Football development officer
Community coach, football participation officer, community trust coach
Football development officers run programmes that get more people playing football, working with schools, community groups and grassroots clubs.
Average salary (a year)
£21,000£32,000
StarterExperienced
Starter £21,000 to experienced £32,000
Typical hours (a week)
35 to 40
You could work
evenings and weekendsoccasionally
How to become a football development officer
You can get into this job through:
College
You could take a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need.
You could take a college course in sport or sports coaching, for example a Level 3 Diploma in Sport.
Apprenticeship
You could get into this career through an apprenticeship.
Club community trusts and county FAs offer apprenticeships such as Community Activator Coach (Level 2) and Community Sport and Health Officer (Level 3).
Courses, badges and licences
Football’s governing bodies run courses that are recognised across the game.
The FA’s Introduction to Coaching Football and UEFA C Licence are useful, along with safeguarding and first aid certificates.
Volunteering and work experience
Experience in the game counts. You could start by volunteering.
Volunteering at a grassroots club or community trust is one of the best ways in.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You’ll need:
- the ability to work with people of all ages and backgrounds
- organisation and planning skills
- confidence leading groups
- the ability to build partnerships with schools and local organisations
Restrictions and requirements
You’ll usually need to:
- pass enhanced background checks (DBS)
- have a full driving licence for many roles
What you’ll do
Day-to-day tasks
In your day-to-day tasks you could:
- plan and run coaching sessions in schools and communities
- organise tournaments and holiday camps
- support grassroots clubs to grow
- record attendance and report on the programme
- help apply for funding
Working environment
You’ll work in schools, leisure centres, parks and community venues, indoors and outdoors.
Career path and progression
You could become a community programme manager, head of a club’s community trust, or a development manager at a county FA.
Current opportunities
3 live football development officer jobs on Softfootball right now.
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Salaries and hours are typical figures for the UK and vary by club, league, location and experience. Last updated November 14, 2026.