We have a fantastic opportunity for a National Referee Officer (Development & Progression) to join our Football Operations division. The post holder will support the design, construction and delivery of the education, development and support for match officials undertaking the County FA progression pathway.

You will work closely with the Head of Refereeing for Technical and Development, and other National Referee Managers to identify, nurture and develop those referees who are demonstrating high potential to progress into the FA CORE programme and to the professional level of the game. You will provide greater consistency of performance and transition for those referees moving into step 5 and 6 football.

This is a location-independent role and will require extensive and regular nationwide travel. This is a part-time position – 2 days per week and advertised on a fixed-term basis until July 2025.

What will you be doing?

• To support the delivery of high-quality training, education and development opportunities to all referees on the progression pathway.


• Ensure that there are regular interactive regional development ‘touchpoints' with all referees on the progression pathway.


• To regularly attend games to identify performance trends which can forge the basis of our learning and development content.


• Provide monthly virtual learning and development opportunities for a variety of referees to learn and grow from FA Referee development content


• Ensure that our development offer takes a blended learning model – including face-to-face, virtual and online content


• Ensure that all training and education content specifically targets those referees from historically underrepresented groups.


• Work closely with the Head of Refereeing – Technical and development and other National Referee Managers to ensure that Referee development and education remains a key priority for County Football Associations.


• Work closely with CFA Referee officers to support their ongoing recruitment, retention and development of a referee support workforce – mentors, coaches etc.


• Forge partnerships with leagues, clubs and other football stakeholders in order to enhance, improve and develop their understanding of the laws of the game and wider refereeing matters.


• Regularly update the online FA Referee Community with learning and development content for all referees on the progression pathway


• To demonstrate the core FA values at all times. Working within a wider technical and development team, whilst showing a positive attitude and flexibility to support their colleagues within the team and wider FA refereeing department where necessary.


• Executes additional tasks as required to meet FA Group's changing priorities.


• Comply with all company policies and procedures to ensure the highest standards of health, safety and well-being can be maintained.


• As part of The FA's commitment to ensuring a safe environment for everyone in football, every employee will be required to complete a DBS check. The level of the check required will be based on the activity of the specific job role and in line with legislation and government guidance.

What are we looking for?

Essential for the role:

• Experience as a referee educator and or developer


• Highly skilled facilitator of referee education and development content. Has the ability to plan, prepare, build and deliver referee development programmes/workshops.


• Detailed knowledge of the Refereeing pyramid and promotional pathways and opportunities.


• Detailed knowledge of FA CORE structure – regions, leaders, referees and programme evolve.


• Knowledge and experience of the barriers to inclusion for women, ethnic minorities and disabled people in refereeing.


• Capable of influencing a diverse set of stakeholders including volunteers.


• Understanding of grassroots football.


• Understanding of how CFAs and Leagues recruit and administer referees.


• Excellent administration skills.

Beneficial to have:

• Experience as a referee/assistant referee.


• Experience and understanding of a County FA.

What's in it for you?

We are committed to ensuring everyone can flourish in their roles, to achieve this we have unique office spaces under the arch of the iconic Wembley National Stadium, which is the home of English Football. We are also delighted to offer a world-class, Elite Performance Centre, St. George's Park in Staffordshire which is an exceptional setting to develop and inspire high-performing England teams and leaders.

We pride ourselves in offering a competitive salary as well as great opportunities to develop and grow in your role. But that is not all; we also have a range of exciting benefits, some of which can be found below:

• Access to event day tickets at Wembley Stadium, alongside a host of regular internal events throughout the season encouraging you to connect and learn with your colleagues and look after your mental health and wellbeing.


• Free, nutritious lunches, at Wembley Stadium and St. George's Park.


• Free private medical cover.


• A contributory pension scheme.


• An additional Thank You days leave, volunteering days as well as 25 days annual leave.


• A hybrid working model offering flexibility on where you work.