Position Overview
The Manager of Grassroots Development is responsible for providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, and technical direction for all grassroots programming and community engagement initiatives at Brams United Soccer Club. Reporting directly to the Executive Director/Director of Soccer, this position plays a critical role in expanding participation, strengthening community partnerships, developing coaches and staff, and ensuring the successful delivery of high-quality grassroots soccer programming.
This leadership role combines technical expertise, program administration, community outreach, staff supervision, coach education, and operational management to ensure every participant receives a positive, inclusive, safe, and developmentally appropriate soccer experience that aligns with the standards of Canada Soccer, Ontario Soccer, and the technical direction, mission and values of Brams United Soccer Club.
The Manager of Grassroots Development will lead the planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of all Active Start, Recreational, Grassroots, and Development programming while supporting sustainable organizational growth through innovative community initiatives and strategic partnerships. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with club staff, volunteers, schools, municipalities, community organizations, and local stakeholders to increase participation, improve program quality, and strengthen Brams United's presence throughout the City of Brampton.
This role requires a dynamic, organized, and relationship-focused leader who is passionate about youth development, community engagement, coach education, and creating meaningful opportunities for children and families to participate in soccer. The Manager will champion an environment that promotes player development, inclusion, respect, lifelong participation, and excellence while supporting the Club's strategic objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Grassroots Program Leadership
- Develop, implement, manage, and continuously improve grassroots soccer programming from Active Start (U4) through U13.
- Lead seasonal planning for recreational, grassroots, academy, development, and supplemental programming.
- Ensure all programming aligns with Canada Soccer's Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) model and Ontario Soccer standards.
- Evaluate existing programming and introduce innovative initiatives that increase participation and improve player experiences.
- Develop annual operational plans, program objectives, and measurable performance indicators.
- Ensure all programming reflects Brams United's technical direction, mission, vision, and values.
Community Development & Outreach
- Develop and implement comprehensive grassroots outreach strategies that increase community awareness and participation.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with schools, municipalities, local organizations, community groups, and strategic partners.
- Represent Brams United Soccer Club at community meetings, festivals, school events, and promotional activities.
- Coordinate community events, open houses, festivals, camps, clinics, and outreach initiatives.
- Identify opportunities to expand programming into underserved communities.
- Promote accessible, inclusive, and affordable soccer opportunities for all participants.
- Develop partnerships that strengthen the Club's presence throughout Brampton.
Coach Development & Staff Leadership
- Recruit, hire, mentor, supervise, evaluate, and support grassroots coaches, administrative staff, interns, and volunteers.
- Conduct regular staff meetings and performance evaluations.
- Develop individual coach development plans and mentoring opportunities.
- Coordinate coach education courses and professional development opportunities.
- Lead onboarding and orientation programs for new coaches and staff.
- Foster a collaborative, positive, and professional working environment.
- Promote leadership development and succession planning throughout the grassroots department.
Program Administration & Operations
- Oversee registration, player placement, scheduling, rosters, and program logistics.
- Coordinate field allocations, facility bookings, equipment, and operational requirements.
- Develop annual budgets for grassroots programming and monitor expenditures to ensure responsible financial management.
- Allocate resources effectively while maximizing program quality and participation.
- Maintain accurate participant records, attendance, evaluations, and program data.
- Prepare regular reports on registrations, retention, finances, program outcomes, and key performance indicators.
- Ensure compliance with organizational policies, Ontario Soccer regulations, Safe Sport standards, and risk management procedures.
Player Development & Parent Engagement
- Ensure all players receive a safe, enjoyable, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate soccer experience.
- Promote physical literacy, confidence, creativity, teamwork, and lifelong participation.
- Implement player assessment and evaluation processes focused on development rather than results.
- Support appropriate player movement and development pathways.
- Develop parent education sessions that explain player development philosophies, Long-Term Player Development principles, and club expectations.
- Foster positive relationships with players, parents, coaches, and volunteers.
Community Engagement & Communications
- Act as the primary ambassador for grassroots programming.
- Develop communication strategies that keep families informed and engaged.
- Work closely with the Marketing and Communications team to promote programs and events.
- Support sponsorship and fundraising initiatives where appropriate.
- Increase community awareness through outreach campaigns and collaborative partnerships.
- Represent the Club professionally at meetings, presentations, and networking events.
Strategic Planning & Organizational Growth
- Develop long-term grassroots growth strategies aligned with the Club's Strategic Plan and Technical documentation.
- Monitor participation trends and identify opportunities for expansion.
- Collect and analyze participation data to evaluate program effectiveness.
- Recommend new initiatives that improve service delivery and organizational sustainability.
- Collaborate with senior leadership to integrate grassroots initiatives into the Club's broader operational objectives.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives that enhance member experience and organizational excellence.
Qualifications
The successful candidate will possess:
- Proven experience in program management with a strong background in grassroots soccer, community sport, or community outreach.
- Demonstrated leadership experience supervising staff, coaches, and volunteers.
- Experience developing and implementing strategic plans and operational and technical objectives
- Strong administrative experience, including scheduling, reporting, and resource management.
- Excellent organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills.
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage diverse community groups.
- Experience building partnerships with schools, municipalities, community organizations, and stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of Canada Soccer's Long-Term Player Development model and Ontario Soccer grassroots standards.
- Experience delivering coach education and staff development programs.
- Passion for youth sport, community service, leadership development, and organizational growth.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative leadership team.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Sport Management, Recreation, Community Development, Public Administration, Education, Social Sciences, or a related discipline is considered an asset. Equivalent professional experience will be considered.
- Canada Soccer C Licence (Children's Licence preferred or working toward).
- Ontario Soccer Technical Director Diploma or willingness to complete
- Learning Facilitator or NCCP Mentorship certification is considered an asset.
- Respect in Sport, Making Ethical Decisions, and Safe Sport certifications.
- Valid Vulnerable Sector Screening.
- Valid Ontario Driver's Licence with access to reliable transportation.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, online registration platforms, and program management software.
Working Conditions
- Reports directly to the Executive Director/Director of Soccer.
- Part-time contract with opportunity for future growth based on organizational needs- Up to 25-30 hours per week.
- Evening and weekend availability is required.
- Combination of office administration, on-field leadership, community outreach, and event management.
- Frequent travel between facilities, schools, and community locations throughout Brampton.
- Attendance at tournaments, festivals, meetings, community events, and coach education sessions is required.
- Additional hours may be available for supplemental programming, camps, tournaments.
Pay: $25.00-$35.00 per hour
Work Location: In person