Job Title: Head of Academy

Report to:  1st Team Manager

Location: Based at Portadown FC (Shamrock Park – This role is not suited to Remote Working)

Hours of Work: Part-time (Approx 30 hours per week – based on club requirements)

Salary: Competitive salary

 

The Role:

Portadown FC is seeking a strategic and progressive Head of Academy to oversee the club’s entire academy structure from grassroots to U20. This is a critical leadership role and a key step forward in our commitment to progressing and developing our Academy.

The successful candidate will be responsible for creating a high-performance, player-centred environment that nurtures young talent both on and off the pitch. This includes embedding best practices across coaching, education, welfare, recruitment, and infrastructure in alignment with the club’s long-term vision and first-team philosophy.

The Head of Academy will be expected to lead change collaboratively and respectfully, valuing the foundations already in place, while raising standards and delivering a professional, progressive academy culture.

Important Information

Location: Portadown Football Club, Shamrock Park, Brownstown Road, Portadown, BT62 3PZ

Job Type: Part time

Salary: Based on Experience

Essential Criteria – Must have obtained a UEFA A Licence Qualification (or currently enrolled in an A Licence Course)

Application by CV’s and Expressions of Interest to clubsecretary@portadownfc.com

(Applications to be supported by 2 x References)

Date Posted: 10th August 2026

Closing Date: 17th August 2026

 

About the role

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Vision

  • Develop and implement a long-term academy strategy aligned with Portadown FC’s strategic plans.
  • Build structured academy systems, policies, and Standard Operating Procedures to ensure operational excellence.
  • Liaise with the Academy Oversight Group and First-Team manager regarding aligning playing philosophy with first-team game model and recruitment strategy.

Player Development & Pathways

  • Oversee all aspects of player development, including Individual Player Development Plans (IDPs).
  • Ensure training is age-appropriate, progressive, and stimulating.
  • Establish clear progression pathways from academy to first team.

Coaching Team Management

  • Recruit, lead, and support academy coaches across all phases
  • Ensure staff meet required qualifications and IFA licensing standards.
  • Ensure regular CPD and performance reviews to maintain coaching quality.

Talent Identification & Recruitment

  • Lead, support and guide the club’s youth scouting and recruitment strategy.
  • Build strong relationships with local clubs, schools, and community programmes.
  • Organise and oversee trials, outreach programmes, and camps.

Education, Welfare & Personal Development

  • Champion holistic development, supporting academic, emotional, and life skills growth.
  • Liaise with schools, families, and welfare staff to ensure players are supported off the pitch.
  • Embed safeguarding procedures and ensure AccessNI checks are completed for all staff.

Facilities, Technology & Resources

  • Assess the need for academy facility and infrastructure improvements.
  • Integrate sports science, performance analysis, and injury prevention across the academy.
  • Oversee academy logistics, equipment, and resource allocation.

Compliance, Licensing & Reporting

  • Ensure full compliance with IFA, NIFL, and UEFA regulations and club licensing criteria.
  • Maintain safeguarding, governance, and medical standards across the academy.
  • Close working with Academy Clerical & Registration Support to ensure records management are compliant with IFA / NIFL guidelines and principles.
  • Provide regular reports to First Team manager / Academy Oversight Group on academy performance, budgets, and KPIs.

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary
  • Full support from the Academy Oversight Group
  • The opportunity to lead a respected Club’s Academy and shape a key part of the club’s long-term legacy
  • A chance to positively influence the lives and careers of young footballers across the region