Reports to: Stirling Albion Foundation (SAF) Board of Trustees
Links To:
- Stirling Albion Junior Academy (SAJA) Committee
- Stirling Albion Football Club (SAFC) Head of Youth Development
Location: Forthbank Stadium (some travel required when necessary)
Contract Type: Paid position – Part-time Approx. 25 hours per week. Initially a 1-year contract, renewable subject to financial review.
Purpose of the Role
The Player and Coach Development Officer will lead the development of players and coaches within SAJA, ensuring a clear and consistent approach to football education across all age groups. The role involves supporting and extending the football knowledge of volunteer coaches, delivering high-quality development sessions for the SAJA most promising young players, and coordinating across organisations as we align the SAJA, SAF and SAFC player pathway. The role will also include providing development sessions for all teams within the Junior Academy as well as supporting the session coaches providing community classes through the Foundation.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Player Development
- Plan, deliver, and evaluate advanced coaching sessions for identified players showing higher potential (Performance/Development groups).
- Implement and maintain an individual player development framework, aligned with the club’s football philosophy.
- Support age group coaches with player assessments, development planning, and feedback processes.
- Ensure all player activity upholds the club’s commitment to children’s wellbeing and protection in football.
- Deliver monthly/bi-monthly sessions to all teams in the club.
2. Coach Development
- Act as the lead mentor for all volunteer coaches within the club.
- Provide practical and ongoing support in session design, matchday coaching, and reflective practice.
- Deliver in-house CPD workshops and liaise with the Scottish FA Regional Club Development Manager to access wider coach education opportunities.
- Help volunteer coaches progress through the Scottish FA Coach Education Pathway (Children’s Award, Youth Award, C Licence, etc.).
- Ensure coaching across the club aligns with its Playing & Coaching Philosophy.
3. Programme Leadership and Management
- Lead the implementation of the club’s Technical Development Plan.
- Support the JA in meeting and maintaining Scottish FA Quality Mark / Club Accreditation standards.
- Manage training schedules, facilities, and equipment for all development programmes.
- Maintain records of participation, attendance, and player/coach progress.
- Provide regular updates and reports to the SAF Board of Trustees and relevant stakeholders.
- Uphold the highest standards of safeguarding, wellbeing, and inclusion.
- Work with the girls’ pathway on the transition of team(s) to the NPL.
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- UEFA B Licence (Scottish FA) or working towards completion.
- Valid Scottish FA Children’s Wellbeing in Football qualification.
- Current Emergency First Aid in Football (EFAiF) or equivalent.
- Demonstrated experience coaching youth players in a Scottish grassroots or performance environment.
- Experience mentoring or leading other coaches.
- Excellent communication, organisation, and leadership skills.
- SYFA SWF or Grassroots PVG
Desirable Qualifications & Experience
- Scottish FA Advanced Children’s / Youth Licence or A Licence (or working towards).
- Experience delivering CPD or mentoring within an accredited club structure.
- Experience working with or alongside Scottish FA Regional staff or local academies.
- Knowledge of Talent ID and player progression processes within Scotland.
Personal Attributes
- Passionate advocate for youth development and coach education.
- Approachable, supportive, and committed to a positive learning culture.
- Proactive and able to work independently and as part of a wider club team.
- Flexible with working hours, including evenings and weekends.
- Embody the club’s values and the spirit of grassroots football.
Remuneration
Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Branded Stirling Albion kit provided.
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a covering letter detailing your experience and suitability for the role to Jim McAllister, Chairperson at childprotectionSAJA@gmail.com by Monday 16th March 2026 .
Process: Candidates will be selected for interview based on CV and covering letter.