactical knowledge of talent identification, long-term player development and elite youth coaching methodology.
3.2 Excellent communication, interpersonal and people development skills, with the ability to engage and present effectively to a wide range of stakeholders.
3.3 Ability to design and implement age-specific elite curricula, interpret performance data and provide meaningful insight using relevant monitoring systems.
3.4 Highly organised and proficient in Microsoft Office, with strong time management and the ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines
4. Personal Disposition
4.1 Proactive team player with the ability to work on own initiative and handle pressurised/stressful situations.
4.2 Passion for the development of girls' and women's football.
4.3 Professional, adaptable and capable of working within a performance pathway environment.
4.4 The ability to work unsociable hours and travel nationally and internationally.
4.5 Growth mind-set and strong evidence of continued professional development
5. Other Requirements
5.1 Proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
5.2 Have a valid passport allowing unrestricted international travel.
5.3 Have a full, clean driving licence and access to a car for business use to meet the full requirements of the post.
5.4 Completion of a medical questionnaire demonstrating the ability to fulfil the Occupational Health requirements for the post and flag any reasonable adjustment required.
5.5 Two satisfactory employment references, one of whom should ideally be the current/most recent employer.
5.6 Enhanced Access NI checks with satisfactory clearance.
Desirable Criteria :
1. Education & Qualification
1.2 UEFA Youth B licence
1.3 Talent Identification or Talent Development certification
2. Experience
2.6 Experience working within a national governing body or professional academy.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Closing date: The closing date for completed applications is 24 th September 2026 at 12.00 NOON. Applications received after the closing date and time will not be considered.
Shortlisting: Only those applications which clearly demonstrate the requirements set out in the personnel specification will be shortlisted. Please note that the Association reserves the right to implement all or some of the desirable criteria in addition to the essential criteria for shortlisting purposes.
Offer of employment: Any offer of employment is subject to the receipt of two satisfactory employment references, proof of eligibility to work in the UK, and proof of any required qualifications.
Reserve list: A reserve list of suitable candidates may be maintained for the purpose of any similar vacancies (temporary or permanent) that may arise within twelve months of the completion of the recruitment exercise.
Vetting & Safeguarding: The Irish FA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and employees to share this commitment. This role involves work with young people and is subject to Enhanced AccessNI checks, including barred list checks. Clearance through this system is required.
Criminal Records & Ex-Offenders: Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar an applicant from being considered for this role. The Irish FA has a formal policy on recruiting ex-offenders, and applicants will be assessed fairly in line with this policy. Convictions will only be taken into account where relevant to the requirements of the position.
Disclosure Information Handling: The Irish FA operates a written policy on the secure handling, use, storage, and retention of disclosure information. All personal information obtained through Enhanced AccessNI checks will be handled confidentially and in compliance with data protection legislation.
. click apply for full job details