Academy Manager – Pro Way Academy – Guildford, Surrey

Job Description
A fantastic opportunity has arisen to oversee the continued development of Pro Way Academy. With 80 graduates now playing at professional Football Clubs, Pro Way Academy is the UK’s most successful independent Football Academy.

    Reports to
Managing Director

    Direct Reports
Academy Coaching Staff

    Key Contacts
    INTERNAL: Managing Director and all Academy staff
    EXTERNAL: FA, NERF Junior Premier League, Parents, Sponsors, Football League Club Academy Managers & Staff and the County FA

    Levels of Authority/Influence
To manage all aspects of the Football Academy

    Levels of Budget/Resource
To manage the Academy football budget in liaison with the Managing Director

    Location
Based predominantly at the Surrey Sports Park, Academy Training facility. Due to the nature of the role, there will be some travelling throughout the South of England required. Flexibility to work from home will be required

    Hours
This is a full-time role requiring a minimum of 40 hours per week including evening and weekend work

    Remuneration
£20,000-£24,000 dependent on qualifications and experience

    Job Purpose
To be responsible for the operational management of Pro Way Academy, its programmes and staff. To delegate such responsibilities as are necessary to ensure the Academy delivers on its aims, objectives and key performance indicators. To ensure the continued growth of Pro Way Academy as a business through quality programme delivery and excellent relationships with its stakeholders

    Roles and Responsibilities

To ensure Pro Way Academy maintains its player customer base and actively recruits to attract new players
To work with the Managing Director on all matters pertaining to the control and direction of the Academy, with the objective of providing a level of coaching and personal service of the highest quality.
To guide, develop and promote the Academy’s ethos and outline the philosophy, aims and objectives of the Academy to staff, players and parents and ensure that they are fully aware of their responsibilities.
To ensure the programme works within the Annual Budget as set by the Managing Director and ensure due diligence prior to making bookings
To chair regular meetings with parents to ensure that the programme is meeting expectations and hold regular informal discussions
To ensure full compliance with all rules and regulations set by the FA and the Junior Premier league and ensure the production of all documents requested by such bodies within the set time frames. Conduct an annual self-assessment to ensure these rules are being met.
To ensure that all Academy staff positions are filled and that each team has an active member of staff to cover all age group activity
To recruit and deliver on-going CPD to Academy coaching staff as required
To collect cash payments as required as per the format of the site, ensuring that detailed record of payments is kept up to date.
To liaise with the Junior Premier League and ensure that where necessary fixtures are provided at least every other weekend for all teams in the programme
To attend academy games at all age levels to ensure good communication with staff, players and parents, to monitor standards of play and adherence to match day procedures.
To ensure that all staff are appropriately qualified as per the FA guidelines.
To work closely with the FA referees department to ensure provision is in place for all games, with regards to Academy referees, and ensure that payment is available for refs.
To work in cooperation with the Managing Director concerning it’s digital media and social media platforms and growth of Pro Way Academy’s brand.
To lead all international tours organised by Pro Way Academy.
To liaise with service providers such as kit distributors, tour operators, facility providers and ensure efficient processes are in place.
To ensure all policies, practices and procedures relating to the Youth Development and the safeguarding of young people are implemented and updated annually.
Any other duties as defined by the Managing Director. 

   Qualifications

UEFA ‘B’ Licence
FA Youth Award (desired)

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

Management experience in a football set-up
Strong leadership and management skills – ability to generate a culture of continuous improvement
Good recording and reporting skills
High level of communication and listening skills
Excellent presentation skills
Excellent organizational skills
Proven track record in Youth Development
Familiarity with the mechanics of youth football recruitment
Good understanding of all Academy functions and the synchronicity between them
Competent understanding of modern methods and technology
Competent IT skills to include Social Media, Excel, Word and PowerPoint skills
Competent overall level of numeracy and literacy

    Attitude/Behaviours

A “can do” attitude, an innovative thinker
Presents solutions rather than problems
A genuine team player
Able to take a “Swiss-Army Knife” approach to completing work

    Personal Qualities

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (team, coach and player interaction) and ability to adapt communication style to suit different ages
A dynamic and motivated leader and role model
Proactive attitude within the role
Excellent written skills
Quality focus – takes responsibility for ensuring a high quality of work
Highly organised and able to manage multiple tasks.
Drive and energy – demonstrates enthusiasm and is personally committed to achieving objectives set
Self-development – is receptive to feedback about own behavior, strengths and areas for improvement
A high level of confidentiality
Meticulous attention to detail
Flexibility and willingness to learn
Ability to work calmly under pressure

How to apply
Interested applicants are advised to submit a CV and covering letter to Drew Sherman, Managing Director via e-mail: dsherman@prowayacademy.com

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