Coach Development Lead

Football-Association-of-Irelan; Dublin; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Two premium level tickets to each home

Sick pay scheme and family friendly

Company pension

Job summary

Football Association of Ireland is seeking a Coach Development Lead to advance coaching growth across Ireland. The role focuses on learning pathway enhancement, coaching expertise development, and supporting coaches through formal FAI programmes and mentoring communities, aligning with the Football Pathways Plan and Coach Development Framework.

The role collaborates across the FAI and football network to ensure access to modern, inclusive, high-quality development opportunities, while delivering

Qualifications

• Essential: UEFA B Licence and significant coaching/coach development experience.
• Desirable: UEFA A Licence and QQI Coach Developer Level 7 or equivalent.
• Good understanding of UEFA Coaching Convention and FAI Coach Education framework.
• Strong communication, facilitation and relationship-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, deliver, and improve the FAI Education & Development strategy.
• Align coach development activities with FAI strategy, UEFA conventions, and Sport Ireland standards.
• Develop learning pathways from grassroots to elite levels.
• Lead delivery of FAI Coach Development courses (e.g., Me & My, Grassroots).
• Provide ongoing CPD and support for qualified coaches.
• Create inclusive, high-quality learning environments and regional delivery.
• Build communities of practice and mentor/coaches in various environments.
• Evaluate programmes using data and KPIs; ensure compliance with standards.

Skills

Coach development

Adult learning

Programme design

Mentoring

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

IT proficiency

Education

UEFA B Licence

Coaching experience

UEFA Coaching Convention knowledge

QQI Coach Developer Level 7

UEFA A Licence

Job description

The Coach Development Lead is responsible for advancing the growth and quality of football coaching across Ireland. The role focuses on enhancing learning pathways, developing coaching expertise, and supporting coaches through formal FAI programmes and informal learning environments such as mentoring and communities of practice.

Working collaboratively across the FAI and the wider football network, this role ensures that Irish coaches have access to modern, inclusive, and high-quality development opportunities aligned with the FAI’s Football Pathways Plan and Coach Development Framework.

The Position

The Coach Development Lead is responsible for advancing the growth and quality of football coaching across Ireland. The role focuses on enhancing learning pathways, developing coaching expertise, and supporting coaches through formal FAI programmes and informal learning environments such as mentoring and communities of practice.

Key Responsibilities

Programme Development

• Support the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of the FAI’s Education & Development strategy.
• Align all coach development activities with the FAI strategy, UEFA Coaching Convention, and Sport Ireland Coaching Framework.
• Support the development of a coherent learning pathway for coaches from grassroots to elite level .
• Promote a culture of lifelong learning, reflection, and innovation in coaching.

Delivery

• Plan and lead the delivery of formal FAI Coach Development courses (e.g., Me & My, Grassroots Coach programmes).
• Integrate modern coaching and learning methodologies including blended learning and experiential approaches.
• Provide ongoing CPD and development support for qualified coaches.
• Ensure the creation of inclusive, participant- centred , high-quality learning environments.
• Support delivery of regional FAI activities as required.

Coach Developer & Mentor Support

• Lead, train, and support the national network of FAI Club Mark Heads of Football.
• Build communities of practice that promote collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and reflective practice.
• Facilitate mentoring and informal support for coaches in grassroots, academy, and other environments.

Quality Assurance & Impact

• Implement robust quality assurance processes for all development and education programmes.
• Evaluate programme impact using data, feedback, and performance indicators.
• Ensure compliance with UEFA and Sport Ireland standards and maintain all required records and reporting.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with regional FAI staff, Clubs, and Leagues to identify and address local coach development needs.
• Build strong external relationships with international partners, educational institutions, and other key bodies.
• Represent the FAI at national and international forums related to coach education and development.

The Person

• Passionate advocate for coach development and lifelong learning.
• Reflective, empathetic, and coach- centred in approach.
• Innovative, adaptable, and committed to high standards.
• Strong leadership, facilitation, and organisational capability.
• Committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion within football.

Skills and Professional Knowledge

• Coach development and adult learning methodologies
• Programme design and evaluation
• Mentoring and facilitation
• Stakeholder engagement
• Knowledge of football development structures
• Strong administrative and organisational skills
• Leadership & people management
• Communication & collaboration
• Strategic thinking & problem solving
• Quality & standards focus

Experience and Qualifications

Essential:

• UEFA B Licence .
• Significant coaching and/or coach development experience.
• Strong understanding of the UEFA Coaching Convention and FAI Coach Education framework.
• Track record in designing, delivering, and evaluating coach development programmes.
• Experience mentoring or supporting coaches in formal and informal settings.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and relationship-management skills.
• Strong administrative skills and familiarity with relevant IT systems.
• Experience managing projects and working collaboratively.
• Experience delivering learner- centred , reality-based coaching environments.

Desirable:

• UEFA A Licence
• QQI Coach Developer Level 7 (or equivalent).
• Experience as a Coach Developer, Tutor, or Mentor in a recognised association.
• Knowledge of the Irish football development system.
• Experience delivering blended or digital learning

Closing date for applications is Friday, 6th November 2026.

The Football Association of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and promotes, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I).

About us

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is the national governing body for football in Ireland, driving the growth, promotion, and development of the game at all levels. We are passionate about inspiring participation, supporting talent, and celebrating the power of football to unite communities across the country. With a proud history and an ambitious vision for the future, the FAI is committed to fostering excellence on and off the pitch, ensuring the game is inclusive, accessible, and a source of national pride.

Our Benefits

• Two premium level tickets to each home international game
• Sick pay scheme and family friendly leave
• Opportunities to work at international matches
• Company pension
• Life assurance
• Bike to work scheme
• Free onsite parking
• Employee assistance program
• Hybrid working arrangements and flexible hours working arrangements
• Discounted access to the National Aquatic Centre and gym complex