Pre-Academy Development Lead

Brentford Football Club; Brentford; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Brentford FC is seeking a Pre-Academy Manager to lead the design and delivery of the early development environment in line with the club’s values and playing philosophy. You will work closely with Recruitment and Coaching to align Talent ID and player development within the Academy pathway.

You will oversee schedules, staff rotas, ID events, and the delivery of age-appropriate coaching within the pre‑academy, ensuring safeguarding and high standards across sessions.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of elite academy environments and EPPP requirements.
• Experience in Foundation Phase coaching and/or recruitment.
• Strong understanding of early player development and long-term athlete development.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of the pre‑academy programme from an operational and coaching perspective.
• Design and deliver a weekly games programme that supports player development and recruitment.
• Coordinate and manage player intake and exit with local recruitment team.
• Plan talent ID events, festivals and fixtures to expose players to high‑level development environments.
• Oversee weekly training and match schedules aligned to Academy methodology.

Skills

UEFA B Licence

Talent ID Level 2

FA Advanced Youth Award

Emergency First Aid in Football

Foundation Phase coaching/recruitment

Early player development knowledge

Academy structures and EPPP

Safeguarding and welfare knowledge

Job description

Brentford FC is seeking a Pre-Academy Manager to lead the design and delivery of the early development environment in line with the club’s values and playing philosophy. You will work closely with Recruitment and Coaching to align Talent ID and player development within the Academy pathway.

You will oversee schedules, staff rotas, ID events, and the delivery of age-appropriate coaching within the pre‑academy, ensuring safeguarding and high standards across sessions.