Youth Engagement Officer

Watford FC's Community Sports & Education Trust; Watford; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused charity in Watford is seeking a Youth Engagement Officer to inspire young people through sport and education, promote social inclusion, and foster community spirit. The ideal candidate will have qualifications in youth work, proven experience in engaging youth, and strong skills in building community partnerships. This role offers a chance to join an award-winning charity with extensive training opportunities and comprehensive employee benefits, contributing to the development of safer and more inclusive communities.

Benefits

25 days of Annual Leave plus bank holidays

Watford FC staff kit

Complimentary tickets for home fixtures

Free gym usage

Travel mileage for work-related expenses

Employee Assistance Programme

Access to a company laptop and mobile phone

Trust pension scheme

Qualifications

• Experience working with young people in community and school settings.
• Knowledge and skills to engage and inspire youth from various backgrounds.
• Flexibility to work unsociable hours.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and deliver social inclusion programs for young people.
• Promote pro-social attitudes to foster community.
• Ensure quality services through volunteer management.

Skills

Engagement with young people

Motivation skills

Communication skills

Knowledge of local areas

Education

Level 2 in Youth Work qualifications

Degree related to this role

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Teams

Job description

Department: Watford FC Community Sports and Education Trust

Reporting to: Premier League Kicks Manager

Hours: 40 per week

Salary: £27,040 to £34,320 pa

Location: Meriden Community Centre, Garsmouth Way, Watford WD25 9ET

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: Sunday 10 January 2026

Interview Date: Monday 19 January 2026

Summary of your role

Are you passionate about inspiring young people to reach their potential? Would you like to make a positive difference through sport, personal development, and education? Then look no further and apply to join Watford FC’s Community Sports & Education Trust’s social inclusion department to provide opportunities for young people in areas of high need to create safer and more inclusive communities!

Your key responsibilities, but not limited to

The Youth Engagement Officer (YEO) will be responsible for the coordination and delivery of the Trust’s social inclusion provision in Hertfordshire including Premier League Kicks and targeted interventions. The role will provide regular, inclusive, and free opportunities for young people aged 8-18 to play and coach football other sports. It will require improving the physical and mental wellbeing of young people to enhance self-esteem, confidence, and social skills. The YEO will create a culture of volunteering, youth voice, and positive role models, to increase social responsibility, a sense of community, and help young people understand the value of their contributions. The role will be responsible for promoting pro‑social attitudes and behaviours to create safer and more inclusive communities by working closely with the participants, parents/guardians, police, and other stakeholders. In addition, the YEO will provide opportunities for young people to transition into positive pathways in education, training and employment, through workshops and a structured mentoring programme. The role involves coordinating casual coaches and volunteers to ensure that the services offered are of the highest quality and provide opportunities which inspire, engage, motivate, and empower young people to realise their potential.

You Must Have

• Minimum of Level 2 in Youth Work qualifications
• Proven track record of working with young people during both community hours and in school settings
• Ability to engage, motivate, and inspire young people from all backgrounds
• Knowledge of Watford, St Albans, Hemel Hempstead, and surrounding areas
• In date Safeguarding Children & First Aid certificates
• Experience of managing or supervising staff/volunteers
• Experience of developing and maintaining key stakeholder partnerships in the youth work sector
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Teams
• Have a flexible approach to work and be able to work unsociable hours
• A full driving licence and access to a vehicle for business use.

You would ideally have

• Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Football
• A degree related to this role
• Other NGB and Youth Work qualifications (willing to work towards)
• Teaching qualification (PTTLs, DTTLs)
• Experience of writing development plans, work programmes, and reports.
• Experience of managing budgets
• Experience of using information operating systems for monitoring and evaluation purposes

About Us

We are a well‑established and forward‑looking charity with a long and highly regarded record of delivering a broad range of community‑based activities and services. Our work focuses on the key themes of Football & Education, Health & Wellbeing, Social Inclusion, enhanced by community facilities and supported by a business services department.

Our Vision: One goal – healthier, happier, stronger communities.

Our Mission: To expand the Watford FC family by providing opportunities in Hertfordshire and London, to enrich people’s lives, create special memories, and enable positive futures.

Our Values: To be honest, reliable, and trustworthy – Integrity. To be inclusive in all our decision‑making – Inclusivity. To be bold and creative in the way we work – Innovation.

Our Culture: We are a values‑based and vision‑driven charity, who put our people and our beneficiaries at the heart of everything we do and why we do it.

What is in it for you

• Chance to join an award‑winning charity and work alongside a high‑quality delivery team, determined to use the positive power of sport, physical activity and learning for social good.
• 25 days of Annual Leave entitlement plus bank holidays
• Watford FC staff kit provided relevant to the role
• Opportunities to benefit from a range of training and development opportunities from partners including the Premier League Foundation
• Two complimentary tickets for every Watford FC home fixture (after successful probation)
• Free gym usage at our two Community Centres
• Travel mileage for work related expenses
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to a company laptop and mobile phone to carry out the role
• Trust pension scheme

Equal Opportunities

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and dynamic working environment by building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more wide‑ranging we are, the better our work will be.

Safeguarding

We are committed to Safeguarding children and adults at risk. The necessary Disclosure and Barring Service check will apply to this post.

Application process

• If you meet the qualifying criteria, you will be sent a link to our application form. Please complete and return your application form to your initial application email. We will then consider your application.
• If you require any further information or wish to discuss the opportunity, please contact [e-mail]