Chairperson Vacancy

Are you ready to lead an ambitious football club at the heart of the Devon community? Tavistock AFC, the “Lambs,” are seeking a dynamic and experienced Chairperson to guide our club into its next chapter. Currently competing in the Southern League Division One South, we’re proud of our progress but have our sights set even higher.

The ideal candidate will bring both business acumen and sporting passion, working alongside our dedicated committee to build on our recent successes and strengthen our community ties. As we continue to develop both our first team and youth setup at Langsford Park, this is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of football in West Devon.

Person Specification

This role would suit a retired or semi-retired person with a business background –
someone who is looking for a new challenge where they can blend their passion for football with their passion for business in one single project.

The successful applicant will bring strong leadership qualities and will demonstrate a determination to move the club towards more professional standards in its business and organisational structures and to drive the club forward as a thriving and successful business, effectively equipped to achieve further promotions and to continue to mature and to develop an increasingly professional identity.

As the club’s chairperson, they will also be required to be the public face of Tavistock AFC, representing the club in the media and particularly to the local business community from which we draw our sponsors.

About Tavistock Association Football Club

Our stated main aim is, ‘To make football a high profile, positive influence in the community of Tavistock and the surrounding areas and to bring football of the highest possible standard to the town, within the community’s ability to finance it sustainably.’

After a series of successful seasons over the last ten years, with promotions from the South Western League and the Western League, the club is currently competing in the Southern League, the highest standard in its history. After two seasons at this level, the club has quickly established itself as a reliable midtable team, and while promotion to the Southern Premier League remains the club’s primary on-field ambition, the aim in the current year is to finish in or around the promotion play-off positions.

The club relies heavily on volunteers, with no paid staff in its ‘off-field’ operations.
However, the club’s committee is well aware that, as the first team continues to raise its standards year on year, it is essential that the business management keeps pace and its first staff members are expected to be employed in the social club by the end of the current season.

The last few seasons have seen several changes to the executive committee and to
club’s structures, including forming the business into a community interest company and the appointment of a Technical Director of Football and a new Development Squad Manager. These changes are all part of the continued professionalisation of the club.

On the pitch, the club continues to attract some quality new players. However, the club’s limited budget dictates that the emphasis in the playing squad is on youth. This is supported by the appointment of the new Development Squad manager, who has enhanced this part of the club’s activities considerably over the past season. The Development Squad is designed to bring on younger players and is already beginning to appeal to some of the best of the young players in Devon who have not managed to attract the attention of professional clubs. This investment in the future is an integral part of the club’s philosophy.

Job Description

Job Title: Chairperson

Job Purpose:

• To follow and promote at all times the aims and objectives of Tavistock AFC: ‘To make football a high profile, positive influence in the community of Tavistock and the surrounding areas and to bring football of the highest possible standard to the town, within the community’s ability to finance it sustainably.’
• Job duties: To establish and maintain structures that will enable the club to operate as an effective and successful business.
• To oversee and co-ordinate the work of the committee and its officers (secretary and treasurer)
• To co-ordinate the work of all sub groups and teams.
• To build relationships with the local business community that will bring in sponsors and advertisers
• To oversee the work of the Director of Football, team managers and coaches

Remuneration: This is a voluntary post

For more information or to apply for this role, please contact Ken Orchard treasurer@tavistockfc.com