Role Overview: 

The Academy Manager will oversee the overall operations of the AIFF FIFA Academy (residential) at Bhubaneswar, Odisha, ensuring a structured, high-performance, and safe environment for players, coaches, and staff. This role includes facility management, food and accommodation oversight, logistical coordination, and stakeholder communication to support the development of young footballers. 

The Academy Manager will work closely with AIFF, Odisha DSYS (Department of Sports and Youth Services), and other key stakeholders to align operations with strategic objectives. 

Key Responsibilities: 

 1. Academy Operations & Management 

- Oversee the daily functioning of the residential academy, ensuring smooth operations for training, education, and well-being. 

- Develop and enforce academy policies, procedures, and operational guidelines. 

- Ensure compliance with AIFF, FIFA, and AFC regulations regarding youth development, player welfare, and safeguarding. 

- Plan and coordinate academy training sessions, friendly matches, tournaments, workshops, and player mentorship programs. 

- Act as the primary point of contact for all academy-related matters, reporting to AIFF leadership. 

 2. Facility & Accommodation Management 

- Regularly inspect all academy facilities, including training grounds, changing rooms, residential areas, cafeteria, and administrative offices. 

- Identify and coordinate maintenance, repairs, renovations, and upgrades. 

- Monitor and manage facility utilities (electricity, water, heating/cooling, internet, and security systems) for optimal efficiency. 

- Ensure academy compliance with safety regulations, emergency procedures, and first aid protocols. 

- Oversee housekeeping and sanitation standards to maintain a healthy living and training environment. 

 3. Food & Nutrition Oversight 

- Coordinate with nutritionists and catering services to provide a balanced, high-performance diet for academy players. 

- Ensure food quality, hygiene, and meal plans align with sports nutrition requirements. 

- Monitor and manage food supply chains to prevent shortages and ensure consistency. 

- Address dietary concerns, allergies, and specific player nutritional needs. 

 4. Player Welfare & Residential Life Management 

- Oversee dormitory assignments, rules, and schedules to ensure player discipline and well-being. 

- Manage residential staff, ensuring 24/7 support for players. 

- Organize educational sessions, mental well-being workshops, and personal development programs for academy residents. 

- Serve as the first point of contact for parents/guardians, providing updates on player progress and well-being. 

 5. Staff Leadership & Management 

- Lead and manage a team of facility staff, including housekeeping, security, maintenance, catering, and administrative personnel. 

- Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and reporting structures for academy and facility staff. 

- Foster a collaborative and high-performance culture among all academy personnel. 

 6. Budget & Financial Oversight 

- Develop and manage the academy’s operational budget, including maintenance, food, accommodation, logistics, and training expenses. 

- Track expenses and ensure cost-effective resource utilization. 

 7. Stakeholder Liaison & Compliance 

- Act as the main liaison with DSYS, AIFF, and other relevant authorities regarding academy operations. 

- Ensure academy operations align with FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS) objectives. 

- Prepare and submit monthly, quarterly and annual reports on academy performance, player progress, and operational challenges. 

 Who Should Apply? 

 Essentials: 

- Minimum 3 years of experience in academy operations or club management

- Strong understanding of youth development structures, residential academy operations, and facility maintenance. 

- Experience in managing food, accommodation, and player welfare in a residential sports environment. 

- Excellent coordination and communication skills to manage multiple stakeholders. 

- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

 Preferred:

- Master’s/Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Business Administration, or a related field.  

- Experience in residential football academy management or working with a professional football club/association/federation. 

- Knowledge of FIFA, AIFF, and AFC youth development policies. 

- Background in residential sports infrastructure management. 

- Understanding of Project Management tools. 

- Previous experience of liaising with government/s

- Residents of Odisha

- Aged 40 years or less

Why Join Us? 

This role provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of Indian football by managing a state-of-the-art residential academy under FIFA’s Talent Development Scheme. The Academy Manager will play a pivotal role in ensuring elite youth players have the best environment for football, education, and overall growth.

Note: Please fill in the Google form link below to send the applications in soft copy and email them to hr@the-aiff.com.

Google form link: https://forms.gle/bYZhUDuux6ZNDBXU7