ABOUT US

Football Australia is situated on the lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We acknowledge the histories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and commit to building a brighter future together. 

Football in Australia is a melting pot of approximately 2 million participants represented by over 200 different cultures; we are proud to be the most diverse and globally connected sport within the Australian sporting landscape.

This diversity in culture, ideas, and experience makes us strong and prepares us to achieve our vision to ‘be a leading football nation where everyone is inspired to live and love the game’. To achieve this, we live by our company values which are:

• Welcome: Open doors, open minds, open hearts – One Game for All
• Ready: Always ready, Always ahead
• Connect: Together, united
• Excel: Our best, every day in every way
• Protect: Guarding the game, Securing the future

WHAT WE OFFER

At Football Australia we want to look after our people and below are just some of the many benefits of joining our team:

• Flexible work arrangements
• Birthday Leave
• Study Leave
• Wellbeing & Lifestyle leave
• Paid Parental leave in addition to statutory government offering
• Volunteer leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Partner discounts
• Workplace Banking Program
• Social Activities such as 5-a-side futsal

ABOUT THE ROLE

• The Head Coach of the National U17 Team will identify, select, monitor, prepare and improve the best Youth Men’s Australian players for the team to succeed at the AFC U 17 Asian Cup and FIFA U-17 World Cup Tournaments.
• The Head Coach of the National U17 Team will act as a key ambassador for Football Australia and football in Australia
• Develop the players and staff throughout the cycle
• Oversee and attend camps for future Joeys players (U16 and U15 age group) as part of the monitoring and preparation for future U17 teams
• Contribute to ensuring talented young players represent Australia when able to represent more than one Nation
• Take responsibility for on-going communication, along with the Team Manager and GM Men’s National Teams, with all players on the monitoring list for the U16 and U17 teams, particularly those based overseas who are eligible to represent more than one country.
• To collaborate with the other National Team Technical Staff, Head of National Teams, GM Men’s National Teams and Chief Football Officer, providing input on technical matters generally.
• To provide expertise as a coach in the implementation of Football Australia’s National Football Development Plan as requested by the Head of National Teams and Chief Football Officer.
• Assist with other National Teams as required, taking into consideration clashes and schedules; with a clear understanding priority lies with the U17 Head Coach role

Please note that the contract end date is based on the following :

• Four weeks following elimination from the 2028 U17 World Cup tournament, OR
• Two weeks following failure to qualify for the 2028 U17 World Cup, either at the 2028 U17 AFC Asian Cup or failing to qualify for the 2028 U17 AFC Asian Cup

Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Lead as the Head Coach of U17 in all aspects of coaching the athletes
• Collaborate with the Football Australia General Managers (Men’s / Women’s / High Performance and FADI) and Head of National Teams on the staff required for the program
• Provide direction, support, and advice to the team’s Technical & Support Staff on all on field and off field matters. Manage staff within the program to ensure all are completing roles and responsibilities & set workflow.
• Work with Team staff to ensure the Team has the best possible coaching, medical, conditioning, wellbeing and other support.
• Implement strategic, technical, tactical, program, high performance, mental and cultural requests from Head of National Teams / Chief Football Officer / GMs.
• Work with the Head of National Teams and GM Men’s National Teams to develop and implement an annual team schedule that will allow for the highest performance at AFC Qualifiers, AFC Asian Cup and FIFA World Cups
• Work with the U17 Team Manager and General Managers to ensure the annual team schedule sits within the allocated budget and meets football objectives.
• Conduct player Individual Program Plans (IPP development) regularly
• Actively support the off-field Wellbeing program under the guidance of the GM High Performance and National Well-Being Manager
• Attend the Emerging Socceroos Championships (NYC), TDS Games and A-League/NPL Games for player ID and monitoring across the Men’s National team programs.
• Undertake consistent and direct communication with Member Federation TDs, Coaches and A-League/NPL clubs to update and reinforce the Player Monitoring List, forming key contacts and trusted sources in all states.
• Play a lead role in the National Team Department’s responsibilities at the Emerging Socceroos Championships (NYC) alongside other National Team Head Coaches, GM’s and Technical staff.
• Oversee and attend camps for U16 and U15 age group players as part of the monitoring and preparation for future U17 teams
• Monitor the playing, fitness, availability, progress and well-being of potential U17 players based in Australia and abroad.
• Consult with the Chief Football Officer and Technical Department, in relation to the technical direction and development of Men’s Football in Australia.
• Provide support to other departments within FA as reasonably requested. This will require your input in Coach Education and Game Development
• Assist with other National Teams as required, taking into consideration clashes and schedules; with a clear understanding priority lies with the U17 Head Coach role
• Such other responsibilities as requested in line with the advancement of the National Teams

A full copy of the position description can be found here. 

ABOUT YOU

Experience, Skills and Qualifications: 

• Experience and success as Head Coach at either National Federation or Club (A-League / NPL) level
• Experience working with World Class Athletes
• Experience working in Youth Football or with young athletes
• Ability to identify talent and plan for future success
• High level communication skills – both written & oral presentation skills.
• High level of tactical knowledge
• Ability to work successfully with existing team staff in a harmonious atmosphere.
• Capacity to ensure a committed and united approach within the teams.
• Ability to drive a High-Performance Culture
• A full list of experience, skills and qualifications can be found in the above position description
• AFC/FFA A License (with intention to commence Pro Diploma) or Pro Diploma

Additional Requirements: 

• Full working rights in Australia
• Working with children check (paid/employee) or state-based equivalent 
• International Criminal History Record for each country (other than Australia) in which you have resided for 12 months or more in the last 10 years (if applicable)
• Out of hours and weekend work as required

Click APPLY NOW to submit your application, including a cover letter and current resume. 

Application Closing Date: Friday 20th June 2025

Football Australia are an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a safe working environment that embraces and values child safety, diversity, and inclusion. Our values and behaviours support and encourage an environment that sees its people drive impact on and off the pitch, are trusting in each other, united to achieve and embrace an inclusive environment.

We encourage applications from people who identify as female or non-binary, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island people, people with disabilities and people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. If you require support or advice with your application, please contact us.

In submitting an application, you agree to our collection statement. To review, head to the following link: footballaustralia.com.au/jobs/collection-statement