What are the responsibilities and job description for the Academy Director position at Westchester SC?
Position Title: Head of Academy Soccer
Reports To: Director of Soccer Operations / Sporting Director
Position Overview
The Head of Academy Soccer is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, management, and development of the club’s soccer academy. This role involves leading all aspects of the academy program, including curriculum design, player development, staff management, and ensuring alignment with the club’s philosophy and long-term goals. The Head of Academy Soccer will create a professional and competitive environment that fosters player growth, talent identification, and a pathway to the senior team.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
• Develop and implement the academy’s vision, goals, and objectives in alignment with the club’s overall mission.
• Establish a clear player pathway from the academy to the first team.
• Ensure compliance with league, federation, and governing body regulations.
Player Development
• Design and oversee a comprehensive soccer curriculum that emphasizes technical, tactical, physical, and mental development.
• Monitor individual player progress through evaluations, feedback, and performance tracking.
• Work with scouts to identify and recruit top talent for the academy.
Staff Management
• Recruit, mentor, and manage academy coaching staff and support personnel.
• Conduct regular staff training to ensure consistency in the delivery of the coaching philosophy.
• Evaluate coaching performance and provide constructive feedback.
Operational Management
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the academy, including scheduling, logistics, and resource allocation.
• Develop and manage the academy’s budget, ensuring financial efficiency.
• Coordinate with the club’s medical and sports science teams to optimize player health and performance.
Stakeholder Engagement
• Build and maintain relationships with parents, players, and the broader soccer community.
• Represent the academy at league meetings, conferences, and other events.
• Communicate regularly with the club’s executive team about academy performance and progress.
Qualifications & Skills
Required:
• Proven experience in soccer coaching, preferably at the academy or youth level.
• Coaching licenses (e.g., UEFA A, USSF A, or equivalent).
• Strong understanding of player development pathways and talent identification.
• Leadership and management experience, with the ability to mentor and develop staff.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
Preferred:
• Experience in developing and implementing soccer curricula.
• Knowledge of sports science, psychology, and modern coaching methodologies.
• Familiarity with league and federation standards for academy programs.
Key Attributes:
• Passionate about youth development and nurturing talent.
• Forward-thinking and innovative in approach to coaching and management.
• Collaborative and team-oriented mindset.
• Commitment to upholding the club’s values and culture.
Working Conditions:
• Full-time position with occasional evening and weekend responsibilities.
• Travel required for tournaments, scouting, and other events.
This role is pivotal in shaping the future of the club by building a strong academy foundation and fostering the next generation of talent.
Reports To: Director of Soccer Operations / Sporting Director
Position Overview
The Head of Academy Soccer is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, management, and development of the club’s soccer academy. This role involves leading all aspects of the academy program, including curriculum design, player development, staff management, and ensuring alignment with the club’s philosophy and long-term goals. The Head of Academy Soccer will create a professional and competitive environment that fosters player growth, talent identification, and a pathway to the senior team.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
• Develop and implement the academy’s vision, goals, and objectives in alignment with the club’s overall mission.
• Establish a clear player pathway from the academy to the first team.
• Ensure compliance with league, federation, and governing body regulations.
Player Development
• Design and oversee a comprehensive soccer curriculum that emphasizes technical, tactical, physical, and mental development.
• Monitor individual player progress through evaluations, feedback, and performance tracking.
• Work with scouts to identify and recruit top talent for the academy.
Staff Management
• Recruit, mentor, and manage academy coaching staff and support personnel.
• Conduct regular staff training to ensure consistency in the delivery of the coaching philosophy.
• Evaluate coaching performance and provide constructive feedback.
Operational Management
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the academy, including scheduling, logistics, and resource allocation.
• Develop and manage the academy’s budget, ensuring financial efficiency.
• Coordinate with the club’s medical and sports science teams to optimize player health and performance.
Stakeholder Engagement
• Build and maintain relationships with parents, players, and the broader soccer community.
• Represent the academy at league meetings, conferences, and other events.
• Communicate regularly with the club’s executive team about academy performance and progress.
Qualifications & Skills
Required:
• Proven experience in soccer coaching, preferably at the academy or youth level.
• Coaching licenses (e.g., UEFA A, USSF A, or equivalent).
• Strong understanding of player development pathways and talent identification.
• Leadership and management experience, with the ability to mentor and develop staff.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
Preferred:
• Experience in developing and implementing soccer curricula.
• Knowledge of sports science, psychology, and modern coaching methodologies.
• Familiarity with league and federation standards for academy programs.
Key Attributes:
• Passionate about youth development and nurturing talent.
• Forward-thinking and innovative in approach to coaching and management.
• Collaborative and team-oriented mindset.
• Commitment to upholding the club’s values and culture.
Working Conditions:
• Full-time position with occasional evening and weekend responsibilities.
• Travel required for tournaments, scouting, and other events.
This role is pivotal in shaping the future of the club by building a strong academy foundation and fostering the next generation of talent.