National Youth Soccer Development Officer

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Professional development opportunities

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington, Northern Cape, South Africa, seeks a National Youth Soccer Development Officer to lead national youth programs and talent pathways. You will design curricula, coordinate youth coaching education, and partner with clubs, schools, and communities to grow the game.

The role requires 5+ years in youth soccer, SAFA licenses, and strong stakeholder engagement, with a focus on strategic planning and reporting to senior management. A passion for youth development is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a sports-related field or equivalent.
• 5+ years in youth soccer coaching, development, or administration.
• Coaching qualifications (SAFA Licenses or equivalent) essential.
• Experience in talent identification and player pathway development.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage national youth development strategies and programs.
• Identify and assess talented youth players across age groups.
• Create and disseminate age-appropriate coaching curricula and methods.
• Organize coaching education clinics and workshops for grassroots coaches.
• Collaborate with regional associations, schools, and communities to boost participation.
• Monitor progress and report to senior management on pathways and outcomes.
• Build partnerships to secure resources and support for initiatives.
• Align programs with organizational vision and global best practices.
• Promote safe, inclusive, and positive environments for youth participants.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Presentation skills

Project management

Strategic planning

Stakeholder management

Coaching pedagogy

Education

Bachelor's degree in Sports Management, Education or related field

Tools

Data management software

Reporting 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.