Head of YDP London Recruitment

Organisation Crystal Palace FC Salary Competitive Location Academy Training Ground BR3 1NZ Contract type Permanent (Full time) Closing date 3 December 2025 Job Description Job Location: Academy Training Ground BR3 1NZContract Type: Full-timeSalary/ ROP: CompetitiveDeadline: 3rd December 2025Who we are:We are Crystal Palace Football Club, a Premier League Football Club with more than 160 years of proud history. Spread across three different sites - brand new main offices at Selhurst Park Stadium, our London office, and our Training Ground/Academy, we offer the best atmosphere and culture for our fans and our employees. We strive for excellence in the workplace with a philosophy of high standards, professionalism, and a strong work ethic from our employees. We are constantly trying to grow, diversify and build with not only our team on the pitch, but also our team in the offices and on the ground.About this role:The Head of London YDP Recruitment is responsible for identifying, evaluating and securing talented players in London for the Academy’s youth development programme. The role ensures the academy attracts high potential individuals by building strong scouting networks, conducting TID events and aligning recruitment with the academy’s philosophy and long-term development pathway.Responsibilities:Talent identification & scouting.Lead and coordinate all scouting activities for players aged U13- U16.Develop and maintain a scouting strategy based on the academy’s needs.Attend local, regional, Acquisition, Tournaments and trials.Lead the YDP recruitment calender, regarding fixtures and TID events.Direct the showcase programme alongside regional coordinators.Ensure a database of prospective players is kept up to date from the regional coordinators.Produce detailed reports on the CPFC Scouting platform.Regular recruitment initiatives to drive existing/ new staff.Collaboration with coordinators/showcase managers on potential trialists.Recruitment Operations.Set out and plan trials, TID events and individual/showcase events.Work with regional coordinators and coaching staff to identify positional and squad needs.Maintain clear communication with staff, parents and grassroots clubs regarding recruitment opportunities.Ensure recruitment follows academy standards, safeguarding policies and regulatory rules.Working with the regional coordinators ensuring effective game coverage.Relationship building.Build strong relationships with grassroots clubs, Individual programmes and private academies.Represent the academy professionally in all external engagements.Work closely with the regional coordinators when identifying best players/teams.Data & reporting.Oversee the accurate player records, attendance, and performance data from the showcase managers/coordinators.All scout reports from the phase are uploaded regularly and filled out with good content.Ensure video analysis of trialists and fed back mid trial and end of trial.Contribute to long-term academy planning and succession charts for each age group.Participate in MDT meetings and selection meetings.Other duties and responsibilities as required by line manager.Upholding and promoting the Club’s policies and procedures, including Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities policies and procedures.Experience, Skills and Qualifications:Essential:Minimum FA Level 2 TID or working towards the FA TID Level 3.Proven experience in recruitment or managing youth players (U13-U16) at Academy level.Strong TID ability and understanding of the YDP.Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.Expect to work evenings and weekends.Safeguarding and child-protection certification.Desirable:FA TID Level 3.Passion for developing young players.Eye for detail and ability to make objective decisions.Resilience, adaptability and a proactive attitude.Creative and progressive approach to coaching.High professional and ethical standards.Strong planning and time management skillsBenefits:Complimentary match day ticketReward and Discount Scheme through our Tech Scheme and Simple Health appHealth and Wellbeing benefit scheme20% Discount in our Retail StoresDiscounts in various gyms through GymFlexVolunteering Day - 1 Workday off to support a charity of your choice.Travel Season Ticket loanHoliday allowance: 25 Days Our commitment to EqualityAt Crystal Palace Football Club, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion is spirited and continues to grow due to the working environment, which makes all staff feel appreciated and welcomed. Crystal Palace Football Club do this by encouraging good relations and practices towards different groups and are committed to promoting employment opportunities that celebrate diversity.We are committed to attracting, recruiting, and retaining the most talented candidates and the club intends to ensure that everyone who wishes to engage with the club, whether as matchday fans, staff, players, board members, participants in Foundation programmes and any other person engaged with the club's activities, has a real and equal opportunity to do so.Reasonable AdjustmentWe are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer. We guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role, ensuring equitable opportunities for everyone.If you require disability-related adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact (DLO inbox is for disability-related queries only, if you wish to gain further information regarding this vacancy, please contact ). We are here to help you through the whole recruitment process including trying to apply for a vacancy, getting in touch with us through the process, and/or helping with access in case you are required to come in for an interview.SafeguardingCrystal Palace Football Club is committed to safeguarding and ensuring the welfare and protection of children and vulnerable people and expects all staff to share this commitment. As such, the post holder will be required to undergo any relevant security checks, including a comprehensive background check, Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to ensure the safety and protection of children and vulnerable individuals.