Pathway · Step up
Grassroots Coach to Community Football Coach
How to move from Grassroots Coach to Community Football Coach: what to learn, what to prove and what formal steps, if any, are needed.
Qualification check for Community Football Coach
Strongly preferred
Most employers will expect a qualification for the new role, but evidence of experience also counts. Employers expect an introductory coaching award, safeguarding and first aid. A degree is not required.
2 to 4 yearstypical timeline
0new skills to build
1qualifications to consider
+450%mid-point UK pay change, illustrative
The move at a glance
Grassroots Coach
Coaches a local youth or adult team, usually as a volunteer or for small payments.
Community Football Coach
Delivers sessions in schools, clubs and community programmes, often for a club foundation or charity.
Skills and knowledge to build
Your current skill set already covers the core of the target role. Focus on scope, visibility and results.
Experience and routes that help
Qualifications to consider
What the new role asks of you
- Deliver sessions for schools, clubs and holiday camps
- Run inclusive programmes for girls, disability and community groups
- Record attendance and report outcomes to funders
Practical steps
- Ask for a small piece of the new role's work before you apply, for example one of the tasks above.
- Close the top gap first.
- Keep a record of two results that show you working at the next level.
- Talk to three people who do the job. Ask how they got in, and who they would recommend you speak to.