FAW National Academi Manager (Girls)

The Role

The Football Association of Wales oversees the implementation of a Girls National Academi structure whose purpose is to ensure equal opportunity, choice and access to talented girls throughout the country. The Girls National Academi structure will align with the boys provision in undertaking to deliver on the following principles:

Develop a strong reputation for high quality provision
Support the development of thriving domestic Clubs and football ecosystem
Drive participation locally through better user experiences and access
Provide more professional opportunities and remove barriers to progression

To ensure that the Girls National Academi structure is implemented for the 2025/26 season, the FAW are commencing a process to collate and assess expressions of interest from eligible clubs.

Each Ccub has to meet criteria across three key areas; Business, Sporting and Engagement. The FAW is committed to supporting the Girls National Academi structure, including but not limited to providing ongoing support to the clubs in order to satisfy the licensing criteria and ensuring pathways to the FAW Girls Academy (regional program).

In order to execute this commitment, the FAW are engaging a National Academi Manager (Girls), who it is proposed commence at the outset of the expression of interests from Clubs, with responsibility to ultimately implement a functional model for an initial two-year licensing period.

The role of National Academi Manager (Girls) is also designed to enable a strong connection between the player development objectives of the National Academi structure and other departments including Domestic Football, Coach Education and Compliance/Club Licensing.

This is an excellent opportunity for the appointed candidate to take ownership and accountability in this key position, develop the role and scope of the National Academies department and demonstrate where they can add value to both the FAW’s high performance strategy and wider domestic football objectives.

The Football Association of Wales is looking for a high-quality individual who is a strong believer in team culture, and has the ability to empower and support others to achieve their objectives. Credibility within the game is key, as is a calm and professional approach at all times and the ability to unite and work collaboratively, especially when under pressure. The National Academi Manager (Girls) will require strong management expertise and the ability to lead, motivate and challenge a variety of external stakeholders in order to drive global National Academi structure objectives.

The National Academi Manager (Girls) candidate that we seek will have ability to be strategic in terms of the overall plan for domestic development of talented girls within Wales, combined with the ability to communicate the plan effectively so Clubs can understand and deliver the required objectives at an operational level.

The job description giving full details can be downloaded here.

The Football Association of Wales (FAW)

One of the three oldest associations in the world, the FAW was established in 1876 to nurture, lead and promote the interest of football in Wales. As a member of FIFA and UEFA, we’re committed to fostering the game in light of fair play on a global basis, and we’re active guardians of the ‘Laws of the Game’ along with another four bodies through IFAB.

Our mission is to make sure that football creates positive, inclusive experiences enjoyed locally and nationally, and promote the sport in Wales by highlighting its benefits for everyone, everywhere. We recognise a need for constant development and improvement, and Welsh football must not sit at the side-lines. By listening and working with our football family members and stakeholders, we strive to provide an inclusive and accessible offer that creates opportunities for all at every level of the game.

By harnessing the power of football and all it has to offer, we’ll make a difference for every member, stakeholder, supporter, and community throughout Wales and beyond.

The FAW is governed by a Board of Directors made up of an Independent Chair, the CEO, two Independent Non-Executives, the four Officers of the FAW and three elected Members. The FAW Board is responsible to the Shareholders of the FAW called the FAW Council. The Council is made up of elected and nominated representatives from Welsh Football. The FAW Council, with the FAW Executive, manages football related activities through a series of committees. The CEO has the responsibility to manage the business and all staff employed by the FAW.

Equal Opportunities

The Football Association of Wales strives to become a leading employer that reflects the communities of Wales while creating an inclusive, diverse and supportive workplace for all employees. As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications women and individuals who identify as LGBTQ+, Black, Asian, and Mixed-Heritage backgrounds.

Further to this the FAW are actively seeking to increase diversity within our workforce and have established a guaranteed interview scheme. We are committed to ensuring we recruit the best people on the objective basis of their skills, ability and experience. We value the benefits of diversity at work and understand that diversity of perspective and experience can encourage respectful creativity, foster innovation and create opportunities for all.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme Application

We may offer a guaranteed interview to eligible applicants who wish to opt-in to this scheme.

To be eligible to apply via the Guaranteed Interview Scheme, you must either:

Consider yourself to have a disability that substantially affects your ability to do normal daily activities,

Be from/part of an ethnic group who do not identify as White British/English/Welsh/Scottish/ Northern Irish.

To be guaranteed an interview under the scheme in your application you need to demonstrate that you meet the minimum qualifying criteria for the vacancy.

An application under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme is optional, therefore we require you to confirm you are eligible to apply and to confirm that you wish to opt into the scheme, by completing the application form found below, this form also provides further information on the scheme. You will then need to email the completed form to [email protected] once you have submitted your application.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme Application

The principles of fair and open competition will apply, and appointments will be made on merit.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check

This role, due to its nature, duties, and responsibilities, will be subject to the successful applicant undergoing a check by the DBS.

Application Process Timeline

Deadline for applicants is midnight, Wednesday 19 February 2025. Applications received after this date will not be considered.
If the FAW receive a high number of applications, we reserve the right to close the role early.
All applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
Applications must be supported by a letter detailing why the applicant is suitable for the role including salary expectations, and be accompanied with a current CV. Please also complete the equality & diversity monitoring here.
If you have any questions ahead of applying, please email [email protected].

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