Football Development Officer

Be part of our journey...

Location: St Mary's Stadium

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Permanent

Criminal Record Check: DBS Enhanced with Childs Barred List

What is the role?

We are seeking an enthusiastic and commercially minded Football Development Officer to help lead the planning, delivery and growth of Southampton FC’s school holiday football programmes. This is an opportunity to shape memorable football experiences for young people, bringing the Southampton Way to life across our Soccer Schools, specialist Player Development Camps and distinctive partner programmes. From our home at Staplewood Campus to venues across Hampshire and the Channel Islands, and our Saints at Sea programme with P&O Cruises, you will help ensure every participant enjoys a high-quality, engaging and well-organised experience while contributing to the department’s participation, revenue and profit targets.

What will you be doing?

You will take a lead role in coordinating and managing our school holiday football offer, helping turn each course into an outstanding Southampton FC experience. This includes our Soccer Schools for children of a range of abilities across Hampshire and the Channel Islands, exclusive courses at Staplewood Campus, and Player Development Camps that give aspiring players an insight into the Club’s Academy environment. You will also support the delivery and development of Saints at Sea with P&O Cruises, taking the Southampton FC experience beyond our usual venues. You will oversee planning, staffing, logistics and delivery, ensuring programmes are safe, engaging, consistent and aligned with the Club’s standards.

Working closely with the Head of Football Programmes, you will help shape the seasonal programme calendar, coordinate staffing and resources, monitor budgets and performance, and identify ways to grow participation, customer satisfaction and commercial results. You will build strong working relationships with venues, schools and delivery partners, ensuring commitments are met and that each programme runs smoothly. You will also recruit, support, develop and mentor coaching staff, using observations and feedback to maintain excellent coaching standards and a positive experience for every player.

The role offers variety and the opportunity to contribute to wider UK and international football programmes, including delivery away from home when required. You will use customer feedback, quality assurance and programme data to inform improvements, support player progression pathways and contribute to departmental reporting. As a key member of the team, you will help develop new ideas and opportunities, champion high standards and ensure our programmes reflect the values and ambition of Southampton Football Club.

Is this you?

You are a proactive, organised and commercially aware football development professional who is excited by the opportunity to deliver memorable experiences for young players during their school holidays. You enjoy bringing people together, managing the detail behind successful programmes and finding ways to improve and grow a service. With experience of coordinating football or sports programmes, supporting coaching staff and building relationships with a range of stakeholders, you take pride in quality delivery, excellent customer service and creating an environment where players can learn, develop and enjoy their football.

Essential Skills, Qualifications and Experience 

• Knowledge of commercial football delivery, both in professional clubs and private companies  
• Experience of quality assurance procedures relevant to the industry sector.  
• A strong knowledge of Southampton FC’s FDSC programme and how the Club can use the ‘Southampton Way’ values to promote our paid provisions. 
• Experience in line management of staff and coaches. 
• Proven track record of implementing football and multisport programmes to generate income. 
• Have a good understanding of the components needed to ensure the SFC is the ‘Best in practice’ for football
• Minimum of 3 years industry experience 
• Hold a minimum of a UEFA C Licence/FA Level Two 

Desirable Skills, Qualifications and Experience 

• Have a good understanding of the key sports coaching providers across Hampshire and the services they offer, ensuring SFC is effectively positioned as market leader. 

• Line management experience of full time staff and performance processes 

• UEFA B License  

How this benefits you… 

If you are successful, you can look forward to a healthy benefits package; 

• Access to 2 free match tickets for every home league game
• Access to our staff Health & Wellbeing initiatives (Mental & Physical Health).
• Discounted Southampton Football Club merchandise.

• 26 days’ holiday per year excluding bank holidays plus your birthday off each year.

• Contributory Pension Scheme.
• Worldwide Travel Insurance for you and your family.
• Learning & Development opportunities - supporting you to develop your potential and achieve in your career.
• Free onsite parking.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Collaborative & inclusive working culture.

How can I apply? 

Just click on the apply button, enter your details and answer a quick pre-screening questionnaire, then attach your CV. 

The closing date for applications is 09 November 2026.

*We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if a high volume of applicants are received. * 

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect everyone to share this commitment. You will be required to adhere to all relevant policies and uphold the Club’s commitment to safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk and to ensure that Southampton Football Club is free from discrimination and harassment.

The post holder will demonstrate a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, supporting the organisation’s strategic aims to remove barriers and address inequality. You will play an active role in promoting an inclusive, discrimination-free environment that ensures fair access to opportunities and resources. This includes fostering a culture of dignity, respect, and belonging where everyone is empowered to contribute, perform, and reach their full potential.