Academi Technical Lead

Join Wrexham AFC - because history doesn’t write itself

The Role

The Academi Technical Lead will be the strategic and technical lead for the Wrexham AFC Women’s Academi, overseeing the design, delivery, and continual evolution of the player and coach development pathway. The role is central to building a high-quality, female-centred development system aligned to FAW Academi standards and the long‑term vision of Wrexham AFC Women. The post holder will act as the conduit between the Academi and the First Team, ensuring alignment of playing philosophy, development principles, and performance expectations, while supporting players to progress either into the First Team or into senior football environments.

Key Responsibilities

Academi Strategy & Leadership

• Lead the strategic development of the Wrexham AFC Women’s Academi across all age groups (U13, U15, evolving to U9-U17).
• Design and implement a clear long-term player development framework aligned to FAW Academi requirements.
• Provide strong technical and cultural leadership across the Academi programme.

Player Development & Pathway Design

• Oversee individual player development plans (IDPs) across all Academi age groups.
• Create an appropriate games and competition programme that prioritises individual development alongside team learning.
• Establish clear progression routes for players into the First Team, loan pathways, or senior football opportunities.

Academi to First Team Integration

• Act as the primary technical link between the Academi and First Team staff.
• Support the transition of high‑potential players into First Team training environments.
• Ensure alignment of playing philosophy, principles, and performance language.

Coach Development & Support

• Lead the recruitment, development, and mentoring of Academi coaches.
• Create a structured coach development programme aligned to female player development needs.
• Support coaches with session design, observation, feedback, and reflective practice.

Female Health & Wellbeing Integration

• Ensure age‑appropriate integration of menstrual health, wellbeing, and physical development principles.
• Support coaches to confidently and appropriately address female‑specific development needs.

Games Programme & Talent Management

• Design a games programme that balances challenge, learning, and appropriate exposure.
• Monitor player load, readiness, and development in collaboration with performance staff.
• Support selection and deselection processes with clarity and care.
• Attend Academi fixtures on a regular basis.

Talent Identification & Community Integration

• Work closely with the Wrexham Foundation to develop a structured talent identification programme for U9 to U13.
• Build strong relationships with schools and grassroots clubs across North Wales.
• Collaborate with the Academi Foundation Lead Coach to widen access and opportunity.

Governance, Safeguarding & Compliance

• Ensure Academi operations meet FAW Academi standards and safeguarding requirements.
• Contribute to audits, reviews, and reporting processes.
• Uphold the highest standards of professionalism, welfare, and duty of care.

Person Specification

Essential

• UEFA B or UEFA A coaching qualification.
• Proven experience leading or coordinating an academy or player development programme.
• Strong understanding of player development in girls and young women.
• Demonstrable strategic leadership and people management skills.
• Ability to build alignment between academy and senior performance environments.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills.

Desirable

• Experience working within an FAW or FA Academy/equivalent national development system.
• Background in coach education or formal mentoring.
• Understanding of female athlete health and long‑term athlete development.

Why This Role Matters

This role is fundamental to building a sustainable, high‑quality pathway for girls and young women in North Wales. By combining strategic leadership, strong technical direction, and deep understanding of female development, the Academi Technical Lead will help ensure Wrexham AFC Women consistently develops players, coaches, and environments capable of supporting long‑term success.

Why Work for Us

If you are looking for an organisation committed to building a strong, inclusive, high‑performing workplace where every individual is valued, supported and empowered to grow with fantastic benefits which include:

• Health Cash Plan
• EAP
• Enhanced holidays and long‑service days
• Enhanced pension
• Death in service
• Enhanced sick leave
• Health and wellbeing time off
• Volunteering day
• Salary sacrifice benefits and retail discounts