PGA Education LeadSheffield United

Contract Type: Permanent, part time
Hours: 24 hours per week
Location: Dore training Ground
Department: Sheffield United Women
Line Manager: Academy Manager (Women's Football)
Salary: Dependent on experience
Post Reference: SUW072026-PEL

Sheffield United Football Club are seeking a PGA Education Lead to oversee the Academy's education provision and ensure every player is supported to achieve their academic potential alongside their football development.

Working across the Academy pathway, the successful candidate will lead the design, delivery and continual development of the Academy Education Programme, creating a personalised educational experience that supports both academic achievement and holistic player development. Acting as the key link between the Academy, educational providers, the Sheffield United Community Foundation and wider stakeholders, the role will ensure education is fully integrated into the Club's player development model while maintaining the highest standards of safeguarding, welfare and regulatory compliance.

We are looking for an experienced education professional with a collaborative approach, excellent organisational and relationship-building skills, and a genuine commitment to supporting young people to succeed both within and beyond the Academy environment.


Role Responsibilities:

- Design, implement and continuously review the Academy Education Programme across all age groups.
- Develop and maintain Individual Education Development Plans (IEDPs) for all players.
- Monitor and track academic attendance, attainment, engagement and progress.
- Implement intervention strategies for players requiring additional educational support.
- Coordinate academic pathways including GCSEs, A Levels, BTECs, apprenticeships, further and higher education programmes.
- Ensure educational provision complies with Premier League, EFL, FA, safeguarding and academy audit requirements.
- Lead educational transition planning for players moving between age groups, programmes, loan placements or exiting the Academy.
- Act as the key Academy contact for Sheffield United Community Foundation educational programmes.
- Collaboratively identify opportunities to enhance player development through community-based learning experiences.
- Ensure Academy and Foundation programmes operate cohesively and effectively.
- Work collaboratively with coaching, sports science, medical, psychology, player care and safeguarding staff.
- Attend MDT meetings and contribute education-specific insight into player reviews.
- Support coaches in managing training loads during examination periods and academic pressure points.
- Ensure educational considerations are embedded within player development and welfare planning.
- Collaborate closely with the performance wellbeing lead staff to support holistic development.

Club Wide Responsibilities:

- Adhere to all Sheffield United Football Club's Safeguarding Policies and Procedures to foster an environment which protects from harm those defined as children and adults at risk.
- Report any concerns of a Safeguarding nature to the relevant parties and remain fully compliant with any applicable Safeguarding checks and due diligence and recognise your responsibility to the Club's Safeguarding agenda.
- Report any concerns of discrimination to the relevant parties and promote a welcoming and inclusive club environment for all.
- Adhere to the Club's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies, supporting the Club to create an environment which is inclusive and all-encompassing.
- Carry out and actively participate in all training requests as directed by the Club, including mandatory health and safety training, emergency procedures, fire safety, manual handling, safeguarding, and role-specific safety instruction.
- Any other reasonable requests as directed by management.

Essential Criteria for the Role:

- Degree in Education, Sport, Youth Work, Social Sciences or related discipline.
- Teaching qualification (QTS/QTLS) or equivalent educational experience.
- FA Safeguarding Children qualification (or willingness to obtain).
- Emergency First Aid qualification (or willingness to obtain).
- Experience leading or coordinating education programmes.
- Experience working with young people in education, sport or community settings.
- Experience developing relationships with schools, colleges and external agencies.
- Knowledge of safeguarding and player welfare practices.
- Passionate about supporting young people to achieve their potential.
- Strong relationship-builder with excellent communication skills.
- Highly organised and able to manage competing priorities.
- Collaborative and team oriented.
- Resilient and adaptable within a high-performance environment.
- Strong influencing and stakeholder-management skills.
- Committed to equality, diversity, inclusion and safeguarding.
- Reflective and committed to continuous professional development.
- Completion of Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check upon offer acceptance.

Desirable Criteria for the Role:

- Experience delivering personal development, employability or life-skills programmes.
- Experience supporting learners through academic pathways and transitions.
- Understanding of academy football environments and dual-career development.
- Knowledge of GCSE, Post-16, FE and HE pathways.