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Coaching and Sports Development
Location
Nationwide
Salary
£25,000
Organisation
Essex County Football Association
Contract
Full Time
Closing date: 27th August 2025
The Essex County Football Association (Essex FA) is the governing body for football in Essex, dedicated to developing and managing the sport at the grassroots level. Established in 1882, it oversees a large number of clubs, teams, referees, and volunteers, aiming to provide safe and enjoyable football experiences for all.
The Essex County FA are excited to announce a fantastic opportunity for an experienced individual to join their renowned Development Team as a Football Development Officer (FDO), covering the districts of Braintree, Colchester, Maldon and Tendring.
The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering the FA Grassroots Football Strategy and the County FA’s #MovingForward Strategy 2028. The position focuses on growing participation, enhancing the quality of football pathways and upholding the highest safeguarding standards across the county. Importantly, this is not a coaching role, but a strategic and developmental one.
Key responsibilities will include developing and delivering sustainable plans to grow participation and improve quality across all football pathways, as well as ensuring effective implementation of The FA’s Safeguarding Operating Standard for County FAs.
Ideal candidates will be university graduates (or equivalent), with strategy knowledge and a proven track record of working in sports development for at least two years. They’ll be able to demonstrate the ability to build strong working relationships with a variety of stakeholders, hold a full driving licence (with access to a vehicle) and be available for evening and weekend work when required.
This permanent, full-time position will be based at the Association’s headquarters in Chelmsford, with flexible home working available. Alongside driving football participation in these local authorities above, the new FDO will strategically lead the Disability Player Pathway, coordinating with football development colleagues to drive disability football opportunities. Applications are required by Wednesday 27th August.
The benefits include flexible hybrid working, bespoke training programmes delivered through The FA and the County FA, opportunities to attend major football events - including the FA Cup and Carabao Cup Finals and England internationals - plus access to Nike kits and exclusive discounts.
How to apply
To apply please complete the application form ensuring the personal statement is used to detail how your knowledge, experience and skillset meet the role profile. We invite candidates to complete the Equality & Diversity Monitoring Form and submit along with your application to recruitment@essexfa.com. No CV’s are accepted as an application.
If you’d like an informal discussion about the role directly please contact our Football Development Manager, Karl Sear.
Closing date: 27 August
Provisional first stage interview (via Teams): 1 September
In person interview at Essex County FA Offices: 9 September
Apply for roleClosing date: 27th August 2025
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