Description 

JOB TITLE: Player Care Coordinator — Men's Academy

LOCATION: Cobham Training Ground

CONTRACT: Full Time — Fixed Term Contract (l2months) 

The Opportunity

We are seeking an empathetic and experienced individual to join the Academy Player Care Team as Player Care Coordinator — Pastoral Support (Maternity Cover), this role will be an integral part of an interdisciplinary team within the Academy. Your main responsibility will be coordinating the delivery of Player Care and Pastoral Support for the U9 - U14 age groups, whilst also supporting work with the wider Academy age groups, when required. Responsibilities include supporting a robust, holistic support programme, communication with parents, and supporting the player downtime programme. This is a frontline role with a focus on promoting and developing best practice around player welfare and will require the flexibility to work evenings and weekends to meet the demands of the role 

Closing date: 14th April

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. In the event that we receive a large number of applications, the position may be filled before the listed closing date. To avoid missing out, please submit your application at your earliest convenience. 

Key Responsibilities

Pastoral Care

• Coordinate pastoral support to promote the welfare and holistic development of players in the Foundation and Youth Development Phases (U9-14). • Build and maintain positive relationships with players, parents, teachers, and academy staff to ensure appropriate support is provided. • Record and manage player interactions, incidents, and interventions, ensuring effective information sharing across departments. • Work with the Safeguarding team to ensure best practice and Premier League standards are maintained. 

Player Care

• Support the planning and delivery of the Better Blues programme and age-appropriate player development projects.

• Represent Player Care in U9-14 multidisciplinary meetings focused on player welfare and development.

• Attend and support player activities including training, fixtures, trips, tours, and downtime programmes (house visits, informal and group activities).

• Provide support across wider Player Care initiatives and assist with player transport when required.

Parent Engagement

• Build strong relationships with parents through proactive communication and engagement.

• Gather and represent parent feedback to inform discussions with the Head of Player Care and programme leads.

• Lead the Academy Parent Education Programme and the Parent Voice initiative.

Player Induction & Exit

• Support the recruitment team with induction processes for newly signed U9-14 players and assist with Pre-Academy transitions.

• Contribute to planning and delivering seasonal age-group induction events.

• Assist with aftercare for players 

What You'll Bring

• Knowledge and experience in pastoral care, youth development, parental support, athlete welfare, or a related field.

• A relevant degree or professional qualification (e.g., Education, Social Work, Psychology, or MHFA).

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships with young people, parents, and colleagues.

• Adaptable communication skills, with the ability to manage conflict and problem-solve effectively.

• A high level of empathy and understanding of the emotional, social, and wellbeing challenges within a football environment.

• Ability to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends, to meet the demands of the role 

Our Expectations:

• To embody the club's BLUE behaviours (Brave, Lead, Unity, Edge) in the approach to work and interaction with others

• To adhere to the club's policies and procedures, including Health & Safety, Financial Authorisation, Confidentiality and GDPR.

• To act as an ambassador for diversity, equality, and inclusion, and demonstrate a positive commitment by treating others fairly in line with our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy and reporting any acts of discrimination through appropriate channels

• To create a safe environment and act to protect all young people and vulnerable adults that are either in your care or attending club premises, and report any concerns to the Safeguarding Lead

• To report any misconduct or suspected misconduct to the HR Department 

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:

At Chelsea we recognise that the diversity of our people is one of our greatest strengths and we are taking positive action to ensure our existing colleagues and job applicants can fully be themselves and bring their own unique experiences and perspectives to Chelsea FC. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity.

If you need reasonable adjustments made to the recruitment process, please reach out to your recruiter, who will be able to advise and support you. Chelsea FC is fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children, young people and adults at risk (vulnerable groups). We therefore require all successful applicants to complete a DBS Check prior to starting employment. Depending on the role, successful applicants may also be required to undergo other child protection screening where appropriate.

This Job Description is not intended to be exhaustive; the duties and responsibilities may therefore vary over time according to the changing needs of the Club.