Casual Fan Engagement Worker

Founded in 1932, Wigan Athletic were elected to the Football League in 1978 and were promoted out of the Fourth Division in 1981/82. Latics won the Third Division title in 1996/97, the Football League Trophy in 1999, and the Second Division in 2002/03, before securing promotion to the Premier League in 2004/05. Founded in 1872, Wigan Warriors are joint record five-time World Club Challenge winners, record 21-time Challenge Cup winners, and record 23-time league title winners.

Latics famously won the FA Cup in 2013, beating Premier League giants Manchester City in the Final. However, Latics were relegated later that year, bringing its memorable eight-season stay in the top flight to an end. The FA Cup success did, though, mean Latics gained their place in the UEFA Europa League the following season. Relegated from the Championship in 2014/2015, the Club won the League One title in 2015/16 and repeated this feat in 2017/18 and 2021/22 respectively. Wigan Warriors is undoubtedly one of the most successful teams in Rugby League and world sports. Playing in the Betfred Super League, the Warriors currently hold all four of the major trophies available under head coach Matty Peet.

Some of the most famous players in the sport have worn the cherry and white shirts from Jim Sullivan and Billy Boston to modern-day superstars such as Sean O’Loughlin and Bevan French, whereas multiple greats have donned the blue and white of Latics from Tommy Gore and Emmerson Boyce to current local heroes Sam Tickle and James Carragher.

Now under joint ownership, Wigan Athletic and Wigan Warriors are stronger together and continue to work in collaboration for the benefit of both clubs and their fanbases.

We are committed to safeguarding children and young people, as well as being an equal opportunities employer; we welcome applications from all sections of the community. Successful applicants will be subject to an Enhanced Criminal Record Check (DBS).

*Whilst we endeavour to respond to every applicant, please note that due to the number of applications we receive, only those selected for an interview may be contacted.

Purpose:

To collaborate with the Supporter Engagement Manager in planning and delivering creative, inclusive, and high-energy matchday activities across the Family Zone, concourses, and stadium perimeter. In this role, you will directly enhance the matchday experience for Wigan Athletic fans of all ages, ensuring every visit to The Brick Community Stadium is memorable, welcoming, and fun.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities:

·        Deliver high-quality and engaging pre – match and half-time entertainment and activities to our younger Wigan Athletic supporters.

·        Contribute to the planning of each matchday activities, ensuring activities are both fun and inclusive.

·        Contribute to setting up the various locations used on matchdays, ensuring it is a vibrant and clean environment for families and young people.

·        Build and maintain effective working relationships with participants and partners.

·        Ensure all activities are correctly monitored with the appropriate risk assessments and health and safety procedures put in place.

·        Bring high energy, ensuring the family zone and other locations are a positive and lively place for families to enjoy.

·        Be a flexible member of the Wigan Athletic matchday team and, when requested, assist in the delivery of other projects and activities, such as promotional sessions in schools/ at events.

·        To actively participate in the growth of junior supporters at Wigan Athletic.

·        To occasionally oversee the organisation and safety of match day Ball Assistants. This includes their half-time refreshment break and post-match collection.

·        To perform as our beloved mascot, Crusty the Pie.

The Individual:

• Experience of working with and delivering activities to children and young people 0-16 years old.
• Customer service.
• Children’s entertainment – face painting, DJ’ing, party host.
• A knowledge and awareness of current trends and interests of young people & children.
• Experience in planning & delivering events.
• Experience of working with people with disabilities of all ages.
• Awareness of safeguarding issues when working with children and young people.
• Ability to work well on one's own and as part of a team.

Wigan Sports Group is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment, and its employment policies for recruitment are designed to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Wigan Sports Group is committed to safeguarding children, young people, and adults at risk during events and activities. The Club recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of these vulnerable groups by a commitment to procedures to protect them. The Club expects all staff and volunteers to respect them.