Are you passionate about growing grassroots football and nurturing young talent? Elite Football Training Facilities is seeking a dynamic and experienced Sports Development Officer (SDO) to lead our football development programs, strengthen community partnerships, and drive participation across schools and clubs.

About Us

Elite Football is a leading football training academy dedicated to fostering football talent from grassroots to high performance. We currently collaborate with multiple schools and clubs across Melbourne and are proud of our role in dramatically increasing youth football participation across the region.

Key Responsibilities

Program Design & Delivery: Develop and manage age-appropriate football training programs across various skill levels, including high-performance pathways for players aged 8–12.

Community Engagement & Participation: Promote football participation through school-based programs, local events, and strategic marketing initiatives.

Partnership Management: Maintain and grow partnerships with local clubs and schools including Moonee Valley Knights, PEGS Soccer Club, and Melbourne City FC.

Coach Recruitment & Development: Lead the recruitment, training, and performance management of Elite Football coaching staff to uphold program excellence.

Event Coordination: Collaborate with community clubs to coordinate competitions, clinics, and talent development initiatives.

Talent Identification: Support talent scouting and deliver targeted development plans to nurture young players through structured training regimes.

About You

Solid business administration and management skills, including budgeting, scheduling, and reporting – essential for overseeing program logistics and supporting the centre’s strategic growth.

Demonstrated experience in football program design, coordination, and implementation.

Strong background working with community and school-based sports programs.

Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Experience managing coaching staff or leading teams within a sports setting.

A genuine passion for youth development and promoting access to sport.

Preferred:

Relevant qualifications in Sports Development and/or Leadership/Management is also relevant.

Existing relationships within the local football community.

At least 12 months experience in the industry/ closely related role