Football Development Officer

Colchester united Community Foundation (CUCF) is the official charity of Colchester United Football Club, we provide high quality Participation, Health & Inclusion, and Education Programmes to 10,000 children, young people, and adults from across the region each week.

CUCF are looking to appoint a professional, dedicated, and confident Football Development Officer on a full-time basis to join our Community Team (Full Time 40 hours).

This role within our Community Team will includes coaching across age groups within the Colchester United Community Foundation Development Centre, Post 16 Football College programme and other CUCF programmes. This includes managing training, fixtures, trials, alongside supporting and liaising with current players/parents/guardians within the club talent pathway and developing relationships with new players, coaches, local grassroots clubs and the Colchester United Academy.

As we look to strengthen our team, you will require tenacity and the creativity to overcome obstacles and challenges alongside demonstrating creativity to engage and impact players, participants, parents/guardians, and colleagues, along with supporting player development within the Colchester United talent pathway.

You will have the power to inspire and motivate people on and off the pitch!

Essential Qualifications & Experience:

• UFEA C Coaching Award
• FA Introduction to First Aid in Football (IFAiF)
• FA Safeguarding Children
• Willing to complete a CUFC Enhanced DBS Check
• Full Clean UK Driving License

Desirable Qualifications & Experience:

• UFEA B Coaching Award
• Advanced Youth Award
• FA Level 2 Emergency Aid (EFAiF) (Or willing to complete)
• Multisport qualifications
• Previous experience working within Football Development/Community Development environments

Roles & Responsibilities:

Develop

• Develop positive and effective relationships and partnerships with colleagues, players, parents/guardians on and off the pitch.
• Develop participation within the Community Foundation Football Pathway, strengthening alignment of the coaching syllabuses across football programmes and the club s talent pathway.

Deliver

• Deliver leadership and the drive of Football Programmes within CUCF, meeting KPI and development targets.
• Deliver a high-quality provision and experiences on all participation, and community programmes.

Support

• Support with the development, enrichment and increased engagement of players and participants within Football Programmes and CUCF as an organisation.
• Support the Participation Manager with enriching participation projects and developing our project co-ordinators.

Collaborate

• Collaborate with colleagues, players, and parents/guardians to maximise impact in helping players and participants realise and reach their potential.
• Collaborate with colleagues within the Participation Team, including the Girls Talent Pathway, grassroots clubs, and holiday programmes to maximise recruitment and development of each programme.

Evaluate

• Evaluate programme development and quality of delivery, with the support of the CUCF Head of Delivery.
• Evaluate the impact and success of delivery by collecting data (Where applicable), feedbacking case studies, and showcasing success.

All CUCF positions adhere to:

Safeguarding

• Colchester United Community Foundation is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We aim to create a safe and supportive environment for all, and we expect all employees and volunteers to actively contribute to this commitment. Our safeguarding culture is built upon training, policies, and a shared responsibility for the safety and well-being of those we work with.

• In accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975, as this role involves working with vulnerable groups, all candidates will be required to undergo a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check as part of the pre-employment process. Additional safeguarding training or qualifications may be required for the role.

• As part of the recruitment process, successful candidates will need to provide proof of their right to work in the UK, in compliance with immigration law.

• In some cases, we may be required to refer concerns about an individual's suitability to work with vulnerable groups to the appropriate authorities, such as the Disclosure and Barring Service or local safeguarding boards, in line with our safeguarding policies.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

• We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and dynamic working environment by building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

• We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within the workplace. We will ensure that all candidates are treated fairly and without discrimination, in line with the Equality Act 2010.

Health & Safety

• Fully endorse, demonstrate, and carry out the company s health and safety policy.
• Comply with all company policies and statutory regulations.
• Have a full knowledge of procedures for evacuation regarding fire safety.

CUCF Employee Benefits:

• 20 days Annual leave per year (Including all bank holidays).
• Access to a CUCF Fleet vehicle and fuel card for all work-related travel.
• Free staff onsite parking.
• A pension scheme is available for eligible applicants.
• Free Staff Macron Uniform.
• Opportunities to access overtime.
• Opportunities to work Colchester United home games.
• Opportunities to work alongside the Colchester United Academy (Category 2).
• Allocated weekly Workforce Performance & Self Development time.
• Access to monthly internal Staff Training (Average 60 hours per year).
• External training opportunities through national partners (Premier League Charitable Fund & EFL in the Community).
• CUFC Club Shop Discount

Please apply with a CV and Covering Letter.

Please note that the job will be subject to satisfactory references and enhanced DBS checks.

Closing Date: Thursday 12 th February 2026 (Please note that applications may close sooner if a suitable candidate is found).

Interview Dates: WC 16 th & 23 rd February 2026

Start Date: Monday 30 th March 2026 or earlier if available

For further details, please contact (FAO: Joe Hart).