Careers

About Us

Formed in 1884 with 11 founding clubs, Oxfordshire FA have been governing, supporting and growing the beautiful game in the county for over 140 years. We now represent over 20,000 players, 200 clubs, 1,000 teams and thousands more volunteers of all ages from grassroots to the EFL Championship. 

As the home of local football at the heart of our community, we're proud to be developing the sport in Oxfordshire, providing opportunities For All, regardless of age, ability, faith, gender, sexuality or background to get involved in the game - in whatever role they choose.

We are the beating heart of football in Oxfordshire. We are one team. Our volunteers are our lifeblood. We believe in creativity, collaboration and continuous improvement. Our mission is to sustainably grow the local grassroots game for the benefit of the whole community.

About The Role

Purpose

To locally deliver The FA’s new landmark four year strategy - ‘A Thriving Grassroots Game’, we have created an exciting new role to develop a local network of thriving community clubs providing a brilliant football offer to their communities. The Club and Facilities Development Officer will work as part of our dedicated Football Development Team to support and develop our England Accredited clubs to grow and sustain opportunities whilst providing a quality experience for all both on and off the pitch.

Key responsibilities

Club development

• Develop and manage positive relationships with England Football Accredited 2* and 3* clubs by engaging key club leaders.
• Engage 2* and 3* England Football Accredited clubs with the Thriving Community Clubs Framework and support them with completing relevant assessments for each pillar on the Club Programme Platform.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including FA Club Consultants, the Football Foundation, casual workforce roles (e.g. Community Champions), and other strategic partners to support the development of Thriving Community Clubs.
• Utilise insight to identify gaps support 2*and 3* clubs in developing pathways and/or effective club partnerships to meet 3* England Football Accredited club criteria.
• Collaborate with FA Club Consultants to identify needs based on framework insights and design appropriate interventions.
• Adopt a strategic approach to deploying national professional services, technical experts and any local resource to support the growth and sustainability of Thriving Community Clubs.
• Develop positive relationships with the Men’s National League System (NLS) and Women’s Football Pyramid (WFP) clubs within the County.
• Understand the coach and volunteer requirements within Thriving Community Clubs and support clubs with the growth, diversity, retention and celebration of their workforce.
• Oversee the promotion and support provided to England Football
• Accredited clubs with their annual renewal process through the Football Support Services Team

Facility Development 

• Identify facility development opportunities within Thriving Community Clubs and work with the Head of Football Operations to bring these to fruition.
• Deliver all activities that ensure every affiliated football fixture is played on a ‘good’ quality pitch
•  Track the delivery of Football Foundation Grass Pitch Maintenance Grants and work with the Grounds Management Association (GMA) Regional Pitch Advisor and relevant partners to ensure recipients achieve and maintain the required ‘good’ standard.
• Develop collaborative working partnerships with local authorities, clubs, leagues, schools and other facility providers in regard to the provision and maintenance of grass pitches.
• Support the promotion and delivery of Football Foundation facility initiatives targeted at England Football Accredited 2* and 3* accredited clubs such as Howdens Game Changer and Greener Game schemes.

General

• Execute tasks as required to meet Oxfordshire FA changing priorities.
• Support the continued delivery of The FA Respect Programme and implementation of addressing poor behaviour initiatives across the club network.
• Contribute to ensuring that safeguarding and equality are embedded throughout Oxfordshire FA and grassroots football.
• Collaborate with the Designated Safeguarding Officer in all matters involving under-18s and adults at risk within club development programmes.
• Support the adoption of FA technology systems across grassroots football.
• Comply with FA rules, regulations, policies, procedures and guidance that are in place from time to time.
• To support delivery of The FA Grassroots Football Strategy and Oxfordshire FA Business Strategy. 

Further Information

Location

This is a hybrid role with opportunities to work remotely from the Oxfordshire FA office (currently Bodicote, OX15 4AA looking to move to Bicester), home and around the county.

Hours

35 hours per week (requirement to work evenings and weekends in line with the demands of the role).

Contract

Full time - Fixed Term Contract (Expiring June 2028). 

How to apply
For more information or an informal discussion about the role please contact Andy Earnshaw, Head of Football Operations via email at: Andy.Earnshaw@OxfordshireFA.com or call: 07856 902738.

Complete the online optional equality and diversity monitoring form here and email your up to date CV and covering letter, setting out how you feel you can meet the requirements of the role, to: Andy.Earnshaw@OxfordshireFA.com with 'Club and Facilities Development Officer Vacancy' in the email's subject line.

The deadline for applications is 11:59pm on Sunday 9th February 2025. In-person interviews will take place on Wednesday 19th February 2025.

Further information
Oxfordshire FA are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applicants from all communities. Due to the nature of the role, the successful candidate may need to undertake an FA Enhanced DBS check before commencement in the post. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and all members of the board are required to keep up to date with training and qualifications to ensure we are keeping our football community safe. 

Apply for role

Closing date: 9th February 2025