Pre-Academy Manager

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

Job Title: Pre-Academy Manager Reports to: Head of Academy Recruitment & Head of Academy Football Development Location: Training Ground- Jersey Road Department: Recruitment Sub-department: Academy The Club Brentford FC is a bit different from other Premier League football clubs. We put our fans first, we are a true community club and while we are financially sustainable, we are not afraid to take calculated risks. We take huge pride in our environment and culture within the Club which focuses on development, inclusion and not being afraid to think differently. Being progressive, humble and respectful while sticking together as one team across the Club guides how we work and the decisions we make each day. We also firmly believe that a diverse workforce is a better workforce which will help us develop ideas, solve problems and ultimately grow Brentford FC. We play in a new stadium, 15 minutes from Heathrow in vibrant west London. We will never forget where we have come from, but we are excited about the future that lies ahead.

Job Overview

The Pre-Academy Manager plays a strategically important role in Brentford FC’s long-term Academy vision. The role is central to creating an outstanding early development environment that reflects Brentford’s values, playing philosophy, and progressive approach to player development. Working closely with the Recruitment and Coaching departments, the Pre-Academy Manager will help align talent identification, player development, and transition processes to ensure young players are given the best possible foundation within the Academy pathway.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of the pre‑academy programme from an operational and coaching perspective, working with recruitment staff to ensure processes support Talent ID and player development, overseeing the weekly, monthly, and yearly schedule
• Design and deliver an innovative, competitive weekly games programme that supports player development, enhances engagement for players and parents, and supports the recruitment of high‑potential players
• Lead the coordination and management of player intake and exit in collaboration with the local recruitment team
• Plan and deliver talent ID events, festivals, and fixtures to expose players to high‑level development environments
• Oversee weekly training and match schedules, ensuring alignment with Academy methodology and a child‑centred approach
• Organise coaching staff and create a weekly rota, ensuring adequate coverage of sessions and matches, clear roles and responsibilities, and delivery of the Academy coaching curriculum to the required standard
• Assist with coaching of pre‑academy age groups as required and lead by example
• Provide feedback to coaches as required to support their performance and development, ensuring coaching within the pre‑academy meets the required standard
• Lead player and parent inductions, providing clear education on the Academy pathway and expectations
• Design and implement Individual Development Plans (IDPs) within the pre‑academy in line with Academy IDP methodology, ensuring consistent monitoring and updates for all players
• Contribute to player assessment and decision‑making processes, supporting progression and retention decisions
• Provide feedback to players and parents as required regarding player progress
• Ensure all players receive appropriate playing opportunities aligned to their development needs
• Maintain a visible presence across all sessions, fixtures, and events, ensuring quality control and standards
• Manage and complete all administrative tasks within the pre‑academy, including maintaining an up‑to‑date player register and training/game time records on club systems as required by the Premier League
• Lead on all internal and external communication regarding the organisation of the pre‑academy programme
• Make decisions in the best interest of the club and player development, blending performance improvement with nurturing potential to support long‑term development
• Contribute to CPD programmes and drive continuous improvement across pre‑academy provision
• Attend all relevant CPD events and work with the Head of Academy Football Development & Assistant Head of Academy Football Development to develop self in line with the Academy coach competency framework and development action plan
• Work closely with the Head of Academy Recruitment, Head of Academy Football Development, and Assistant Head of Academy Football Development to ensure the pre‑academy programme is aligned to recruitment and football development strategy, completing all tasks as requested
• Work closely with the Lead Foundation Phase coach to ensure alignment between phases and a smooth transition for players progressing from the pre‑academy into the U9 age group
• Uphold safeguarding standards and duty of care responsibilities at all times, ensuring any concerns observed or raised are shared with the safeguarding team through appropriate channels
• Ensure the pre‑academy continually achieves the standards required under EPPP guidelines
• Carry out any other duties as directed by senior Academy staff

Knowledge Experience

• Knowledge Experience within an elite academy environment, preferably Category 1-3
• Strong understanding of early player development, long‑term athlete development, and early talent identification
• Proven background in Foundation Phase coaching and/or recruitment
• Understanding of academy structures, pathways, and EPPP requirements
• Knowledge of safeguarding, welfare, and child protection standards in football
• Minimum UEFA B Licence (or working towards)
• Minimum The Football Association Talent ID Level 2 (Level 3 desirable)
• FA Advanced Youth Award (U6–U11) desirable
• Emergency First Aid in Football (EFAiF) FA Safeguarding Specialist Skills

Ability to design and deliver age‑appropriate training and games programmes, on a weekly, monthly, and yearly basis, aligned to development objectives

High‑quality, age‑appropriate coaching delivery across both training and matchdays, aligned to Academy methodology

Strong understanding of early‑stage talent identification and player profiling

Competence in managing and tracking Individual Development Plans (IDPs), and supporting player development in line with them both on and off the pitch

Effective planning and organisation of fixtures, festivals, and events

Ability to integrate recruitment insights into player development decisions

Understanding of how to provide age‑appropriate feedback to players

People Skills

Strong leadership skills, with the ability to coordinate and support pre‑academy recruitment and coaching staff

Works collaboratively with recruitment, coaching, and MDT staff

Confident communicator with parents, providing clarity and education on player pathways

Builds a positive, engaging, and supportive environment for young players

Demonstrates high energy, enthusiasm, and professionalism at all times

Complete all tasks as requested by the Head of Academy Recruitment, Head of Academy Football Development and Assistant Head of Academy Football Development

External Impact

Acts as a key ambassador for the club within the grassroots and local football community

Builds and maintains strong relationships with local clubs, coaches, and stakeholders

Enhances the club’s reputation through high‑quality events and player experiences

Contributes to the club’s visibility and competitiveness within the local talent market

Ensures all external interactions reflect the club’s values, safeguarding, and professional standards

Decision Making

Makes informed decisions on player entry, retention and progression in collaboration with Academy Recruitment and Coaching leads

Prioritises staffing, session design and fixture opportunities to best support individual and collective development needs

Exercises sound judgement in parent communication, safeguarding matters and operational planning, escalating where appropriate

Makes decisions in the best interest of the club and long‑term player development, balancing performance improvement with nurturing potential

Makes decisions that support the holistic development and wellbeing of players

Makes decisions that support the Academy's strategy and purpose, in line with the club's pathway and recruitment plans

Innovation

Continuously reviews and evolves the pre‑academy programme to reflect best practice in early years player development, and to support the recruitment of high‑potential players

Introduces creative approaches to games, events, and talent identification activity to enhance player experience and gain a competitive advantage over other Academies

Contributes new ideas and insights that strengthen alignment between pre‑academy, recruitment, and Academy coaching provision

General Club Accountabilities

To comply with all Club policies, including health and safety, data regulations and other legal, ethical and social requirements

To build and maintain good working relationships while maintaining a professional image

To keep confidential any information gained regarding the Club and its personnel

To always maintain a flexible approach to work

Inclusion Statement

Brentford FC is proud to be an organisation that values equity, diversity and inclusion. We strive to create a culture that celebrates difference and ensures fairness, safety, representation, and belonging. We recognise that some groups remain underrepresented in our workforce and are actively working to change this. As part of that commitment, we strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds — particularly those from ethnically diverse communities, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and disabled people. We’re committed to a fair and inclusive recruitment process, with all decisions made based on merit and suitability — regardless of background or protected characteristic. Should you be selected for interview, we welcome the opportunity to discuss any specific arrangements, accommodations or reasonable adjustments you may require to be made.

Safeguarding Statement

Brentford FC is fully committed to promoting equality, and to safeguarding the welfare of all children and adults at risk. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and is a core part of the Club’s culture. All staff and volunteers share a collective duty to create and maintain a safe and supportive environment, both on and off the field. To ensure this, all staff are required to complete regular safeguarding training appropriate to their role. This training supports a proactive and informed approach to safeguarding practice. The successful candidate will be expected to understand, adhere to, and actively uphold all relevant safeguarding policies and procedures. This includes recognising signs of abuse or harm, responding appropriately, and reporting any concerns in a timely manner to the Club’s Safeguarding Team. Brentford FC operates safer recruitment practices. We remind individuals that it is a criminal offence for a person barred from engaging in regulated activity to apply for a role that involves such activity.

Brentford FC stands apart from many other Premier League clubs. We put our fans at the heart of everything we do, and we take pride in being a genuine community club. Although we operate sustainably, we’re unafraid to take calculated risks. Our culture is something we value deeply - an environment built on development, inclusion and the confidence to think differently. Being progressive, humble and respectful, while working together as one team across the entire Club, shapes the way we operate and the decisions we make every day. In partnership with Brentford FC, the Brentford FC Community Sports Trust is a pioneering force within the local community. Harnessing the power of sport, the Trust works to educate, motivate and inspire people from all backgrounds. Together, we deliver a wide range of programmes across education, employability, sports participation, health and community engagement.