National Youth Soccer Development Officer

Placements24; Riverton (UT); On-site; USD 54,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid and retirement fund

Professional development and coaching

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a prominent national soccer body in recruiting a National Youth Soccer Development Officer to lead youth development programs across South Africa. The role focuses on talent identification, curriculum development, and grassroots coaching education to shape the future of the sport.

The ideal candidate will oversee coaching education clinics, collaborate with schools and regional clubs, and report on program progress to senior management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Education, Kinesiology, or related field.
• 5+ years in youth soccer coaching, development, or administration.
• Coaching licenses/certifications (e.g., SAFA or equivalent).
• Experience in talent identification and player pathway development.
• Understanding of youth development principles and pedagogy.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Project management and cross‑functional collaboration experience.
• Experience delivering training programs/workshops and reporting."
• Proficiency with reporting and data management software.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage national youth soccer development strategies and programs.
• Identify and assess talented players across age groups.
• Create age-appropriate coaching curricula and training methodologies.
• Organize coaching education clinics and workshops for grassroots coaches.
• Collaborate with regional associations, schools, and communities to promote youth participation.
• Monitor progress, report to senior management, and adjust programs as needed.
• Build partnerships to secure resources for youth initiatives.
• Ensure programs align with the organization’s vision for soccer growth.
• Stay updated on global best practices and integrate innovations.
• Promote a safe, inclusive playing environment for all participants.

Skills

Talent identification

Curriculum development

Youth development pedagogy

Coaching education

Stakeholder engagement

Reporting & data management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management / Education / Kinesiology

Tools

Reporting software

Data management tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent national governing body for soccer, is seeking a dedicated and strategic National Youth Soccer Development Officer to spearhead initiatives aimed at nurturing young talent across Upington, Northern Cape and surrounding regions. This role is crucial in shaping the future of soccer in South Africa by establishing and overseeing effective youth development programs, identifying promising players, and supporting grassroots coaching education. The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of youth soccer pedagogy, curriculum development, and talent identification strategies. You will work collaboratively with regional clubs, schools, and stakeholders to foster a robust player development pathway. This is a significant opportunity to make a lasting impact on the sport at a national level within the Northern Cape and contribute to the broader Leisure & Sports landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage national youth soccer development strategies and programs.
• Oversee the identification and assessment of talented young players across various age groups.
• Create and disseminate age-appropriate coaching curricula and training methodologies for youth coaches.
• Organize and conduct coaching education clinics and workshops for grassroots coaches.
• Collaborate with regional soccer associations, schools, and community organizations to promote youth participation.
• Monitor the progress of youth development programs and player pathways, providing regular reports to senior management.
• Foster partnerships with relevant stakeholders to secure resources and support for youth soccer initiatives.
• Ensure that development programs align with the organization's overall vision and objectives for soccer growth.
• Stay informed about global best practices in youth soccer development and integrate relevant innovations.
• Promote a safe, inclusive, and positive playing environment for all young participants.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Sports Management, Education, Kinesiology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in youth soccer coaching, development, or administration.
• Relevant coaching qualifications (e.g., SAFA Coaching Licenses, equivalent international certifications) are essential.
• Demonstrated experience in talent identification and player pathway development.
• Strong understanding of youth development principles, child psychology, and coaching pedagogy.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to manage projects, develop strategic plans, and work effectively with diverse groups.
• Experience in organizing and delivering training programs or workshops.
• Proficiency in relevant software for reporting and data management.
• A deep passion for soccer and a commitment to youth development in South Africa.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package reflective of the national scope of this role, along with performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions are provided.
• Significant opportunities for professional development, including advanced coaching courses and international exposure, are available.
• Generous annual leave is granted, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
• This position offers the immense satisfaction of directly impacting the future of soccer in South Africa, contributing to the grassroots development of talent from Upington, Northern Cape , and working within a dynamic and impactful organization in the Leisure & Sports sector.