Reporting to the Sporting Director, the Academy Director is responsible for providing strategic leadership, direction and overall management of the Central Coast Mariners Academy, ensuring the successful development and delivery of the Club's Academy philosophy, football program and operational objectives.

The position is responsible for establishing a high-performance environment that identifies, develops and prepares talented players for progression into the Club's A-League Men's and Women's programs and potential professional football opportunities.

The Academy Director will oversee the strategic, financial, administrative and operational performance of the Academy, ensuring the program operates in accordance with Club strategic objectives, Football Australia and Football NSW requirements, A-Leagues regulations, safeguarding standards and relevant governance frameworks.

A key responsibility of the role is to establish a culture of accountability, collaboration, professionalism and continuous improvement, ensuring all Academy departments work towards a shared vision and agreed performance outcomes.

The successful candidate will combine strong leadership, administration and stakeholder management skills with experience in elite player development and coaching. They will be organised, proactive and collaborative, with the ability to balance Academy operations and individual player development priorities in a professional football setting.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

- Lead the development, implementation and review of the Academy strategy and Development Philosophy, ensuring alignment with the Club's football identity and long-term objectives across all age groups and departments.
- Develop and maintain the Academy Performance Plan, setting departmental responsibilities,



annual objectives, performance measures and reporting requirements, and monitor delivery against agreed outcomes.
- Lead and manage coaches, chair meetings and oversee staffing and recruitment, hold coaches accountable for agreed outcomes.
- Work with the Sporting Director and Head Coach to align Academy priorities with senior football requirements and establish clear progression pathways into the A-League Men's and Women's programs.
- Oversee the Academy football program and the integration of player development, coach development, recruitment and performance support, ensuring players are prepared technically, tactically, physically and psychologically.
- Establish effective talent identification and recruitment processes across NPL competitions, state programs, national championships and other relevant development environments.
- Monitor player progression, retention, transition into senior football and professional contract opportunities, prioritising individual development and long-term potential alongside team performance.
- Set operational priorities and service standards, review delivery, operational reports and proposed system changes with the Academy Coordinator, and resolve escalated delivery issues and resource constraints within Club delegations. Coordinate priorities through the Sporting Director, with the support of the Academy Coordinator.




- Maintain oversight of applicable Football Australia, Football NSW, A-Leagues and other governing body requirements, including accreditation, benchmarking and competition regulations; review compliance evidence, ensure technical leads provide required information and resolve gaps or regulatory changes.
- Oversee governance of player recruitment, registration, transfer and release decisions with the Sporting Director and Football Operations, informed by relevant technical recommendations and Club protocols.
- Establish Academy-wide risk management and governance reporting standards, and represent the Academy in strategic or regulatory discussions, delegating routine operational follow-up where appropriate.
- Ensure a safe, inclusive and supportive Academy environment with the Club's Safeguarding Manager, maintaining appropriate policies, staff screening, Working with Children Checks, training and clearances, and effective processes for reporting and managing concerns, incidents and complaints.
- Oversee education, player care, welfare and personal development through the relevant departmental lead, prioritising player wellbeing, mental health and preparation for life beyond football.
- Develop the overall Academy budget with the Sporting Director, and Finance, incorporating departmental plans and operational inputs from the Academy Coordinator, and seek approval through Club processes.
- Retain accountability for budget performance, financial commitments and resource allocation, including Academy activities, apparel and equipment, within approved delegations, and establish financial control standards with Finance.
- Review expenditure, forecasts and variances pr

📌 Academy Director (Central Coast)
🏢 Central Coast Mariners FC
📍 Central Coast