Higher Education Lecturer in Football Coaching and Talent ID

Watford Football Club’s Community Sports and Education Trust is a registered charity that has been proudly supporting people and communities for over thirty years, as originally established by Graham Taylor OBE and Sir Elton John. We continue this legacy today by engaging people of all ages and backgrounds through high-quality community-based initiatives and services.

Higher Education Lecturer in Football Coaching and Talent ID

Salary: £12,000.

Hours: Thursdays 9.00am - 3pm (term time only - 24 weeks)

Location: Cedars Community Centre, Harrow.

Contract type: Fixed term - 1st Sept 2024 - 30th April 2025

Closing date: 6th May 2024

Interview date: 15th May 2024

Summary of your role:

Our unique Foundation Degree in Football Development and Coaching has been running since 2020 and was initially developed as a progression pathway for learners on our Football Education Centres studying BTEC Sport Science and A-Levels. The course covers a broad range of football industry components including coaching, football performance (psychology, nutrition, biomechanics, physiology and performance analysis) research and football development which encompasses all that we do as a Community Trust in using the power of football to positively engage people in the community. With any new programme, we have identified improvements that can be made via staff and student feedback and changes within the industry. We are currently in the process of updating the degree to a 3 year BA/BSc programme which will cover Talent ID and Talent Development. Although these changes are not confirmed yet, we would like to recruit someone who also has some experience and knowledge in these areas as well. Ideally from an academy setting.

Are you a passionate team player who wants to make a positive difference through sport and education?

Look no further and apply to join our Higher Education Team to deliver on our Foundation Degree in Football Development & Coaching. Working closely with Middlesex University and the Higher Education Strategic Lead, you will develop and deliver two football coaching modules; one at level 4 and another at level 5. Each module is delivered for 12 weeks with a minimum 4 hours face to face delivery each week. You will be delivering one module for the Autumn Term (Sept-Dec) and the other module in the Winter term (Jan-April). Delivery currently takes place on Thursdays (although this is subject to change) at Cedars Youth and Community Centre in Harrow. Delivery will be a blend of practical coaching on our 4G astro turf pitch and theory-based workshops and seminars in the classroom. Alongside delivery of the modules, you will also be expected to provide a reasonable level of student support (responding to emails, meetings) and assessment support via feedback and marking.

Your key responsibilities, but not limited to:

To plan and deliver both theory and practical sessions relevant to the module including off-site and/or online where appropriate.

To create assessments that measure the students learning and engagement.

To assess student’s achievement of the module learning outcomes.

To enhance student engagement and contribute to the student learning experience.

To communicate with students including one-to-one meetings, telephone and email correspondence.

To keep up-to date with current research, news and developments in the sector.

Willingness to undertake CPD and relevant training as and when required

Maintain the Virtual Learning Environment including uploading seminar slides, assignments, online tasks and relevant additional information and reading for students.

Assist in the design and implementation of a new degree programme in Football Coaching and Performance.

Undertake specific course management duties to develop and enhance the delivery of the degree under the direction of the Higher Education Strategic Lead. This will include assessment boards, student voice meetings, curriculum development and implementing changes suggested by the external examiner, HE Strategic Lead and the University.

To network with internal and external professionals that can enhance the student learning experience.

Any other duties commensurate within the grade.

You Must Have:

• Masters Degree in relevant subject area.
• Teaching experience ideally at HE level
• Minimum FA Level 2/UEFA C licence
• Industry experience in football coaching at various levels including Talent ID & Development.
• Excellent communication, presentation and inter-personal skills
• Proficient organisation, administration and time management skills.

You would ideally have:

• PG Cert HE or other teaching qualification
• UEFA B licence or above
• Proven experience of working collaboratively with a range of partner organisations who specialise in football coaching
• Excellent word processing skills and ability to learn new programmes and software.
• Desire and motivation to improve, learn and progress both students and yourself.

Benefits of working for us: 

• Chance to join an award-winning charity and work alongside a high-quality delivery team, determined to use the positive power of sport, physical activity and learning for social good.
• Opportunity to benefit from a range of training and development opportunities
• Free Kit
• Personal and Professional Development
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Investors in People accreditation 
• Free gym usage at our two Community Centres 

Our commitment to you:

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI):

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and dynamic working environment by building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Safeguarding:

We provide a safe and secure environment for all. We believe Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children & adults is everyone responsibility. Everyone in the organisation has a role to play, to ensure that Trust policies, procedures and practices in regard to safeguarding are followed.

Application process:

If you meet the qualifying criteria you will be sent a link to our application form. Please complete and return your application form to your initial application email. We will then consider your application.

If you require any further information or wish to discuss the opportunity, please contact Laura.Figg@watfordfc.com