Early Years Lead

Organisation: Playmaker Football
Salary: £300–£500 per month (part-time), with opportunities to increase earnings based on programme growth and participation.
Location: Hybrid - Ealing, West London
Contract type: Fixed Term (Part time)
Closing date: 31 May 2026
Interview date: 11 June 2026
Job Description: Overview

Playmaker Academy is continuing to grow and is now expanding its Early Years provision, with a clear focus on building a high-quality introduction to football for younger players.

This programme will sit under our Tiny Tekkers offering and will play a key role in developing players from toddler age through to pre-academy level.

We are looking for an Early Years Programme Lead to take ownership of this area, with responsibility for both delivery and growth.

The Role

The Early Years Programme Lead will be responsible for designing, delivering and growing our early years provision (toddlers to pre-academy ages).

This is a hybrid role, combining on-pitch delivery with off-pitch planning and organisation.

The successful candidate will take ownership of creating a fun, engaging and well-structured environment that introduces young players to football and supports their progression into Playmaker Academy teams.

Key Responsibilities

Programme Delivery

- Plan and deliver engaging, age-appropriate sessions for toddler and early years players
- Create a consistent and structured session experience across all age groups
- Ensure sessions are fun, energetic and well-organised

Programme Development

- Design and develop the Tiny Tekkers programme structure
- Build a clear progression from toddler sessions into pre-academy and academy pathways
- Continuously improve session content and delivery

Growth and Participation (CRITICAL)

- Take ownership of increasing participation across early years age groups
- Support recruitment through taster sessions, local outreach and word-of-mouth
- Create an environment that encourages strong retention of players

Parent Experience

- Be a visible and approachable presence for parents
- Communicate clearly and professionally where required
- Ensure sessions are welcoming, inclusive and well run

Pathway into Academy

- Identify players ready to progress into Playmaker Academy teams
- Work closely with the Head of Academy to support transitions into team environments

Time Commitment

This is a part-time role requiring approximately 6–10 hours per week, including:

On-pitch delivery of sessions
Off-pitch time for planning, organisation and communication

Consistency and reliability are essential.

What Success Looks Like

- Growth in participation across toddler and early years sessions
- High retention of players within the programme
- Clear structure and progression across age groups
- Positive parent experience and feedback
- A consistent flow of players progressing into academy teams

What We Are Looking For

- Strong energy and presence when working with young children
- Ability to create a fun and engaging learning environment
- Organised and proactive approach
- Interest in developing and growing a programme, not just delivering sessions
- Confidence in communicating with parents

Essential
- Experience working with early years or young children (U4–U7 or similar)
- Ability to plan and deliver structured sessions
- Reliable and consistent availability

Desirable
- FA coaching qualification
- Experience in grassroots or academy environments
- Understanding of player development pathways
How to apply: Please send a short application to info@playmakerfootball.co.uk outlining: - Your experience working with young players - Why this role appeals to you - How you would approach building and growing an early years football programme