Coach Development Lead

Football Association of Ireland; Blanchardstown; Hybrid; EUR 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Two premium international matchTickets

Company pension and life assurance

Sick pay scheme

Family-friendly leave

Hybrid and flexible working

Free onsite parking

Job summary

The Football Association of Ireland is seeking a Coach Development Lead to advance coaching excellence across Ireland. You will enhance learning pathways, develop coaching expertise, and support coaches through formal FAI programmes and mentoring within the Football Pathways Plan.

Key responsibilities include designing and delivering coach development courses, building communities of practice, and ensuring quality assurance in line with UEFA and Sport Ireland.

Qualifications

• UEFA B Licence required; UEFA A Licence desirable.
• Significant coaching or coach development experience.
• Strong knowledge of the UEFA Coaching Convention and FAI framework.
• Proven ability to design, deliver and evaluate development programmes.

Responsibilities

• Support design, delivery and improvement of FAI Education & Development strategy.
• Plan and lead formal coach development courses and CPD for coaches.
• Lead and support the national network of Club Mark Heads of Football.
• Build communities of practice and mentoring for coaches at all levels.
• Implement quality assurance and evaluate programme impact for UEFA/Sport Ireland compliance.
• Collaborate with regional staff, clubs, leagues and represent FAI at forums.

Skills

Coaching experience

Programme design

Facilitation

Relationship management

Communication skills

Education

QQI Coach Developer Level 7

UEFA B Licence

UEFA A Licence desirable

Job description

The Football Association of Ireland is looking for a Coach Development Lead to advance the growth and quality of football coaching across Ireland.

The Role

You will enhance learning pathways, develop coaching expertise and support coaches through formal FAI programmes and informal learning such as mentoring and communities of practice, in line with the FAI’s Football Pathways Plan and Coach Development Framework.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the design, delivery and continuous improvement of the FAI’s Education & Development strategy
• Plan and lead the delivery of formal FAI coach development courses and ongoing CPD for qualified coaches
• Lead, train and support the national network of FAI Club Mark Heads of Football
• Build communities of practice and facilitate mentoring for coaches in grassroots, academy and other environments
• Implement quality assurance processes and evaluate programme impact, ensuring UEFA and Sport Ireland compliance
• Work with regional FAI staff, clubs and leagues, and represent the FAI at national and international forums

About You

• A UEFA B Licence (UEFA A Licence desirable)
• Significant coaching and/or coach development experience
• Strong understanding of the UEFA Coaching Convention and FAI Coach Education framework
• A track record of designing, delivering and evaluating coach development programmes
• Excellent communication, facilitation and relationship-management skills
• A QQI Coach Developer Level 7 (or equivalent) qualification is desirable

Benefits

• Two premium-level tickets to each home international game
• Opportunities to work at international matches
• Company pension and life assurance
• Sick pay scheme and family-friendly leave
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• Free onsite parking, bike to work scheme and employee assistance programme
• Discounted access to the National Aquatic Centre and gym complex

Key Details

• Location: FAI Headquarters, Abbotstown, Dublin 15
• Contract: Permanent, full time
• Closing date: 6 November 2026