Physical Education Teacher (Football Focus)

What the role involves

• Teach PE and run school football programmes
• Coach school teams and run festivals
• Connect pupils with local clubs

Ways in, with or without formal qualifications

Experience, knowledge and interests count in football. These routes are what people in this role commonly point to.

• Experience

  Teaching or youth-work background

  Teachers and youth workers bring behaviour management, safeguarding awareness and planning skills to coaching, education and welfare roles.

• Experience

  Coach a grassroots or youth team

  Take charge of a local team, even with a small group. Real sessions and match days are the most credible evidence you can coach.

Qualifications and licences

You need the relevant qualification, licence or registration in this role.

• Degree

  Teaching Qualification (QTS or equivalent)

  Required to teach in state schools in many countries. PE teachers often coach school football and move into development roles.

• Coaching licence

  Introductory Coaching Award (FA Level 1)

  The usual first formal step for people who coach children or adults at grassroots level. Names vary by country, but most associations run an introductory award.

Skills and knowledge

• Session Design
• Child & Youth Development
• Safeguarding
• Communication

Tools you may use

• Team and club management apps

Where this role is found

• Schools, colleges & universities

Where this role leads

• Football Development Officer

  Strongly preferred

  Grows participation and club quality for an association or county body.

• Academy Education & Welfare Officer

  Required

  Looks after young players' education, wellbeing and safeguarding.

Common stepping stones into this role

Usually an entry point reached directly through study, volunteering, playing or work experience. See the routes below.

Pay and context by region

Illustrative estimates scaled from a UK baseline. Check local job adverts and union or association data.