Boys Pathway Manager

Stadium MK Group; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Milton Keynes Dons Community Trust is seeking a Boys Pathway Manager to lead our Boys Advanced Player Development Centres and School Football programmes. You will guide talent development from grassroots to elite levels, building partnerships with local clubs, schools and stakeholders.

The role involves line managing coaches, ensuring safeguarding standards, and delivering high-quality coaching and community programs across MK. Evening/weekend work is required.

Qualifications

• UEFA C Coaching Qualification is essential.
• FA Licensed Coach status and safeguarding qualifications required.
• Current FA Safeguarding Children qualification.
• Experience coaching boys' football in a player development environment.
• Knowledge of current boys' pathways and development structures.
• Strong organisational, planning and communication abilities.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends and matchdays.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality Soccer Schools and achieve participation targets.
• Develop talent identification processes to support progression.
• Build positive relationships with clubs, schools and partners.
• Line manage coaches and staff, providing mentoring and CPD.
• Recruit, develop and retain coaching staff.
• Ensure programmes comply with FA, Community Trust and safeguarding standards.
• Manage registrations, admin, and parent communications.
• Monitor performance, collect impact data and contribute to KPI reporting.
• Support wider Community Trust activities and events.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion across programmes.

Skills

Organisational skills

Planning skills

Communication skills

Relationship building

Education

UEFA C Coaching Qualification

FA Licensed Coach

FA Emergency First Aid

FA Safeguarding Children

FA Youth Award

Job description

About Us

Milton Keynes Dons Community Trust is a charitable organisation dedicated to making a positive impact on people’s lives through sport and community programmes. We support individuals, particularly young people, to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and improve their physical and mental wellbeing, regardless of their background or ability.

We deliver inclusive, high-quality programmes designed to meet the needs of our communities, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate and thrive.

We are building on strong foundations to become a leading force for good across Milton Keynes, reaching further, supporting more people, and working in partnership with organisations across the city to create lasting change.

Together, we can make a lasting difference

The Role

We are looking for an enthusiastic, organised and motivated Boys Pathway Manager to lead and develop our Boys Football Pathway, creating high-quality opportunities that support player development from grassroots through to the elite game.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of boys' football within the MK Dons Community Trust. You will be responsible for managing and growing our Boys Advanced Player Development Centres, Community Football programmes and Soccer Schools, whilst developing strong relationships with local clubs, schools and key stakeholders.

Working closely with the Head of Community Football, you will ensure the successful delivery of programmes that inspire young players, support coach development and provide clear progression opportunities for participants across the pathway.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality Soccer Schools that achieve participation and performance targets.
• Develop effective talent identification processes to support player progression throughout the pathway.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with local football clubs, schools and community partners.
• Line manage coaches and staff working within the Boys Pathway, providing mentoring, support and continuous professional development.
• Recruit, develop and retain high-quality coaching staff.
• Ensure all programmes operate in line with FA, Community Trust and safeguarding standards.
• Manage programme administration, registrations and parent communications.
• Monitor programme performance, collect impact data and contribute to KPI reporting, case studies and funding evidence.
• Support wider Community Trust activities, matchday events and community engagement initiatives as required.
• Promote the values of MK Dons Community Trust, ensuring equality, diversity and inclusion are embedded across all programmes.

About You

Essential Criteria

• UEFA C Coaching Qualification.
• FA Licensed Coach.
• FA Emergency First Aid qualification (or recognised FA equivalent).
• Current FA Safeguarding Children qualification.
• Experience coaching boys' football within a player development environment.
• Knowledge and understanding of current boys' football player pathways and development structures.
• Understanding of child development and the ability to create positive learning environments.
• Experience managing or coordinating football programmes.
• Excellent organisational, planning and communication skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with players, parents, schools, clubs and colleagues.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends and occasional matchdays.
• Full UK driving licence and access to own transport.

Desirable Criteria

• UEFA B Coaching Qualification.
• Experience of Talent Identification.
• Understanding of Long-Term Player Development principles.
• FA Youth Award or Youth Coaching qualification.
• Experience developing and mentoring coaches through CPD.
• Experience working within an academy or elite player development environment.
• Knowledge of academy structures and player progression pathways.

Why join us:

This is more than a football coaching role, it's an opportunity to inspire the next generation of players and help shape the future of football within Milton Keynes.

As Boys Pathway Manager, you will play a central role in developing exciting football opportunities that enable young people to grow, progress and reach their full potential. Through innovative coaching programmes, player development and community engagement, your work will have a lasting impact on hundreds of young participants each year.

You'll join an ambitious and passionate organisation committed to improving lives through football, sport and community programmes. As we continue to expand our football pathway, you'll have the opportunity to influence its future direction, develop talented coaches and build strong partnerships across the local football community.

We value collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement and are committed to investing in our people through ongoing training, professional development and career progression opportunities.

If you're passionate about player development, coaching excellence and creating meaningful opportunities for young people through football, we'd love to hear from you.

Our Commitment

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity and welcomes applications from all backgrounds and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Safeguarding

We are dedicated to providing a safe and secure environment for all. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and all team members are expected to uphold our policies and procedures.