Pre-Academy Lead: U6–U8 Talent ID & Development

Crystal Palace FC; Greater London; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Match day ticket

Health and wellbeing

Retail discounts

Season ticket loan

Holiday entitlement 25 days

Gym discounts

Volunteering day

Tech scheme discount

Job summary

Crystal Palace Football Club is seeking an experienced Pre-Academy Manager to lead identification, engagement and development of high-potential players aged 6-8 across London. You will oversee the Pre-Academy coaching, games programme and a clear pathway into the Academy U9 tier.

Reporting to the Head of London Recruitment, you will coordinate recruitment, staffing, fixtures, facilities and parent engagement, maintaining alignment with Foundation goals across age groups and venues.

Qualifications

• FA Level 2 / UEFA B License
• Talent ID Level 1
• Experience in Academy recruitment and elite youth development
• Strong network within London grassroots football
• Experience leading staff and programmes
• Safeguarding knowledge and DBS readiness

Responsibilities

• Identify and recruit high-potential U6, U7 and U8 players.
• Oversee Pre-Academy coaching and games programmes.
• Alternate Friday activity between training and Talent ID to assess new players.
• Maintain progress records and provide feedback to players, parents and coaches.
• Plan fixtures, festivals and Talent ID events with logistics and staffing.
• Coordinate safeguarding, medical and refereeing provisions for events.
• Build relationships with grassroots clubs, schools and community groups in London.
• Provide regular reports on player pipeline and centre performance.

Skills

FA Level 2 / UEFA B License

Talent ID Level 1

Staff leadership

Networking London grassroots football

Education

FA Safeguarding Children Certificate

FA Safeguarding Certificate

Emergency First Aid

Job description

Crystal Palace Football Club is seeking an experienced Pre-Academy Manager to lead identification, engagement and development of high-potential players aged 6-8 across London. You will oversee the Pre-Academy coaching, games programme and a clear pathway into the Academy U9 tier.

Reporting to the Head of London Recruitment, you will coordinate recruitment, staffing, fixtures, facilities and parent engagement, maintaining alignment with Foundation goals across age groups and venues.