The Development Manager will lead and oversee the Lively Kicks Development Programme, which provides the player development pathway into the Lively Kicks Academy.
The programme will support players from approximately U3/U4 through to U12, providing a structured environment where young players can develop their technical ability, confidence, understanding of the game and overall football potential.
The Development Manager will be responsible for ensuring that the Development Programme has a clear identity, philosophy and pathway, while working closely with coaches, parents and the Academy to ensure players are appropriately supported and, where suitable, progressed into the Lively Kicks Academy environment.
The role will be central to identifying emerging talent within the Lively Kicks programme and ensuring that players have a clear pathway for their continued development.
Key Responsibilities
Development Programme Leadership
- Lead the overall structure and operation of the Lively Kicks Development Programme from U3/U4 through to U12.
- Establish and maintain a clear Development Programme philosophy and player development framework.
- Create a consistent development environment across all age groups.
- Ensure sessions are age-appropriate and aligned with the long-term development of young players.
- Continuously review and improve the Development Programme.
- Act as the main point of contact for Development Programme coaches and operational matters.
Player Development
- Monitor player progression across different age groups.
- Track individual player development and identify areas for improvement.
- Ensure players are challenged appropriately according to their ability and stage of development.
- Promote technical development, game understanding, confidence, creativity and positive football behaviours.
- Ensure player development remains the primary focus rather than short-term results.
Academy Pathway & Player Transition
- Work closely with the Lively Kicks Academy to create a clear pathway for players progressing from the Development Programme into the Academy.
- Identify players who may be ready to progress into the Academy environment.
- Maintain regular communication with Academy leadership regarding player development and potential Academy candidates.
- Coordinate player assessments and transition opportunities.
- Ensure players who are not yet ready for Academy football continue to receive appropriate development support.
Coach Management & Development
- Assist with the onboarding of new coaches.
- Establish clear coaching expectations and standards.
- Organise regular coach meetings and development sessions.
- Observe coaching sessions and provide constructive feedback.
- Support coaches in implementing the Lively Kicks Development Philosophy.
- Ensure consistency in the quality and delivery of sessions across the programme.
Parent Communication
- Act as a key point of contact for parents within the Development Programme.
- Communicate the purpose, philosophy and pathway of the programme clearly to parents.
- Provide appropriate updates regarding player development and progression.
- Help parents understand the potential pathway from Development Programme to the LK Academy teams.
- Handle development-related queries professionally and appropriately.
- Promote a positive relationship between players, parents, coaches and Lively Kicks.
Administration & Operations
- Coordinate Development Programme schedules and training operations.
- Maintain appropriate records of player progression and assessments.
- Coordinate communication with coaches and parents.
- Support programme planning, reviews and reporting.
- Ensure sessions, events, trials and assessments are organised effectively.
Safeguarding & Player Welfare
- Ensure Development Programme activities follow appropriate safeguarding procedures and club policies.
- Work closely with the Welfare Officer on safeguarding and player welfare matters.
- Promote a safe, inclusive and positive environment for all players.
- Ensure coaches understand their safeguarding and welfare responsibilities.
- Escalate concerns appropriately and promptly.
Club & Community Development
- Represent the Development Programme professionally within Lively Kicks.
- Work closely with club leadership and Academy staff.
- Support Lively Kicks events, camps, open days and community initiatives.
- Develop relationships with local schools, grassroots clubs and community organisations.
Person Specification
The successful candidate will ideally have:
- Experience working within youth football, grassroots football or academy environments.
- A strong understanding of long-term player development.
- Experience working with young players across multiple age groups.
- Experience managing or supporting football coaches.
- Strong communication and leadership skills.
- The ability to identify and support emerging talent.
- A player-centred approach to development.
- Strong organisational and administrative skills.
- An understanding of safeguarding and player welfare.
- The ability to build strong relationships with players, parents, coaches and football organisations.
- A commitment to creating a high-quality pathway into Academy football.
Key Objectives of the Role
The Development Manager will ultimately be responsible for ensuring that Lively Kicks has a clear, structured and high-quality pathway from early participation into the LK Academy football.
Key measures of success will include:
- A clear and consistent Development Programme philosophy.
- High-quality coaching across all Development Programme age groups.
- Strong player retention and engagement.
- Measurable player development and progression.
- Successful identification of players with Academy potential.
- A clear and effective transition process into the Academy.
- Strong relationships with parents and players.
- Development and retention of high-quality coaches.
- Growth of the Lively Kicks Development Programme.
- Strong relationships with local schools, grassroots clubs and community organisations.
Development Pathway
The Development Programme should act as the talent identification and player development pathway into the Lively Kicks Academy, while maintaining a positive football environment where every player can develop regardless of whether they ultimately progress into the Academy.
Pay: £20.00-£35.00 per hour
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: In person
