Academy Director

Christchurch United Football Club – Yaldhurst, South Island

Classification : Sport & Recreation | Coaching & Instruction

Location : Christchurch, Canterbury

Work Type : Full-time | Permanent

Salary : $100,000 - $115,000 per year + Vehicle + Performance Bonus

About Us

Christchurch United is a long-established football club with a history of success both nationally and locally. Since its foundation in the 1970s, the club has maintained a steady presence in New Zealand football, with multiple league titles and cup wins.

The club operates as a non‑profit incorporated society, supported by our local community and valued sponsors. Our focus is on creating a national benchmark for elite player development and technical excellence.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a visionary and experienced Academy Director to lead the overall direction, leadership, and success of Christchurch United's academy programmes. This is a pivotal, permanent role where you will define, lead, and implement the technical methodology that underpins the club's long‑term identity.

You will be tasked with ensuring the club's academy remains a national benchmark in elite player development, coach education, and community integration across all levels.

Key Responsibilities — What You'll Do

• Academy Programme Oversight : Provide strategic leadership for all academy age groups (U4‑U20), Technification programmes, the Football Institute, and our growing Residency programme, ensuring alignment with the club's technical framework.
• Coach Development & Retention : Implement a robust Continuing Professional Development (CPD) strategy and ensure 100% of academy coaches achieve NZF / OFC certification. You will lead, educate, and retain a high‑quality coaching staff.
• Player Development Frameworks : Oversee the implementation and maintenance of the Player Individual Development Plan (IDP) for every player, integrating crucial holistic support through wellbeing workshops (e.g., Nutrition, Sleep, Mental Skills).
• Strategic & Commercial Growth : Drive the expansion and commercial success of strategic initiatives, including the Football Institute and the new Commercial Residency camps, working toward income and enrolment targets.
• Stakeholder Management : Maintain strong relationships with Partner Clubs (targeting 100% partner retention ), parents / guardians, Federation representatives, and the Senior Team staff.

Skills & Experience — Who We’re Looking For

Location : Christchurch, New Zealand

Contract : Permanent, Full‑time role (40 hours per week)

Remuneration : Highly competitive and flexible, dependent on experience and qualifications, plus a company vehicle and a competitive performance bonus structure. Offered salary range is $100,000-$115,000, depending on experience.

Start Date : 15th January 2026 (or earlier by negotiation).

Application Process

To apply, please submit your CV and a comprehensive cover letter detailing your philosophy on elite youth development and how your experience aligns with making Christchurch United a national benchmark academy.

Applications must include details of your right to work in New Zealand, a summary of your relevant experience, and professional references.

Employer Questions

Your application will include the following questions :

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