Academy Manager

We are looking for an exceptional Academy Manager to lead the Bristol City Women’s FC (BCWFC) Professional Game Academy (PGA) shaping the future of the clubs player pathway and programme.

The Academy Manager will be responsible for developing the next generation of future BCWFC players. They will lead and inspire a safe, inclusive and high-performing environment that enables players to reach their potential and progress through a clearly defined pathway into senior professional football. Develop dynamic and adaptable players, supported by a club-wide football philosophy, a strong dual-career programme, and a high-quality coaching and performance workforce.

They will continually evaluate performance and investment to drive improvement and maximise impact, whilst ensuring the PGA programme and wider pathway meets or exceeds FA licensing requirements, while acting as a strong advocate for the growth and development of the women’s game.

The ideal candidate will combine deep Women’s Football expertise with passion for youth development, strong leadership, and cultural-building capabilities to position BCWFC as a true leader and innovator in player development.

The role is based full-time in Bristol, with travel as required and commensurate with the responsibilities of the position.

Key Responsibilities

Academy Leadership

• Lead, manage and develop all aspects of the BCWFC Pathway.
• Create a positive, ambitious and inclusive culture aligned with the club’s values and football philosophy.
• Develop and implement the Academy’s strategic plan and annual objectives.
• Manage Academy budgets and resources effectively.
• Ensure compliance with all FA, WSL, PGA, safeguarding and regulatory requirements.
• Be a member of the Club’s Technical Board.

Player Development

• Design and oversee a holistic player development programme aligned to the club’s football philosophy.
• Develop a clear pathway that prepares players for senior professional football.
• Ensure individual player development plans are in place, regularly reviewed and monitored.
• Support players’ technical, tactical, physical, psychological and social development through the FA Four Corner Model.
• Ensure all players receive appropriate education, wellbeing and dual-career support.
• Lead player selection processes in conjunction with the club’s Talent Identification strategy.

Safeguarding, Welfare and Inclusion

• Ensure player welfare and safeguarding remain an operational priority at all times.
• Work closely with safeguarding leads to create a safe and supportive environment for all players and staff.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion across all Academy activities.
• Foster a culture where every player feels valued, supported and able to thrive.

Stakeholder Management

• Develop strong relationships with players, parents, schools, clubs, the FA, WSL and other key stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively with First Team staff to support player transitions into senior football.
• Build productive relationships with partner clubs and organisations that support player development.
• Represent the Academy internally and externally in a professional manner.
• Rules and regulations
• Lead Academy audits, reviews and accreditation processes.
• Ensure all operational activities meet FA, PGA and WSL standards.
• Maintain accurate reporting and data management processes.
• Monitor performance against Academy objectives and provide regular reports to senior leadership.

• Experience working within talent development and player pathway environments.
• Experience designing and managing youth player development programmes.
• Experience leading and managing staff and multidisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge and understanding of long-term athlete development.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection practices.
• UEFA B Licence / FA Level 3 or above (or equivalent experience where appropriate).
• National Talent Identification and Scouting in Football (Level 2) (or higher)
• FA Safeguarding Children qualification.
• FA Level 1 Introduction to First Aid in Football (IFAiF) or FA Emergency First Aid qualification.
• Female Athlete HER CPD
• Enhanced DBS clearance.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable

• UEFA A Licence (Or working towards)
• Experience working within a PGA or Elite Player Performance environment.
• First Team and multidisciplinary team experience.
• Degree qualification in a relevant subject area.
• Knowledge of female athlete development and the women’s game.
• Experience of talent identification and recruitment.
• Coaching, mentoring or leadership qualifications., * Be passionate about player development and the women’s game.
• Demonstrate strong leadership and relationship-building skills.
• Be highly organised, adaptable and resilient.
• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Show integrity, professionalism and accountability.
• Be committed to continuous learning and personal development.
• Foster collaboration, innovation and a growth mindset within the Academy.