Academy Development & Support Manager

• Work collaboratively with the League's Academy Auditing and Quality Assurance partners to support clubs in developing, implementing and reviewing Academy Development Plans aligned with strategic objectives.


• Support academies in establishing priorities, measurable KPIs and continuous improvement plans, using quality assurance insights, benchmarking and performance data to inform decision-making.


• Develop trusted relationships with allocated academies, acting as a strategic partner and trusted advisor by providing constructive challenge, practical support and expert guidance.


• Conduct academy visits, review meetings and development planning sessions to assess progress, identify opportunities and provide tailored support.


• Support Club Leadership Teams and Academy staff in enhancing player development environments, organisational effectiveness and academy operations, including delivery of strategic projects aligned with national player development objectives.


• Promote collaboration, innovation and the sharing of best practice across the League of Ireland Academy network.


• Support the strategic development, review and continuous improvement of the League of Ireland Academy Games Programme, ensuring competitions, festivals, tournaments and showcase events provide high-quality, player-centred learning environments.


• Contribute to the design and evaluation of Games Programme activities that promote player learning, coach development and positive parent engagement.


• Build effective relationships with Youth National Team staff and key stakeholders to ensure alignment, information sharing and consistency across the player development and progression pathway.


• Use stakeholder feedback, performance insights and emerging best practice to enhance programme effectiveness and alignment with national player development objectives.


• Work collaboratively with the League's Academy Auditing and Quality Assurance partners to coordinate academy reviews and organisational development processes.


• Support clubs in implementing recommendations arising from reviews, audits and assessments, promoting continuous improvement across the academy network.


• Promote high standards of governance, safeguarding, player welfare and compliance with academy regulations, policies and reporting requirements.


• Act as a key link between clubs, Academy Auditing and Quality Assurance partners, the League of Ireland Academy Department and relevant internal stakeholders.


• Contribute to the ongoing enhancement of quality assurance frameworks that support safe, inclusive and player-centred development environments.


• Collaborate with the Club Licensing Department to promote, monitor and support safeguarding compliance across League of Ireland academies.


• Work collaboratively with the League's Academy Auditing and Quality Assurance partners to support the implementation and ongoing development of the LOI Academy Mark across the League of Ireland Academy system.


• Assist clubs in evaluating improvement initiatives and demonstrating the impact of academy investment on player development, organisational effectiveness and overall academy outcomes.


• Contribute to the ongoing refinement and evolution of the LOI Academy Mark to ensure it remains a leading framework for quality, development and excellence within Irish football.


• Identify and promote emerging best practice and innovation from across Irish and international football.


• Contribute to research, policy development and strategic projects that strengthen the League of Ireland Academy system.

Requirements

• UEFA A Licence or equivalent qualification and/or significant experience within elite player development, academy leadership, education or performance environments.


• Significant experience within football, youth development, education, talent development or academy environments.


• Strong understanding of long-term player development principles and talent pathway systems.


• Experience supporting organisational improvement, strategic planning and development programmes.


• Experience working with senior leaders and managing complex stakeholder relationships.


• Ability to develop, implement and monitor strategic development plans and improvement frameworks.


• Experience using data, performance insights and evidence-based approaches to support decision-making and evaluate impact.


• Excellent communication, presentation and report-writing skills.


• Ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary environments.


• Strong organisational, planning and project management skills.


• A proactive and solutions-focused approach to supporting clubs and driving continuous improvement.


• Willingness to travel regularly and work evenings and weekends where required.


• Successful completion of Garda Vetting and Safeguarding 2 certification prior to commencement of employment.

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in player development, strategic planning, and quality assurance within academy environments, with a strong focus on collaboration and continuous improvement. Proficient in using performance data and insights to inform decision-making and enhance organisational effectiveness.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• UEFA A Licence


• Player Development


• Strategic Planning


• Stakeholder Management


• Quality Assurance

ATS Optimization Keywords
Hard Skills

• Data Analysis


• Performance Insights


• Improvement Frameworks


• Project Management


• Report Writing

Soft Skills

• Excellent Communication


• Collaboration


• Organizational Skills


• Proactive Approach


• Solutions-Focused

Certifications & Qualifications

• Garda Vetting


• Safeguarding 2 Certification

Industry Keywords

• Youth Development


• Talent Development


• Academy Leadership


• Long-Term Player Development


• Academy Regulations