Somerset FA - Football Development Officer - Female Participation and Inclusion

Somerset Football Association is recruiting a Football Development Officer (Female Participation and Inclusion) to grow female participation, strengthen player pathways and help clubs and leagues create environments where women and girls feel welcome, supported and able to thrive. The role also acts as a driving force for inclusion and equality across Somerset football, working with partners, volunteers, clubs, leagues and communities to make the game more inclusive and representative of the communities it serves.

The postholder works closely with colleagues across Somerset FA, including the Clubs & Leagues, Coach Development and Referee Development teams, to ensure the development of the female game is embedded across everything the organisation does.

• Develop programmes that encourage more girls to start playing football at an earlier age.
• Use participation data and mapping tools to identify gaps in provision and opportunities to grow the game.
• Support clubs to develop sustainable female teams and complete player pathways.
• Work with the Somerset Girls League as it continues to grow and develop.
• Manage and support Wildcats and Just Play centres to help them thrive.
• Support Equal Game Ambassadors to develop the female game in targeted areas of Somerset.
• Develop opportunities and pathways for female coaches and referees.
• Manage the Somerset Emerging Talent Centre and support the development of talented female players.
• Work with education and community partners to create opportunities for women and girls to get involved in football.
• Lead Somerset FA's work with the Inclusion Advisory Group and support the progression of the Equality Standard in Sport.
• Help ensure inclusion, equality and safeguarding are embedded across Somerset FA and grassroots football.

• Experience of working within a grassroots football environment.
• Practical experience of sports or football development.
• A good understanding of the barriers that can prevent women and girls from participating.
• Confidence working with partners from different sectors.
• Experience of managing projects.
• Ability to use data to understand participation.
• Strong relationship-building skills.
• Ability to turn ideas into action.
  
  Ability to influence, collaborate and bring people along.
• A passion for football and a belief that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the game.

• Somerset FA HQ, Glastonbury, with home working available.
• 35 hours per week, full-time.
• Fixed-term contract until July 2028, subject to future funding.