Location: Glasgow / remote
Role Type: Voluntary
About the club:
Saltire Thistle Football Club is Glasgow’s LGBTQ+ inclusive football club, founded in 2010 to provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ people to play football, meet new people and be part of a community. Today, we bring together a diverse, mixed-ability membership and offer opportunities to get involved both on and off the pitch, from regular training and matches to social events, fundraising and community activity.
We are proud to be about more than football. We work with partners across the LGBTQ+ and wider community to promote inclusion and challenge discrimination in sport, while creating a club where everyone can feel welcome and involved.
Our 15th anniversary year in 2025 was a particular highlight. In addition to producing a podcast ‘The Saltire Thistle Story’ we were delighted to be recognised at the national Football v Homophobia Awards, winning both the Grassroots Clubs Award and the FvH Scotland Award in recognition of our commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion and our impact within the community.
As we look towards the next chapter of the club, we are excited to build on that work, grow our membership (which totalled over 70 in season 25-26), and continue creating opportunities for people to get involved in football, regardless of experience or ability.
To find out more about the club check out our LinkTree which links to our website and social media pages
The role
Joining the football management team of Saltire Thistle, we are looking for an Assistant Manager to support the Team Manager and Coaching team in running the football delivery of our award-winning LGBTQ+ inclusive football club.
Support the Team Manager with the planning and delivery of engaging training sessions tailored to the varying ability levels of our members.
Work with the Team Manager to ensure a safe, inclusive and positive environment to enjoy football in line with Saltire Thistle's values and purpose.
Support the development of players both individually and collectively, providing constructive feedback, encouragement and support.
Assist with matchday preparation and organisation, including squad selection in accordance with the club's Code of Conduct and agreed selection criteria.
Help organise and oversee drills, practices and other football activities during training and matches.
Promote teamwork, commitment, respect and fair play across all football activities.
Communicate effectively with players and the club committee regarding fixtures, schedules, training and other football activities.
Support the Team Manager with the day-to-day running of the team and be responsible for football activities when the Team Manager is unavailable.
We are looking for someone who
Has a genuine interest in football and a passion for helping others develop and enjoy the beautiful game. This could be through playing, coaching, studying a sports qualification, or previous experience in a football environment.
Has experience of, or is interested in developing their skills in, coaching, team management or player development. Coaching qualifications are desirable but not essential.
Is confident supporting the planning and delivery of football activities and is comfortable working with players of different abilities and levels of experience.
Is a positive and encouraging communicator who can build good relationships with players and provide constructive feedback.
Is organised, reliable and able to work collaboratively with the Team Manager and wider coaching team.
Has a genuine commitment to Saltire Thistle's purpose and values, and understands the importance of creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ players and the wider club community.
Is enthusiastic about developing their own skills and contributing to the continued growth of Saltire Thistle's football provision.
Benefits
In this voluntary role, the post holder will gain:
Practical experience of supporting the planning and delivery of football training and matchday activities within an established LGBTQ+ inclusive football club.
The opportunity to develop your skills and experience in coaching, team management, player development and leadership, with support from the Team Manager and wider coaching team.
Experience of working with players with varying abilities, experience and football backgrounds.
Experience of contributing to a positive, inclusive and supportive sporting environment, with the opportunity to develop your understanding of LGBTQ+ inclusion in football.
The chance to build relationships with players, coaches, committee members and the wider football community.
The opportunity to contribute to the continued growth and development of an award-winning LGBTQ+ inclusive football club.
Additional information
In supporting our club as Assistant Manager, you will also become a club member. Our membership options
A key part of this role is being present at our weekly training sessions, and being regularly available for weekend matches. We train for two hours each Wednesday evening at Glasgow Green Football Centre, and play matches on either a Saturday or Sunday most weekends, with our competitions seeing us play across Glasgow / Edinburgh as well as UK-wide.
How to register interest in the role:
Please get in touch with us by email to saltirethistlefc@gmail.com to express interest in the role or if you have any questions, we’d love to hear from you.
Please let us know any relevant experience or you may wish to attach your CV. Queries or expressions of interest can be addressed to Chair Aaron McKenna.