Job Title: Player Care

Reports to: Academy Manager

Location: The Rotherham United Academy is located at the New York Stadium & Graham Solley Sports Development Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Bawtry Road, Sheffield S9 1UA. You will be expected to undertake travel as is necessary to fulfil your job requirements.

Hours: Full Time

Remuneration: Dependent upon experience and qualifications

Job Purpose/Responsibilities

To implement a Player Care programme for all players across the three phases of the Academy to provide the best possible care, support and development so that can maximise their potential both on and off the pitch.

Design, develop and implement a player induction process for newly registered players into the Academy as well as supporting existing players who progress through the pathway to ensure they are comfortable within our environment.

To develop and help implement a comprehensive Life Skills programme for all players across the three phases of the Academy linking in with specialist staff internally and externally, to ensure individual players develop skills and qualities to make a positive contribution to society.

To develop, implement and oversee the Academy’s Personal Development Programme including individual Development Action Plans.

Engage with parents/guardians through consistent regular dialogue.

Engage with Host families to ensure they are kept up to date with the Academy.

Attend (where possible) tours and trips, leading on all Player Care and Wellbeing matters pre, during and post trips.

To lead parent and player voice initiatives to ensure that young people and parents have a voice in the Academy.

Attend weekly operational meeting and phase specific meetings organised by the club.

Be the principle point of contact for the EFL/PL and relevant governing bodies for all matters relating to areas within Player Care.

Support the DSO with safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in our care across the player pathway.

To be a member of the Academy Leadership Team.

Be a presence across all age groups to make sure that they young players and their parents know who to speak to with any worries or concerns they may have.

To maintain player information and confidentiality and professional practice at all times.

Hold a commitment to equality and diversity in the workplace.

 

Essential requirements for the post

Enhanced DBS clearance

Experience in a football environment and or experience with working with children

 

Desirable requirements for the post

FA Child Protection Certificate (can be arranged)

FA Safeguarding Certificate (can be arranged)

 

Essential attributes and qualifications

Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate to all stakeholders on a variety of levels

Strong organisational skills demonstrating experience of managing large and varied workloads and tasks whilst maintaining attention to detail

Can show an excellent understanding of child protection, and exemplify the standards of behaviour and codes of conduct required within the Academy

 

Desirable attributes and qualifications

Experience of working full time in an academy environment

Experience of the academy audit process

 

Personal qualities

Committed to working to and promoting the philosophy of the football club and to promoting and displaying high standards of excellence in maintaining a positive learning environment

Show a clear ‘Growth Mindset’ and capability and comfortability of being able to challenge and be challenged to deliver an elite programme in a high pressured environment with high levels of accountability

Highly motivated, enthusiastic, and ambitious in the development of a positive and progressive elite learning environment

Is receptive to feedback about own behaviour, strengths and areas for improvement

Good attendance record in current/previous employment, (not including any absences resulting from disability)

Must hold a valid driver’s licence and be able to travel extensively, as required

Ability and willingness to work outside normal hours, including evenings and weekends, often with short notice

Rotherham United is committed to Safeguarding and the safeguarding of all people associated with the football club

All employees must have an understanding of the clubs safeguarding and anti-discrimination policies and procedures and put these into practice in the workplace. To enable this all employees must undertake the required training as directed by their line manager