High-Performance Football Academy Director - WhatJobs Direct

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,700,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced High-Performance Football Academy Director in Centurion, Gauteng. You will lead the strategic direction, curriculum development and operations of a prestigious youth football academy aimed at nurturing elite talent.

The role requires UEFA A/B or equivalent qualifications, strong leadership and extensive experience in youth development, sports science and performance analysis.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in football coaching, player development and sports management.
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performance academies.
• Experience in budgeting, fundraising and sponsorship management.
• Strong understanding of youth development principles and performance analytics.

Responsibilities

• Develop a world-class football development curriculum covering technical, tactical, physical and psychological aspects.
• Recruit, mentor and evaluate a team of coaches and support staff.
• Identify and retain talented players from Centurion and surrounding regions.
• Establish clear player pathways from grassroots to professional levels.
• Ensure compliance with sporting regulations and ethical standards.
• Manage the academy budget, resources, fundraising and sponsorships.
• Foster relationships with clubs, associations, schools and stakeholders.
• Implement robust performance analysis and monitoring systems.
• Create a positive, disciplined and supportive learning environment.
• Promote the academy’s values within the Gauteng Leisure & Sports community.

Skills

Football coaching

Player development

Strategic planning

Budget management

Stakeholder management

Performance analysis

Education

Sports Science degree

Sports Management degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading sports development organization situated in Centurion, Gauteng, is looking for an experienced and visionary High-Performance Football Academy Director. This critical role involves overseeing the strategic direction, operational management, and overall success of a prestigious football academy dedicated to nurturing elite young talent. The Director will be responsible for curriculum development, coaching staff management, player development pathways, and ensuring the academy aligns with national and international best practices in youth football development. This is an unparalleled opportunity to shape the next generation of professional footballers in Centurion.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a world-class football development curriculum, encompassing technical, tactical, physical, and psychological aspects of the game.
• Recruit, manage, mentor, and evaluate a team of high-quality football coaches and support staff.
• Oversee the identification, recruitment, and retention of talented young players from Centurion and surrounding regions.
• Establish and manage clear player development pathways from grassroots to professional levels.
• Ensure the academy operates in compliance with all relevant sporting regulations and ethical standards.
• Manage the academy's budget effectively, including resource allocation, fundraising initiatives, and sponsorship management.
• Foster strong relationships with professional clubs, national football associations, educational institutions, and community stakeholders.
• Implement robust performance analysis and monitoring systems for players and coaching staff.
• Create and maintain a positive, disciplined, and supportive learning environment for all academy participants.
• Promote the academy's values and ethos throughout the Gauteng Leisure & Sports community.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in football coaching, player development, and sports management, preferably in an academy setting.
• A UEFA A or B coaching license, or equivalent international qualification, is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated success in developing young players and implementing high-performance programs.
• Proven leadership and management skills, with experience in leading and motivating diverse teams.
• Strong understanding of youth development principles, sports science, and performance analysis.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in budget management, fundraising, and securing sponsorships.
• A relevant degree in Sports Science, Sports Management, or a related field is preferred.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and travel as required by competition schedules.
• A clean criminal record and passion for youth empowerment through sport in Centurion.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive executive salary package, including performance-based incentives, comprehensive health benefits, and a generous retirement plan. Opportunities for international travel, professional development, and networking within the global Leisure & Sports industry are provided. The chance to lead a state-of-theat facility in Centurion and make a lasting impact on football development.