Head Of Football

If you enjoy nothing more than kicking back on the couch watching a game of footy, you might have considered whether or not a football career is well-suited to you. After all, you don’t necessarily have to become a player. Plenty of jobs behind the scenes keep the game in motion, one of the most important being the Head of Football. 

At ACPE, we recognise leadership’s pivotal role in the success of sports organisations, particularly in football. The Head of Football is a position that embodies strategic oversight, operational management and a deep understanding of the game’s dynamics.

What is the Head of Football?

The Head of Football is a senior management role within a football club or organisation and oversees all football-related activities. This includes but is not limited to, player development, team performance, recruitment and staff management. 

As a Head of Football, you’ll act as a bridge between the club’s executive board and the footballing side of the organisation, ensuring that both short-term successes and long-term objectives are achieved. The essence of this role lies in its capacity to shape the footballing philosophy and strategy at every level of the institution.

What does a Head of Football do?

As the Head of Football, your average daily tasks are diverse and dynamic, requiring a blend of tactical vision and practical engagement. Here are the key skills you’ll require to succeed in this role: 

• Strategic planning – You will develop and implement a coherent football strategy that aligns with the club’s values and objectives. This requires a deep understanding of the game, foresight to anticipate future trends and the ability to adapt to the ever-evolving nature of football.

• Operations management – You can expect to oversee the logistical aspects of the football department, from training schedules to match day preparations. This includes organising training schedules, ensuring facilities meet the required standards and coordinating match-day operations to ensure everything runs smoothly.
  
  Effective operations management is vital for creating an environment where players and coaching staff can focus solely on their performance without unnecessary distractions.

• Recruitment and development – You will guide the recruitment process to ensure signings reflect the club’s philosophy and future needs. That includes overseeing the development pathways for young talent, ensuring that the next generation of players can seamlessly transition to the first team, reflecting the club’s commitment to nurturing future stars.

• Stakeholder communication –Ensuring clear and effective communication with all stakeholders, including players, coaching staff, the board and fans, to maintain transparency and unity towards the club’s goals.
  
  By engaging actively with fans and keeping them informed, the club strengthens its relationship with its supporters, creating a sense of community and shared purpose.

How to pursue a career as a Head of Football

To become a Head of Football, our expert educators at ACPE recommend the following:

• Pursue a higher education – Obtain a degree in sports management or a related field to understand better the business, management and legal aspects of sports. Our Bachelor of Football (Development, Management and Performance) explores a range of football codes and delves into coaching, community participation, management, leadership, sport science and high performance.

• Engage in a blended learning experience – Our Bachelor of Football (Development, Management and Performance) offers work-integrated learning placements with a minimum of 260 hours of placements in football environments.

• Build your network – Building professional relationships within the industry can open doors to opportunities and provide mentorship and guidance. ACPE offers plenty of on-campus events for you to liaise with past graduates and industry professionals and learn more. 

Enrol at ACPE and qualify yourself for a career as a Head of Football

A career as a Head of Football is not just about a love for football — it’s about shaping the future of the sport through strategic insight, operational excellence and a commitment to developing talent on and off the pitch. If you’re ready to take the first step towards a rewarding career as a Head of Football, we offer the education, support and network to make your aspirations a reality.

While you’re here, browse our range of football and education courses to see what may pique your interest.

Join us in shaping the future of football management, where your leadership can influence the success of teams and the joy of fans around the world. If you have any questions, contact our team, who are happy to assist.