Academy Manager – The International Football Group (IFG) in partnership with Macclesfield FC
About The International Football Group and Our Partnership
The International Football Group (IFG) is a leader in elite football education, delivering high-quality football and academic programmes in the UK, Europe, and beyond. Through our flagship partnership with Macclesfield FC, we operate a leading International Academy that combines professional football training with educational pathways tailored for international student-athletes.
Macclesfield FC provides a professional club environment with access to competitive fixtures, while IFG brings global recruitment, coaching expertise, and strategic partnerships. This collaboration creates a genuine pathway for talented international players to develop technically, tactically, physically, and educationally in England.
Key strategic aims in relation to international player development include:
- Combining football excellence with academic achievement to produce well-rounded athletes equipped for long-term success on and off the pitch.
- Enhancing player progression through structured pathways, including competitive match exposure, performance analysis, and exit strategies into higher-level clubs or sustainable careers.
- Continuous improvement of the academy provision, such as international tours, specialist coaching weeks, and innovative training methodologies.
- Building a sustainable, high-retention academy that attracts and develops global talent while maintaining strong compliance, safeguarding, and player welfare standards.
Our Programmes
- University Programme: In partnership with the University of Lancashire, we offer tailored undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Timetables are designed to balance academic studies with full-time training, strength & conditioning, and match play, providing international student-athletes with a dual-career pathway.
- Gap Year Programme: A full-time football immersion for players seeking intensive development, competitive play, and personal growth before university or professional trials.
- Summer Residency: A six-week intensive programme for ages 15-18, featuring high-quality coaching, competitive matches, and experiences including university visits and tours.
Role Overview
The Academy Manager will lead all football-related activities within the International Academy, driving standards, player development, and operational excellence in line with IFG and Macclesfield FC’s philosophy.
Primary base: University Sports Arena, Preston and Leasing.com Stadium, Macclesfield
Contract: Full-time, 40 hours per week. Evenings and weekends required as per match and training schedules.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead on all football-related activities within the academy.
- Manage coaching and all football-related staff, including physiotherapy and strength & conditioning.
- Conduct active and ongoing coach observations, feedback sessions, and yearly performance reviews.
- Play an active role in player recruitment and retention, liaising with senior staff and the central recruitment team.
- Gain and maintain an active understanding of the business demands and operations of the organisation.
- Oversee delivery of the syllabus, curriculum, and playing philosophy; continuously review and refresh the technical framework.
- Always strive to improve the academy and seek enhancement opportunities (e.g., trips abroad, specialist partnerships, or innovative programmes).
- Develop and manage training plans and timetables for the whole academy.
- Work with key stakeholders at partner universities to ensure smooth arrival, integration, and ongoing positive experience for student-athletes.
- Continue to manage and strengthen the key relationship with Macclesfield FC.
- Provide exit strategies and monitor the footballing progression of all active players in the academy.
- Work effectively with external partners.
Essential Requirements
- UEFA A Licence in coaching football (or equivalent).
- Sports-related degree.
- Previous academy leadership role.
- Enhanced DBS Check.
- FA First Aid qualification.
- Safeguarding Children and Adults training/certification.
Personal Specification
We are looking for a dynamic, visionary leader who combines elite coaching expertise with strong operational and people-management skills.
Essential Attributes:
- Proven track record in academy leadership, with demonstrable success in player development and progression.
- Deep understanding of modern coaching methodologies, periodisation, and long-term player development pathways.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to manage multidisciplinary teams (coaches, medical, S&C) and build strong stakeholder relationships.
- Strategic thinker with a proactive approach to innovation and continuous improvement.
- Strong organisational and planning skills, capable of developing and overseeing comprehensive training schedules.
- Commitment to player welfare, safeguarding, and creating an inclusive, supportive environment for international athletes.
- Cultural sensitivity and experience working with diverse international cohorts.
- Business acumen and understanding of the commercial aspects of running a football academy.
Desirable Attributes:
- Experience playing and/or coaching in North America.
- Experience with university-integrated football programmes or dual-career athlete pathways.
- International coaching or recruitment experience.
- Knowledge of UK football structures, including non-league and pathways into professional clubs.
- Additional qualifications (Master’s Degree, strength & conditioning, performance analysis).
- Experience managing budgets, compliance, and external partnerships.
This is a pivotal role in shaping the future of The International Football Group. The successful candidate will be passionate about developing international talent and committed to delivering exceptional football education experiences.
Pay: £35,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
