Football Enrichment Lead

Stadium MK Group; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

MK Dons Community Trust is seeking a Football Enrichment Lead to drive the Post-16 Football Education and Academy Programme. You will coach, mentor and develop young players aged 16–19 while coordinating fixtures, events and enrichment activities.

You will work closely with the Education Manager to deliver high-quality coaching, safeguarding and inclusive practice, building partnerships with schools and community clubs to grow participation and outcomes.

Qualifications

• UEFA C Licence is essential.
• FA Safeguarding Children Qualification is essential.
• FA Introduction to First Aid in Football (or equivalent) is essential.
• Experience coaching and managing football teams within school, college, grassroots or club environments.
• Experience working with young people aged 16-19 and delivering football within educational settings.
• Experience recruiting participants or growing sports programmes.
• Understanding of player development pathways.
• Strong leadership, organisational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of the Post-16 Football Education and Academy Programme, ensuring a high-quality experience for all participants.
• Plan and deliver engaging football coaching sessions that support player development and educational outcomes.
• Manage academy squads, fixtures, tournaments, enrichment activities and events throughout the academic year.
• Monitor student attendance, progress, engagement and wellbeing, maintaining accurate records and reports.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with students, parents, schools, grassroots clubs and community partners.
• Support the recruitment and retention of students, promoting the programme through presentations, events and outreach activities.
• Ensure all activities are delivered in line with safeguarding, health and safety, equality and diversity, and Trust policies.
• Contribute to the ongoing growth and development of the Education Department and wider Community Trust programmes.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organisational skills

Relationship-building

Safeguarding commitment

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

UEFA C Licence

FA Safeguarding Children Qualification

FA Introduction to First Aid in Football

Full UK Driving Licence

Level 3 Award in Education & Training

Teaching Qualification / QTS

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.

The Role

We are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious Football Enrichment Lead to join the Education Team at MK Dons Community Trust. Reporting to the Education Manager, you will lead the delivery and development of the Post-16 Football Education and Academy Programme, providing high-quality coaching, enrichment opportunities and support for young people aged 16-19.

The successful candidate will be responsible for coaching academy players, managing fixtures and events, supporting student development, and growing participation through effective engagement with schools, clubs and community partners. You will play a key role in creating positive educational and footballing outcomes while ensuring all activities are delivered to the highest standards of safeguarding, inclusion and professionalism.

This role is ideal for a passionate and organised individual with strong coaching, communication and leadership skills who is committed to inspiring and developing young people through football and education.

Key Responsibilities

Working closely with the Education Manager and wider Education Team, you will:

• Lead the delivery of the Post-16 Football Education and Academy Programme, ensuring a high-quality experience for all participants.
• Plan and deliver engaging football coaching sessions that support player development and educational outcomes.
• Manage academy squads, fixtures, tournaments, enrichment activities and events throughout the academic year.
• Monitor student attendance, progress, engagement and wellbeing, maintaining accurate records and reports.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with students, parents, schools, grassroots clubs and community partners.
• Support the recruitment and retention of students, promoting the programme through presentations, events and outreach activities.
• Ensure all activities are delivered in line with safeguarding, health and safety, equality and diversity, and Trust policies.
• Contribute to the ongoing growth and development of the Education Department and wider Community Trust programmes.

About You

We are looking for someone who is passionate about developing young people through football and education. You will have strong coaching, communication and organisational skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with students, parents, schools and community partners.

You will be motivated, professional and able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. A commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and continuous improvement is essential, along with the ability to inspire and support young people to achieve their potential both on and off the pitch.

Most importantly, you will be enthusiastic about creating positive experiences and opportunities for young people while contributing to the continued growth and success of the Post-16 Football Academy Programme.

Essential Criteria

• UEFA C Licence.
• FA Safeguarding Children Qualification.
• FA Introduction to First Aid in Football (or equivalent).
• Experience coaching and managing football teams within school, college, grassroots or club environments.
• Experience working with young people aged 16-19 and delivering football within educational settings.
• Experience recruiting participants or growing sports programmes.
• Understanding of player development pathways.
• High level of enthusiasm and professional conduct.
• Strong leadership, organisational, communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to motivate, inspire and engage young people.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong administrative, planning and reporting skills.
• Flexible approach to work and willingness to support evening fixtures and events where required.
• Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle.
• Commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion.

Desirable Criteria

• UEFA B Licence.
• Teaching Qualification and/or QTS.
• Level 3 Award in Education & Training (or equivalent).
• Experience building partnerships with schools, colleges, grassroots clubs and community organisations.

What We’re Looking For

• Passionate about developing young people through football and education.
• An effective communicator with strong relationship-building skills.
• Organised, proactive and able to manage competing priorities.
• A confident leader who can motivate and inspire others.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Committed to high standards of safeguarding, inclusion and professionalism.
• Flexible, reliable and willing to support fixtures, events and recruitment activities.
• Dedicated to delivering outstanding experiences and outcomes for students.

Why join us

This is an excellent opportunity to join MK Dons Community Trust and play a key role in developing young people through football and education.

Lead and develop the Post-16 Football Education and Academy Programme.

Make a positive impact on the lives and development of young people.

Build strong partnerships with schools, clubs and community organisations.

Deliver high-quality coaching, enrichment activities and player development opportunities.

Be part of a supportive and passionate team committed to education and community impact.

Access opportunities for personal and professional development.

If you are passionate about football, education and helping young people achieve their potential, 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.