The Coach Development Lead is responsible for advancing the growth and quality of football coaching across Ireland. The role focuses on enhancing learning pathways, developing coaching expertise, and supporting coaches through formal FAI programmes and informal learning environments such as mentoring and communities of practice.
Working collaboratively across the FAI and the wider football network, this role ensures that Irish coaches have access to modern, inclusive, and high-quality development opportunities aligned with the FAI’s Football Pathways Plan and Coach Development Framework.
Key Responsibilities
Programme Development
- Support the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of the FAI’s Education & Development strategy.
- Align all coach development activities with the FAI strategy, UEFA Coaching Convention, and Sport Ireland Coaching Framework.
- Support the development of a coherent learning pathway for coaches from grassroots to elite level.
- Promote a culture of lifelong learning, reflection, and innovation in coaching.
- Plan and lead the delivery of formal FAI Coach Development courses (e.g., Me & My, Grassroots Coach programmes).
- Integrate modern coaching and learning methodologies including blended learning and experiential approaches.
- Provide ongoing CPD and development support for qualified coaches.
- Ensure the creation of inclusive, participant-centred, high-quality learning environments.
- Support delivery of regional FAI activities as required.
- Lead, train, and support the national network of FAI Club Mark Heads of Football.
- Build communities of practice that promote collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and reflective practice.
- Facilitate mentoring and informal support for coaches in grassroots, academy, and other environments.
- Implement robust quality assurance processes for all development and education programmes.
- Evaluate programme impact using data, feedback, and performance indicators.
- Ensure compliance with UEFA and Sport Ireland standards and maintain all required records and reporting.
- Work closely with regional FAI staff, Clubs, and Leagues to identify and address local coach development needs.
- Build strong external relationships with international partners, educational institutions, and other key bodies.
- Represent the FAI at national and international forums related to coach education and development.