Ace Development Academy CIC
Head Coach and Academy Lead
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HEAD COACH / ACADEMY LEAD
ACE Development Academy CIC
Location: South London
Contract: Part-time
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Start Date: To be agreed
Lead the Next Chapter of ACE
ACE Development Academy CIC is looking for an ambitious, experienced and passionate Head Coach / Academy Lead to lead the day-to-day football operations of our growing academy in South London.
This is a key leadership role within ACE and an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to play a significant role in shaping the development of young players, coaches and the wider community.
The successful candidate will become the senior football lead within ACE, taking responsibility for the day-to-day delivery and development of our football programmes while working closely with the Founder & Director and wider ACE team.
The Role
The Head Coach / Academy Lead will take responsibility for the leadership and delivery of ACE’s football programmes.
The role will combine coaching delivery, programme leadership, coach development and day-to-day football operations.
You will ensure that ACE’s players receive a high-quality, positive and purposeful football experience while developing and supporting the coaching team around you.
Key Responsibilities
Football & Player Development
- Lead the delivery of ACE’s player development programmes.
- Plan and oversee high-quality, age-appropriate coaching sessions.
- Maintain ACE’s player development philosophy and coaching standards.
- Support the identification and development of talented players.
- Oversee player progression through the ACE development pathway.
- Ensure sessions are inclusive, challenging and enjoyable.
- Support the continued development of ACE’s girls’ football provision.
Coaching Team Leadership
- Lead, support and develop ACE’s coaching team.
- Assist with coach recruitment and onboarding.
- Provide feedback, mentoring and support to coaches.
- Help create a positive and professional coaching culture.
- Ensure coaches consistently meet ACE’s expectations and standards.
- Support the development of emerging and young coaches.
- Help coordinate coaching cover and staffing requirements.
Programme Management
- Take ownership of the day-to-day football delivery across ACE’s programmes.
- Support the organisation of camps, tournaments, development centres and special events.
- Liaise with schools and partner organisations where required.
- Assist with programme planning, staffing and scheduling.
- Identify opportunities to improve and expand ACE’s football provision.
- Ensure programmes are delivered consistently and to a high standard.
Parents & Community
- Build strong relationships with players and parents.
- Act as a key point of contact for football-related queries.
- Represent ACE professionally within the local football community.
- Support ACE’s commitment to making football accessible and inclusive.
- Contribute to community initiatives and projects.
- Help strengthen ACE’s relationships with local clubs, schools and community organisations.
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Safeguarding & Standards
- Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed across all programmes.
- Maintain appropriate coaching, welfare and professional standards.
- Work alongside ACE’s Safeguarding & Welfare Officer where required.
- Ensure sessions are delivered safely and professionally.
- Ensure coaches understand and follow ACE’s policies and procedures.
Leadership & Development
- Work closely with the Founder & Director to deliver ACE’s strategic vision.
- Provide regular updates on programme delivery, staffing, player development and key issues.
- Take ownership of day-to-day football operations.
- Identify challenges and proactively develop solutions.
- Contribute ideas and recommendations for the continued development of ACE.
About You
We are looking for someone who is more than just a good coach.
You will be someone who can lead people, build relationships, make decisions and take ownership.
You should be confident working independently and comfortable taking responsibility for the delivery and development of ACE’s football programmes.
You will understand that you are joining an organisation with an established identity, culture and vision, and you will be passionate about helping ACE build on what has already been created.
Essential
- UEFA C Licence / FA Level 2 or equivalent minimum.
- Strong experience coaching children and young people.
- Demonstrable experience in player development.
- Experience working within a football academy, grassroots or development environment.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to lead and support other coaches.
- Good organisational and time-management skills.
- Understanding of safeguarding and welfare responsibilities.
- Ability to work independently and take responsibility.
- A genuine passion for developing young people through football.
- Commitment to equality, inclusion and increasing access to football.
- Availability to work evenings and weekends.
Desirable
- UEFA B Licence.
- Experience within an academy, ETC, talent ID or professional football environment.
- Experience coaching girls’ football.
- Experience managing or leading a coaching team.
- Experience delivering school football programmes.
- FA talent identification/scouting experience.
- Experience running football camps or tournaments.
- First Aid qualification.
- Experience developing emerging/young coaches.
- Experience working within a CIC, charity or community football organisation.
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What We Can Offer
- A genuine leadership opportunity within a growing football organisation.
- The opportunity to shape ACE’s next stage of development.
- Significant responsibility and autonomy.
- The opportunity to lead and develop a coaching team.
- Opportunities to work across player development, girls’ football, schools, camps and community programmes.
- Opportunities to contribute to ACE’s wider development and international projects.
- Professional development and coaching opportunities.
- A supportive working relationship with the Founder & Director.
- The opportunity to make a measurable difference to young players and the wider community.
- Potential for the role to develop as ACE continues to grow.
Why ACE?
ACE Development Academy exists to develop players, develop coaches and create opportunities through football.
We believe football should be about more than simply winning games. Our programmes are designed to develop confident, resilient and technically capable players while creating positive experiences and opportunities for young people.
Our work includes:
- Player development programmes.
- Girls’ football.
- School partnerships.
- Coach development.
- Community initiatives.
- Football camps.
- Tournaments and events.
- International football projects.
We are looking for someone who genuinely believes in that mission.
The Opportunity
This is an exciting opportunity to join ACE at an important stage of its development.
The successful candidate will become a key member of the ACE leadership team and will have the opportunity to influence the quality, culture and future direction of our football provision.
For the right person, this could develop into a significant long-term leadership position as ACE continues to expand its programmes, partnerships and impact.
How to Apply
Please submit:
- A current CV.
- A short covering statement explaining why you would be a strong fit for ACE.
- Details of your coaching qualifications and relevant experience.
- Details of your current availability.
Applications should be sent to [INSERT EMAIL ADDRESS] with the subject line:
HEAD COACH / ACADEMY LEAD APPLICATION
Closing Date: 30/09/26
Interviews: Ongoing
Start Date: NEGOTIABLE
ACE Development Academy CIC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be required to complete the appropriate safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check where applicable.
ACE Development Academy CIC
Developing Players. Developing Coaches. Creating Opportunities.
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