Role Overview-
Ipswich Town Foundation is currently looking to recruit a Football and Education Lead. This is a full-time role to support the Girls Development Programme and the Post-16 Football and Education Programme over 37.5 hours per week.
We are seeking an experienced individual who has worked in a similar role previously to join our team who will be passionate about football and the development of players.
You will be an ambitious and enthusiastic professional, who is flexible, and target driven and has an ability to recognise new opportunities and develop existing relationships to deliver. You will have a great understanding of how to sustain and increase participation with an ability to network with local clubs, schools and organisations to build relationships.
Vision
An empowered, inspired and inclusive community to be proud of.
Mission
The Ipswich Town Foundation exists to provide impactful and inclusive activities to improve health, skills, opportunities, and lives of all generations across Suffolk.
By using the presence, power, and reach of Ipswich Town FC, we aim to inspire individuals to realise their potential both on and off the football pitch and create pride in their communities.
Core Values
- Honesty
- Hard Work
- High Standards
- Willingness to Learn
- Integrity
Job Role Outline
This role will organise and deliver our Girls Post 16 Football & Education Programme and our U14 & U16 Performance Squads. This is the top tier of the girls invitation only programme which feeds into our Women’s U21s.
The Girls Post-16 Football and Education Programme works with our 16-19 year olds with the aim of developing footballers between the ages of 16-19 in a competitive and professional training and fixture programme. Ensuring lifelong memories are created through positive experiences, whilst developing players for senior football.
The Performance Squads currently train twice a week and compete in League fixtures on Saturday mornings. The role will encourage individual development of participants through a well-planned syllabus, including fixtures, camps, tours, player reports and community engagement events. Subsequently, develop a player pathway and providing exit routes for female students in the Post-16 Football and Education Programme.
Work collaboratively with the County Football Association, Premier League and EFL on specific female initiatives to continue to raise awareness and grow the female game.
Aims
- To organise and deliver an outstanding experience for participants in our Football and Education Programme.
- To organise and deliver an outstanding experience for participants and parents in our Girls Football Development Programme.
- To implement effective planning of Performance Squad fixtures and promotion of relevant activities.
- To organise and deliver effective player recruitment initiatives to aid the Girls Football Development Pathway and Girls Post-16 Football and Education Programme.
- To develop female footballers in a competitive and professional Post-16 training and fixture programme.
- To act as a positive role model for all children, staff and potential future coaches
Role Specific Responsibilities
- Organise and develop the current ‘invitation only’ Performance Squad pathway.
- Create and deliver a season long plan for the Performance Squads and the Post 16 Football programme, composing of trials/recruitment, football sessions, strength and conditioning/gym sessions, physiotherapist support, league matches (in the SYFL or JPL or NYFL), cup matches (League and County Cups) and friendly matches.
- To deliver engaging and quality sessions that challenge and develop players from the Post-16 Football & Education Programme.
- To work closely with our education providers to ensure players maintain the expected standards of academic performance and attendance.
- Support and develop all players to attain the highest level of performance in a safe, secure and supportive environment, aiding progression up the ITFC pathway.
- Maintain current and develop new relationships with local grassroots clubs to support recruitment.
- To successfully prepare and manage coaching staff on delivery expectations and standards within the Girls Football Development Programme and Post 16 Football and Education Programme.
- To prepare session plans, evaluations / information as required to provide coach mentoring where appropriate.
- To ensure the booking system, paperwork, registers and administration for all participants is accurate and up to date.
- To work closely with all staff members to aid collaborative working.
- Report to the Head of Education and Head of Football Development to organise and prepare sessions across the female provision.
- As part of this role, the Girls Football & Education Lead will be expected to deliver on other areas of the Foundation when required to do so
Ipswich Town Foundation Responsibilities
- Adhere to all policies and procedures including safeguarding, Health & Safety, Behaviour Management, Equality and Diversity, Data Protection, and Quality Assurance and follow all policies and procedures within the staff handbook.
- To follow and work by all procedures in accordance with Ipswich Town Foundation.
- To always maintain a professional attitude and appearance.
- To report to line manager and attend Ipswich Town Foundation staff meetings when requested.
- Support the delivery of the Ipswich Town Foundation’s annual Foundation Fixture event at 1 designated home match per season.
- Support the delivery of the ITFC FanZone experience at home matchdays. (average 3 per year per staff member).
- Any other duties deemed necessary by the Senior Leadership Team.
WHAT DO YOU GET IN RETURN?
If you are successful, you can look forward to a healthy benefit package:
- Competitive salary
- Access to Ipswich Town match tickets
- Ipswich Town training kit
- 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)
- Contributory Pension Scheme
- Free onsite parking
- Discounted Ipswich Town merchandise
Short listing and interviews will take place throughout the duration of the vacancy ad. This may mean that the vacancy could close early should suitable candidates be found.
Applicants should be aware that due to the high volume of applications received, we are unable to respond to individuals during the recruitment process.
Closing date: Friday, 21 August 2026
Ipswich Town Foundation is an Equal Opportunities Employer. Ipswich Town Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks required for relevant posts.
If you have the required skills, please apply by completing an application form via the Jobs & Careers page at itfc.co.uk.
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
