We are looking for a committed, exceptional person to join us as the Player Care & Education Lead within our team

Key Responsibilities

Player Care

· Support the development and implementation of a holistic approach to player care and athlete development within the Professional Game Academy.

· Play a leading role in the oversight and case by case management of player support, including liaising with appropriate staff to provide effective care to assist with the induction and transition for all players.

· Manage Academy after-care programme alongside appropriate Club staff, providing transitioning players with employment and wellbeing support where needed.

· Liaise with First Team staff to support the wellbeing of transitioning players from the Academy.

· Be a key member of the club Safeguarding Team, ensuring safeguarding practices are applied and followed properly within the academy environment.

Education

· Foster and build relationships with schools, colleges or places of work attended by players throughout the academy and monitor player academic/professional development.

· For those in academia, ensure there is appropriate tracking of player grades and attendance.

· In partnership with Loughborough College, oversee planning and delivery of the Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) through online and in-person delivery for club learners.

Personal and Professional Development

· Lead on the delivery of Personal Development Plans for all PGA players.

· Aid technical staff in Technical Individual Development Plans.

· Implement and deliver a Life Skills Programme for players and parent-carers within the academy, including workshops, in line with the Personal Development Curriculum.

Player & Parent-Carer Engagement

· Oversee the delivery of the Player Voice and Parent-Care Voice groups, facilitating opportunity for feedback each season.

· Work with the Football Association (FA) to nominate and support national Parent-Carer Representatives.

· Enable regular channels of communication with Players and Parent[1]Carers to share regular updates, successes and changes within the Academy.

Other

· Be the Lead for all Player Care & Education criteria within the PGAAC Audit and ensure the Academy adheres to or exceeds FA PGA license requirements.

· Be a champion for a person-centred approach to athlete development.

· Be an advocate and guardian of the women’s game.

 

Essential Experience and Qualifications

· Qualification at degree level or above relating to Sports Psychology, Sports Management, Sports Science or similar

· FA Safeguarding Award

· FA Level 1 Introduction to First Aid in Football (IFAiF) or FA Emergency First Aid

· Experience working with elite dual-career athletes in a sport or educational setting

· Experience working with young people or children

· Sound level of understanding of Safeguarding practices with young children and vulnerable adults

· Full driving license and vehicle

Desirable Experience and Qualifications

· Experience working within a Professional Game Academy supporting elite female athletes with a strong understanding of the women’s professional game

· Relevant qualification in Player Care, Athlete Lifestyle, Performance Lifestyle or Mentoring and Coaching

· Experience using sports club platforms including MyConcern, Kitman Labs and Spond

· Mental Health First Aider (MHFA)