Arnaud Zadi

Youth development and player support professional with over 10 years' experience working with children and young people through football, mentoring and community programmes. Currently a Community Engagement Officer at Palace for Life, leading seven weekly programmes across South London and engaging 300+ young people each week. Experienced in building trusted relationships with young people and families, supporting personal, social and football development, promoting positive behaviour and inclusion and working within safeguarding and welfare frameworks.

Qualified in workforce mentoring and UEFA C coaching, with additional training in Mental Health First Aid, safeguarding and emotional intelligence. Reliable and collaborative, with strong verbal and written communication skills and experience working alongside coaches, schools, parents/carers, volunteers, grassroots clubs and community partners.

Community Engagement Officer at Palace for Life (2024- 2026)

Lead and develop seven weekly Premier League Kicks and youth programmes across South London, engaging 300+ young people each week.

• Coordinate 7–10 coaches and volunteers, supporting safe, inclusive and consistent delivery across multiple venues.
• Provide mentoring and pastoral support to young people, including those requiring additional social, emotional or developmental support.
• Build trusted relationships with young people, parents/carers, schools, grassroots clubs, community organisations and partner agencies.
• Monitor attendance, participation and KPIs, contributing to funding and impact reports and using feedback to improve programme delivery.
• Maintain high standards of safeguarding, participant welfare and inclusion, responding appropriately to concerns and escalating where required.
• Support participants with Down Syndrome through regular football programmes, adapting communication and activities to individual needs while developing long-term relationships with participants and families.
• Increased average weekly attendance from 30–40 to 70–80 participants, established 30+ grassroots club and three school partnerships. Supported 20 young people into grassroots football and five into coaching/employment, delivered several festivals and tournaments engaging 100+ participants per event.

Premier League Kicks Coach at Premier League Kicks (2022-02 – 2024-09)

Delivered football, multi-sport and youth programmes across South London, supporting personal development, inclusion and positive engagement.

• Built trusted relationships with young people from diverse backgrounds and supported their social, emotional and sporting development.
• Worked with schools, community organisations and partner agencies to create positive opportunities and progression pathways.
• Supported attendance, behaviour, safeguarding and participant wellbeing across regular sessions, events and activities.
• Developed extensive experience using football to engage young people and contribute to safer, healthier and more inclusive communities.

Seasonal Coach at Premier League Kicks (2015-10 – 2022-02)

Delivered football, multi-sport and youth programmes across South London, supporting personal development, inclusion and positive engagement.

• Built trusted relationships with young people from diverse backgrounds and supported their social, emotional and sporting development.
• Worked with schools, community organisations and partner agencies to create positive opportunities and progression pathways.
• Supported attendance, behaviour, safeguarding and participant wellbeing across regular sessions, events and activities.
• Developed extensive experience using football to engage young people and contribute to safer, healthier and more inclusive communities.

Night Delivery Driver / Warehouse operative at MILK & MORE (2022-01 – 2022-02)

Responsible for sorting and organising products, handling sensitive goods and completing deliveries accurately and on time.

• Followed maps to locate delivery addresses, managed heavy lifting and worked independently while maintaining reliable service.

Founder & Head Football Coach at Gifted Legends (2019 – Present)

Plan and deliver personalised football coaching and mentoring for young players aged 5+, adapting programmes to individual technical, confidence and developmental needs.

• Manage relationships with players and families, providing structured feedback and guidance to support individual development.

Youth worker at PlayPlace (2017 – 2018)

Delivered youth clubs, activities and trips for young people in deprived communities, providing positive engagement and group mentoring.

• Worked with young people, parents and colleagues to maintain a safe and supportive environment.

Sales Assistant at JD Sports (2015 – 2016)

Provided customer service, supported team objectives and assisted with stockroom organisation in a busy retail environment.

Sports Level 3 in Sports – Crystal Palace Foundation (2013 – 2014)

Public Services Level 3 in Public Services – Coulsdon College (2011 – 2013)

GCSEs in English, Maths, Science, Art & Business Studies, PE – Oasis Academy Shirley Park (2006 – 2011)