Coaching Development Officer

Organisation: Essex County Football Association
Salary: Circa £31,000 (dependent on experience)
Location: The County Office, Springfield Lyons Approach, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 5LB
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 4 January 2026
Interview date: 5 January 2026
Job Description: The Essex County FA are pleased to advertise an exciting vacancy within their Development Team for a Coaching Development Officer, an influential role which will support coach and player pathways across the male, female and disability game throughout the county.

The post will play a central part in strengthening and sustaining high-quality coach development within England Football Accredited Clubs, working in partnership with local youth leagues. The successful candidate will be responsible for creating and delivering engaging, people-centred programmes which align with the FA Learning Coach Development Framework, and the application window will close on Sunday 4th January.

Based at their Chelmsford office, the role offers the flexibility of a hybrid working model. The position comes at a pivotal time, with the Essex County FA delivering one of the most ambitious grassroots Coach Development Programmes in England. Each season, more than 2,000 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities are provided for coaches through workshops, online learning and live events. Key responsibilities include:

* leading and managing the delivery of the Essex County FA Coach Development Programme
* producing and delivering an annual coach development plan, supporting 2,000+ CPD opportunities
* working alongside participation pathway leads to develop bespoke opportunities across male, female and disability football
* developing and managing a team of casual Coach Developers

The ideal candidate will hold a minimum of a UEFA ‘B’ Licence, will possess strong knowledge of the FA coaching qualification framework and will have experience of supporting grassroots coaches and delivering learning for adults. Excellent project management and communication skills are essential, as is a passion for coaching and helping people from all backgrounds to reach their potential.

The Essex County FA promote equality and diversity in employment and welcome applicants from all parts of the community.
How to apply: The closing date is midnight on Sunday 4th January 2026, with the first interviews (online) taking place during the week beginning Monday 5th January 2026, and final interviews booked for Thursday 15th January 2026. For an informal discussion about the role, contact Karl Sear (Football Development Manager) via (01245) 393094 or karl.sear@essexfa.com. Applications should be made via the Essex County FA’s Application Form via www.essexfa.com/news/2025/dec/18/coaching-development-officer-vacancy, with the personal statement detailing how your skills and experience match the role. Please also complete the Equality & Diversity Monitoring Form. CVs will not be accepted.