Xavier College is a leading Catholic school in the Jesuit tradition that aspires to form exceptional graduates through inspiring learning experiences and our distinct Jesuit character. This is an opportunity for outstanding candidates to join an aspirational and rigorous culture of learning and educational excellence. The Head of Football leads the Australian Rules Football program across the College between Years 5 - 12.

PD - Head of Football Xavier College The position of Head of Football is open to both internal and external applicants.

The role has two parts, and both matter. The first is running a large school sport program well: calendars, teams, coaches, venues, communication and budget, so that football runs safely and smoothly every week of the season. The second is the football itself: a clear coaching philosophy and development pathway that helps every player improve, from a Year 5 student learning the basics to our senior teams competing in the APS.

You will work alongside the Heads of Sport, campus sport staff, coaches, wellbeing teams, facilities staff, families and external football bodies, and lead the program day to day within College policy and the approved budget.

What the Role Involves

1. Program Administration and Operations

2. Coaching Leadership and Player Development

3. Students, Culture and Leadership

4. Connection Across the College and Beyond

5. Child Safety, Risk and Compliance

What We’re Looking For

Essential

•Experience running a substantial school, community or performance football program with multiple teams and stakeholder groups.

•Deep, practical knowledge of Australian Rules Football coaching and player development, and the ability to turn current AFL thinking into good coaching at school level.

•Strong planning,



organisation and communication skills, and the ability to juggle competing priorities.

•A track record of leading and developing coaches, and of building appropriate relationships with students, families and colleagues.

•A genuine commitment to child safety, student wellbeing, inclusive participation and the mission of Jesuit education.

•Availability to work across campuses, before and after school, on match days and weekends during the season.

Highly Desirable

•AFL coaching accreditation at Level 2 or above (or a recognised equivalent), and a commitment to ongoing skilled learning.

•Coaching or program leadership experience in a high-performance AFL environment, APS football or a similar development pathway.

•Experience with budgets, competition administration and implementing a structured coaching curriculum.

•Current first aid, CPR, anaphylaxis and asthma management training, or willingness to obtain it.

How to Express Interest

If this role interests you, please provide a copy of your resume and a cover letter explaining your interest and suitability for the position, including what you would bring to Xavier Football, with reference to the criteria above, including referees, to [email protected].

Applications close at 5pm on Tuesday 17 November 2026. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview.

For a confidential conversation about the role, contact Nathan Heaney, Head of Sports Performance ([email protected]) or Michael Wilson, Head of Sport ([email protected]). Appointment is subject to the College’s child-safety screening, induction and safeguarding requirements.

The Head of Football reports to the Heads of Sport and is ultimately accountable to the Director of Senior School, the Principal and Rector.

📌 Head of Football (Kew)
🏢 Xavier College
📍 Kew