Academy Athletic Development Lead

Derry GAA – Academy Athletic Development Lead

Derry GAA is seeking applications for the full-time post of Academy Athletic Development Lead, working across football and hurling at U15, U16 and minor level.

This is a leadership role at the heart of our player pathway. The successful candidate will lead athletic development across the academy in both codes, building and developing a team of academy athletic development coaches, setting consistent physical standards at every age group, and making sure players arrive in our U20 and senior squads ready for the demands of inter-county football and hurling.

Reporting to the Head of Athletic Performance, the postholder will:

• lead the athletic development curriculum across the academy, overseeing at U15 and U16 with hands-on delivery at minor level
• lead, mentor and develop academy coaches, student placements and early-career practitioners
• own the academy testing calendar and player monitoring, including growth and maturation, GPS, force plates and athlete management systems
• work alongside medical, nutrition, psychology and sports science staff to deliver one joined-up approach to player development
• support clubs and schools across the county to adopt shared athletic development principles

The role is based at the Owenbeg Centre of Excellence, with travel across the county. Planning and programming work can be done from home.

Applicants should have at least three years’ experience in athletic development within an academy or pathway setting, a degree (or higher) in sports science, strength and conditioning or a related discipline, and a good understanding of the GAA across both codes. A full driving licence and own transport are required.

Enhanced AccessNI clearance and GAA Safeguarding 1 are required before taking up the post.

To apply, send a CV and cover letter to operations.derry@gaa.ie, where further queries can also be directed. The closing date is Friday 23rd October 2026 at 5pm.

A full job description and person specification is available to download: