Medical Assistant jobs

Job Title: Assistant Coach – Ireland Women’s National Team

Location: FAI HQ, Abbotstown & National Team Camp Locations

Direct Reporting Line: Head Coach – Ireland Women’s National Team

Commencement Date: TBC

Duration: Specified Purpose Contract

Work Model: Hybrid

Introduction

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is the national governing body for football in Ireland, driving the growth, promotion, and development of the game at all levels. We are passionate about inspiring participation, supporting talent, and celebrating the power of football to unite communities across the country. With a proud history and an ambitious vision for the future, the FAI is committed to fostering excellence on and off the pitch, ensuring the game is inclusive, accessible, and a source of national pride.

The Purpose of the Role

The Assistant Coach will support the Head Coach in driving the success of the Ireland Women’s National Team, with a clear focus on qualification for major tournaments, elite player performance, and strategic alignment with the FAI’s Football Pathways Plan and Women & Girls Action Plan.

A core purpose of the role is the design and delivery of high-quality, intensive on-pitch sessions that reflect our identity and prepare players for international-level demands. The Assistant Coach must be highly effective on the grass, ensuring clarity, organisation, and intensity in all training activities.

Key Responsibilities

Technical, Tactical & Strategic Support

• Lead and support training sessions, tactical preparation, and strategic game planning.

• Contribute to a qualification-focused performance plan for UEFA and FIFA competitions.

• Deliver advanced tactical analysis of Ireland and opponents, including live match insights.

• Support the Head Coach in driving a style of play capable of competing with Tier 1 nations.

• Take a hands-on coaching role on the grass, driving standards & detail within every session.

Deep Knowledge of the Women’s Football, Player Pathways & Market Trends

• Maintain a detailed understanding of women’s, its clubs, playing styles, and emerging talent.

• Track Irish-eligible players across:

• LOI Women’s Premier Division
• WSL
• Championship
• NWSL
• European top leagues
• S. college system

• Provide ongoing insights into positional depth, player movement, form, and injury trends.

• Ensure Ireland’s approach reflects best practices in women’s high-performance environments.

Player Development, Pathway Integration & ID

• Work closely with international coaches to ensure a clear pipeline to the senior team.

• Contribute to the long-term integration of pathway players identified through the FAI Football Pathways Plan.

• Support Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for both elite senior players and pathway prospects.

• Monitor dual-eligible/external pathway players in alignment with the FAI’s global talent identification strategy.

Working with Elite Players

• Build strong, trusting relationships with elite international players.

• Demonstrate understanding of:

• High-performance habits
• Season load management
• Professional club demands
• Tournament scheduling
• Recovery and performance optimisation

• Provide leadership, psychological safety, and high standards consistent with world-class international setups.

Performance Environment & Culture

• Help implement a performance culture capable of sustaining qualification for major tournaments.

• Model leadership behaviours that reflect the FAI’s values: Respect, Excellence, Inclusivity, Integrity.

• Support multidisciplinary team (MDT) coordination across medical, analysis, sports science, and operations.

Matchday Leadership

• Provide real-time tactical adjustments, and communication.

• Contribute to substitution strategies, momentum shifts, and in-game management.

• Support set-piece preparation and delivery.

Cross-Functional & Strategic Collaboration

• Work with:

• Director of Football
• Technical Director
• Head of Women & Girls Football
• Talent ID department
• LOI/WPD clubs
• International player welfare and communications teams
• International Ops

• Ensure all processes support Ireland’s strategic goal of consistent qualification and competitive tournament performance.

The Person

• Availability for extensive travel, international windows, and tournament periods.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills.
• Commitment to the FAI’s Football Pathways Plan and Women & Girls high-performance vision.
• Garda vetting and safeguarding compliance.

Experience and Qualifications

Essential:

• UEFA A Licence (UEFA Pro Licence desirable or willingness to pursue it).
• Proven coaching experience with elite senior players.
• Strong knowledge of women’s football, including:
• Women’s football pathway systems
• Global talent pipeline
• Experience preparing teams for high-stakes competitions, such as:
• Qualification campaigns
• International tournaments
• Top-flight leagues
• Ability to deliver high-quality training sessions and advanced tactical planning

Desirable:

• Experience in a national association, especially in tournament cycles.
• Experience coaching in the professional game, international environment, or Champions League.
• Background in performance analysis or data-led decision-making.
• Familiarity with the Irish system: LOI Women’s Premier Division, clubs, and diaspora player landscape.

Skills & Professional Knowledge

• Strong understanding of the physical, psychological, tactical, and technical demands on elite female athletes.
• Elite player management
• Tactical intelligence & innovation
• Leadership & collaboration
• High-performance mindset
• Strategic planning for qualification cycles
• Holistic athlete development

Core Competencies

1. Innovation & Continuous Improvement (Progress)

Thinks creatively and with an open mind to identify new opportunities for growth and improvement. Embraces change positively and contributes to building a better future for Irish football.

2. Drive & Commitment (Passion)

Demonstrates energy, enthusiasm, and pride in everything they do. Takes initiative, delivers results, and strives to make a meaningful impact on the game and the organisation.

3. Collaboration & Teamwork (Togetherness)

Works effectively and respectfully with others to achieve shared goals. Supports, challenges, and motivates teammates to perform at their best, recognising that success is achieved together.

4. Communication & Influence (Togetherness / Passion)

Communicates clearly, openly, and respectfully with colleagues and stakeholders. Builds positive relationships, inspires trust, and represents the FAI with professionalism and integrity.

5. Accountability & Professional Excellence (Progress / Passion)

Takes ownership of performance and upholds high standards in all tasks. Acts responsibly, follows through on commitments, and contributes to the FAI’s vision of continuous progress and excellence.

Our Benefits

We are proud of the range of benefits we can provide:

• Two premium level tickets to each home international game
• Sick pay scheme and family friendly leave
• Opportunities to work at international matches
• Company pension
• Life assurance
• Bike to work scheme
• Free onsite parking
• Employee assistance programs
• Hybrid working arrangements and flexible hours working arrangements
• Discounted access to the National Aquatic Centre and gym complex

Application Details

Closing date for receipt of applications is close of business on 31st December 2025.
Shortlisting and interviewing process will take place thereafter.

The Football Association of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and promotes Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I).