Women's U23 Head Coach

The FA; Burton upon Trent; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading football organization seeks a Head Coach for the England Women’s U23 team. This pivotal role involves inspiring leadership, managing coaching staff, and preparing players for senior international football. Candidates should possess a UEFA A Licence, a strong track record in player development, and significant experience within the women’s game. The successful applicant will enjoy competitive salary and hybrid working arrangements, along with numerous developmental opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Event-day tickets at Wembley

Free lunches

Private medical cover

Contributory pension scheme

25 days annual leave

Qualifications

• UEFA A Licence required.
• High-level people development skills.
• Experience in managing elite players.
• Strong leadership qualities.
• Demonstrated understanding of senior women’s football.

Responsibilities

• Lead U23 team and establish a culture of excellence.
• Manage coaching staff and ensure collaboration.
• Design seasonal plans and coordinate technical meetings.
• Identify player strengths and development opportunities.
• Select squads for England events.

Skills

Leadership

Player Development

Coaching Skills

Communication

Team Management

Education

UEFA A Licence

UEFA Pro Licence

Tools

Excel

Microsoft Office

Sportscode

Job description

Overview

The Head Coach will lead and manage the England Women’s U23 team, fostering a high‑performance environment that prepares players for senior international football. The role supports the development of outstanding coaches in collaboration with FA Education and contributes to an aligned world‑class performance pathway for England winning teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead U23 Team & Performance Culture: Provide inspirational leadership to players and staff, establishing a culture of excellence and continuous improvement in preparation for, delivery of, and review of international events and tournaments.
• Manage Coaching Staff: Line‑manage the assistant coach and the wider multidisciplinary team, ensuring effective collaboration, professional development, and alignment with the team’s objectives.
• Seasonal Planning: Design and implement the national team’s seasonal plan, integrate key departmental objectives and the age‑group cycle, and coordinate weekly technical meetings.
• Player Development: Identify strengths and performance gaps of high‑potential players, assess readiness for senior team transition, and maximise development opportunities through collaboration with senior team technical staff and the England Development Team.
• Talent Identification & Relationship Building: Attend live fixtures and conduct regular club visits to maintain up‑to‑date understanding of player performance and potential, building strong relationships with clubs for individual player development plans.
• Squad Selection: Select squads for England events in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team and Senior Women Head Coach to ensure optimal team composition and readiness.
• Coach Development: Assist in the development of outstanding coaches in the female game, disseminate the England Women’s How We Play, and provide formal and informal coach development opportunities.
• Safeguarding & Health & Wellbeing Compliance: Maintain full compliance with The FA’s Safeguarding Policy and all company policies and procedures, upholding the highest standards of health, safety and wellbeing for players and staff.
• External Communications & Adaptability: Work with FA media and communications staff to manage external communications and social media, adjusting to the changing priorities of The FA Group.
• Other Duties: Execute additional tasks as required to meet the FA’s changing priorities while complying with all company policies.

Qualifications

Required

• UEFA A Licence
• High‑level people development skills and experience
• Consistent, successful experience managing and developing elite players and multidisciplinary staff
• Inspirational leadership on and off the pitch using a variety of methods and approaches
• Significant experience working with senior players and a track record of high performance
• Demonstrated understanding of senior women’s international football
• Experience as a head coach within the women’s game
• Experience working in high‑performing environments
• Deep knowledge of technical and tactical components of the women’s international game, including strategies and tactics
• Ability to create and implement a Player Development Plan
• Growth mindset and strong evidence of continued professional development
• Explicit knowledge and understanding of the England DNA
• Extensive experience of Excel and advanced Microsoft Office skills
• Ability to effectively manage budgets and create presentations for stakeholders

Desirable

• UEFA Pro Licence
• Experience working in the WSL or Championship
• Understanding of the demands of international women’s football
• Previous experience of Sportscode
• Basic project management skills
• Basic analysis skills

Benefits

• Competitive salary and opportunities to develop and grow in your role
• Access to event‑day tickets at Wembley Stadium and regular internal events throughout the season
• Free, nutritious lunches at Wembley Stadium and St. George’s Park
• Free private medical cover
• Contributory pension scheme
• Additional ‘Thank You’ days, volunteering days and 25 days annual leave (based on a full‑time, permanent contract)
• Hybrid working model offering greater flexibility

Additional Information

The role currently follows a hybrid working model: you are expected to work from your contractual location for part of the week and, as required by the team, you may work remotely the remaining days. This model will be continuously monitored and may be adjusted if necessary. The contractual location of this role can be found on the FA Careers page: https://www.thefa.com/about-football-association/careers

The Football Association is an equal‑opportunity employer and encourages applications from everyone. We welcome individuals who identify as African, Afro‑Caribbean, Asian, Black, British, Disabled, Female, Green, LGBTQ+, Mixed, Minority, Muslim, Newly Registered or PWD. If you have any particular requirements in respect of the recruitment or interview process, please mention this during your application.

Every employee will be required to complete a DBS check. The level of the check required will be based on the activity of the specific job role and in line with legislation and government guidance.