Education & Player Care OfficerFleetwood Town

Department: Academy
Location: Poolfoot Farm Training Complex
Reports To: Academy Manager
Working Hours: Flexible, Academy Manager. Evening and weekend work will be expected.

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience 

Length: Permanent

Role Overview

Fleetwood Town Football Club is seeking an enthusiastic, caring and highly organised Education & Player Care Officer to support the educational, personal and holistic development of players within our Category 2 Academy.

The successful candidate will take primary responsibility for the education and pastoral support of Academy players operating within the Part-Time Training Model, while contributing to the wider Player Care provision across the Academy.

You will join a forward-thinking Category 2 Academy with a strong track record of developing players who progress through the football pyramid and into Fleetwood Town’s First Team. The role will be based primarily at the Club’s £10 million Poolfoot Farm Training Complex. 

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience working with children and young people within education, sport, youth development, player care or a related environment.

• A strong understanding of the educational and pastoral needs of young people.

• Experience of providing pastoral, welfare or personal development support to children or young people.

• Ability to build strong and appropriate professional relationships with young people.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with players, parents, schools and colleagues.

• Strong organisational and administrative skills with the ability to manage multiple areas of responsibility.

• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.

• An understanding of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities when working with children and young people.

• A commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and creating a positive environment for all Academy players.

• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

• Strong IT skills and the ability to maintain accurate records.

• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends where required.

• Full driving licence and access to transport.

Desirable

• Experience working within a professional football Academy or elite sporting environment

• Experience working within education, teaching, pastoral support or student services.

• Knowledge and understanding of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP)

• Experience of delivering Life Skills, personal development or wellbeing programmes.

• Experience supporting young people through periods of transition.

• Experience working directly with schools and education providers.

• Relevant qualification in education, teaching, youth work, counselling, psychology, sport, player care or a related discipline.

• Mental health or wellbeing qualification.

• Experience of coordinating player, student or parent voice initiatives.

Education

• Act as the primary point of contact for education matters relating to Academy players operating within the Part-Time Training Model.

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with schools, parents and other relevant education stakeholders.

• Coordinate the collection and monitoring of school reports for part-time Academy players, identifying areas where additional support or intervention may be required.

• Monitor players’ educational progress and work collaboratively with players, parents and schools to address any concerns.

• Support players in maintaining an appropriate balance between their football and educational commitments.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date education records in accordance with Academy requirements.

• Work collaboratively with Academy staff to ensure educational information contributes appropriately to each player’s overall development and review process.

• Promote the importance of education and encourage players to maximise their potential both within and beyond football.

Player Care & Personal Development

• Lead the delivery and ongoing development of the Life Skills programme for part-time Academy players and parents, ensuring provision is appropriate to players’ age and stage of development.

• Support the delivery and review of Player Care plans across the Academy.

• Build strong, trusting and professional relationships with Academy players, ensuring they have appropriate opportunities to discuss their experiences, challenges and development.

• Provide appropriate pastoral support to players and where required, signpost individuals to relevant internal or external specialist support.

• Support players in developing the personal skills, behaviours and characteristics required to thrive both within football and wider life.

• Contribute to the Academy’s approach to mental, emotional and wellbeing support, helping to increase awareness and understanding amongst players, parents and staff.

• Work closely with the Academy’s multidisciplinary team to ensure a holistic and player-centred approach to development.

• Champion equality, diversity and inclusion, helping to create an environment in which every Academy player feels valued and supported.

Player Transition

• Lead and coordinate transition support for players operating within the Part-Time Training Model.

• Ensure players joining the Academy receive an appropriate induction and are supported effectively during their transition into Academy football.

• Act as a welcoming and consistent point of contact for new players and their parents/carers.

• Work collaboratively with relevant Academy staff to support players transitioning between age groups and phases.

• Ensure players leaving the Academy receive appropriate care, guidance and support to help them transition into the next stage of their football, education or personal journey.

• Maintain appropriate transition records and ensure relevant information is effectively handed over where required.

• Develop and maintain relationships with relevant external organisations that may support players during transition.

Player & Parent Engagement

• Develop positive and professional relationships with Academy parents and carers.

• Work with the Head of Education & Player Care to coordinate the Player and Parent Councils, ensuring both groups have regular opportunities to provide feedback and contribute ideas regarding the Academy programme.

• Ensure feedback from players and parents is appropriately recorded, communicated and considered within Academy development planning.

• Support parent education and engagement activities across the Academy.

• Provide players and parents with clear information and guidance relating to education, player care and personal development.

• Attend Academy tours, trips and events where required, supporting players and building positive relationships with players, parents and staff.

Safeguarding

• Act as a Safeguarding Champion, promoting and embedding safeguarding best practice across the Academy.

• Place the welfare, wellbeing and best interests of Academy players at the centre of all practice and decision-making.

• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries when working with children and young people.

• Ensure the capture, storage, use and sharing of player footage and information is undertaken appropriately and in accordance with Club policies.

• Identify and report safeguarding concerns in accordance with the Club’s safeguarding policies and procedures.

• Comply with all Club policies relating to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety and professional conduct.