Player and Game Lead - Performance Support

Job Title: Player and Game Lead - Performance Support

Location: FAI HQ, Abbottstown & Regionally

Direct Reporting Line: Technical Director

Duration: Permanent / Full-Time

Work Model: Hybrid

Introduction

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is the national governing body for football in Ireland, driving the growth, promotion, and development of the game at all levels. We are passionate about inspiring participation, supporting talent, and celebrating the power of football to unite communities across the country. With a proud history and an ambitious vision for the future, the FAI is committed to fostering excellence on and off the pitch, ensuring the game is inclusive, accessible, and a source of national pride.

Purpose of the Role

The Player & Game Lead playsa central rolein connecting the national player pathway with regional delivery. Working across both regional and national environments, the role strengthens alignment between clubs, leagues, schools, regional development programmes, and international teams.

The post-holder acts as a regional performance support & technical lead, building strong relationships across the game, enhancing playing opportunities, supporting player and coach development, and ensuring consistent standards and alignment across the pathway.

Key Responsibilities

Player Development

• Lead regional player development programmes and pathway activation events aligned to national standards.
• Identify, track, and support pathway players in collaboration with Head of Performance Support, Head of Talent ID, International Coaches, and Heads of Football in clubs.
• Collaborate with Heads of Football in clubs to strengthen pathway alignment across performance support and football development
• Ensure age- and stage-appropriate movement competencies and athletic development programming are delivered consistently across all parts of the region.
• Uphold high standards of behaviour, professionalism, wellbeing, and care across all regional environments.

Athletic Development

• Promote and support the implementation of national movement competency and athletic development programs across pathway structures, clubs and leagues.
• Work with Club and League Development Leads to increase meaningful athletic development opportunities in all environments.
• Support regional competitions and development festivals aligned with pathway objectives.

Game & Coach Development

• Work closely with Coach Developers to ensure regional coaching practice reflects the FAI's physical development principles.
• Work with Heads of Football in academies and grassroots clubs to ensure development plans and feedback processes are consistent and well-aligned.
• Contribute to regional CPD events and communities of practice to support high-quality coaching across clubs in the region.
• Model high-quality coaching behaviours and promote reflective practice across the region.

Collaboration & Alignment

• Act as the primary performance support contact for clubs, leagues, and regional partners within the assigned region.
• Build strong, aligned relationships with Heads of Football, club leadership, leagues, and school networks to support pathway delivery.
• Ensure close alignment between regional activity and national programmes, feeding insight to the Head of Performance Support, Technical Director and relevant national staff.
• Support international football activity when required, including contributing to camps or player review processes.
• Provide regular updates, reports, and recommendations to the Head of Performance Support, Technical Director and relevant national staff.
• Support delivery of regional FAI activities as required.

Safeguarding & Welfare

• Ensure all regional activity aligns with FAI safeguarding, wellbeing, and duty-of-care standards.
• Promote a safe, inclusive, and player-centred environment across all programmes.

Person Specification

• Professional, reliable, and capable of building trusted relationships across multiple environments.
• Strong communicator who can influence, support, and connect people at all levels of the game.
• Reflective, curious, and committed to continuous development.
• Passionate about improving Irish football and creating high-quality development environments for players and coaches.
• Values collaboration, inclusivity, and positive behaviours across the game.

Experience and Qualifications

Essential:

• Qualification in relevant Performance Support, Sport Science, Athletic Development, Strength & Conditioning Domain
• Significant experiencein player athletic development programming within academy, club, or regional structures.
• Experience in implementing age and stage appropriate fitness testing protocols in team environments
• Strong understanding of athletic development principles and the Irish player pathway.
• Experience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary or multi-stakeholder environments.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and relationship-management skills.
• Proven ability to plan, deliver, and review high-quality player physical or coach development activity.

Desirable:

• Understanding of performance support practices in an applied football environment (e.g., physical game demands, playing position physical requirements, player rehabilitation, data interpretation)
• Experience contributing to coach development or CPD delivery.
• Knowledge of Irish football structures and development pathways.
• Experience working across regional or national player development programmes.
• Experience contributing to CPD, coach mentoring, or development planning.
• Knowledge of national competition formats, player pathways, and Irish football structures.

Skills & Professional Knowledge

• Player identification and development
• Game-centred coaching methodology
• Coach support, mentoring, and facilitation
• Stakeholder engagement and relationship management
• Regional programme planning and delivery
• Communication, influence, and presentation skills
• Data-informed player and programme review
• Leadership & collaboration
• Player and coach-centred delivery
• Technical excellence
• Communication & professionalism
• Pathway alignment

Competencies

Innovation & Continuous Improvement (Progress)

Thinks creatively and with an open mind to identify new opportunities for growth and improvement. Embraces change positively and contributes to building a better future for Irish football.

Drive & Commitment (Passion)

Demonstrates energy, enthusiasm, and pride in everything they do. Takes initiative, delivers results, and strives to make a meaningful impact on the game and the organisation.

Collaboration & Teamwork (Togetherness)

Works effectively and respectfully with others to achieve shared goals. Supports, challenges, and motivates colleagues to perform at their best, recognising that success is achieved together.

Communication & Influence (Togetherness / Passion)

Communicates clearly, openly, and respectfully with colleagues and stakeholders. Builds positive relationships, inspires trust, and represents the FAI with professionalism and integrity.

Accountability & Professional Excellence (Progress / Passion)

Takes ownership of performance and upholds high standards in all tasks. Acts responsibly, follows through on commitments, and contributes to the FAI's vision of continuous progress and excellence.

Our Benefits

We are proud of the range of benefits we can provide:

• Two premium level tickets to each home international game
• Sick pay scheme and family friendly leave
• Opportunities to work at international matches
• Company pension
• Life assurance
• Bike to work scheme
• Free onsite parking
• Employee assistance programs
• Hybrid working arrangements and flexible hours working arrangements
• Discounted access to the National Aquatic Centre and gym complex

Application Details

Closing date for receipt of applications is close of business on Thursday 16th July 2026.
Shortlisting and interviewing process will take place thereafter.

The Football Association of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and promotes, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I).