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Academy Performance Wellbeing Lead

Full time

Job Description

Job Title Academy Performance Wellbeing Lead
Department Academy 
Reports to Academy Director (dotted line to People and Culture) 
Direct Reports None
Location Cobdown Park, Station Road, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 6AU
Working Pattern 40 hours per week, evenings and weekends 
Level of DBS Enhanced Child Barred List

About Us:
London City Lionesses are part of the Kynisca group, setting a vision and building an infrastructure in which all the players and staff can thrive. 
 
Owned by Michele Kang, our vision for Kynisca is to:  
 
1.       Become the most pre-eminent sports organisation in the world; 
2.       Have a high-performance culture of winning on and off the pitch; 
3.       Train women as women; and 
4.       Motivate and inspire the next generation of girls and women.
 
Role Purpose:
The role of the Performance Wellbeing Lead is to support with developing and sustaining a high-performance care culture whilst ensuring a safe, secure and supportive environment for academy players where they feel they can thrive and work towards a fulfilling future either in or outside of football. 
 
The ideal candidate will have worked extensively with high performance academy athletes and be qualified in a field relevant to performance wellbeing. They will have a passion for supporting player’s wellbeing and be able to use a coaching/mentoring approach with those they work with, as part of a multidisciplinary team. 
 
Main Duties/ Responsibilities
1. Player Personal Development and Future Planning 
·         Work alongside players to co-create the tailored support and feedback documented in their Individual Development Plans (IDPs) each season. Introduce the Club Wellbeing Strategy and co-create individual strategies
·         Develop, deliver and/or coordinate a programme that supports the holistic, off pitch demands of progressing through the pathway into senior football and future careers.
·         Provide focussed support to players leaving the Club including follow up post-exit
·         Support players to create Career Action Plans 
·         Support all player transitions, including entry into the pathway, movement between age groups, progression toward senior environments, and transitions out of the PGA, ensuring personalised emotional, psychological and practical guidance at every stage.
·         Provide structured wellbeing and personal development support for players preparing to exit the pathway, including future career planning, aspiration mapping, football and non‑football CV development, and preparation for trials, applications or new environments.

2. Wellbeing Support
·         Utilising the support and guidance of other professionals within the Club, lead the Performance Wellbeing support programme within the PGA and wider Academy as appropriate.
·         Act as an advocate and guardian of the women’s game, championing environments that prioritise wellbeing, empowerment, and lifelong success for female players.
·         To provide evidence-based and research-backed wellbeing leadership across player onboarding, induction, and transition processes, ensuring players are effectively supported at key points of entry into and exit from the Academy
·         Utilise counselling skills through 1:1 sessions with players where required, ensuring appropriate signposting and referral to other services when appropriate
·         Provide performance wellbeing support that enables players to thrive in, through and beyond their playing journey, ensuring they are prepared for entry into the pathway, progression across it, and transitions out of the Academy into football or non-football opportunities.
·         Provide input to wider MDT (including Club Wellbeing MDT)  to ensure player wellbeing is at the centre
·         Operate within agreed professional boundaries and follow processes relating to referrals to necessary organisations, in line with Club protocols.
·         Ensure continuity of performance wellbeing support for all players, including those training or competing away from the PGA (e.g., ADRs and loans), and provide targeted input for players on Academy Contracts in line with the increased commitments and duty of care.
·         Ensure the PGA programme adheres to or exceeds FA PGA criteria in this area.

3. Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) and Stakeholder management
·         Develop a performance wellbeing strategy and action plan and work with others to embed, including communication, roles and responsibilities and interaction with other teams
·         Build and maintain strong relationships with PGA partners (e.g., The FA, clubs, external practitioners). Participate in relevant audit and accreditation processes.
·         Work effectively with the Academy Manager and other colleagues to ensure the smooth running of the PGA.
·         Develop strong relationships with parents/carers and support them in understanding their role in their daughter’s wellbeing and personal development
·         Work to ensure players understand the role of performance wellbeing, and that this works well with the wider MDT
·         Ensure the required plans and documentation is in place which includes wellbeing support procedures and referral processes where required
·         Ensure player needs are met effectively, utilising the MDT for player-focussed outcomes
·         Refer players to appropriate specialism as required, in line with wider Club protocols

4. Personal and Professional Development
·         Reflect and review the programme using evidenced-based and research-backed informed approaches to maximise impact and ensure resources are used effectively.
·         Dedicate time and resource to continued professional development, specifically in any areas which provides benefit to London City players 
·         Play a role in advancing the performance wellbeing profession’s profile and effectiveness
·         Seek feedback from others and reflect on personal behaviour and performance to identify areas for improvement
·         Work with an external advisor, supervisor or mentor 

5. Other ad-hoc duties as assigned from time-to-time by management
 
Club Accountabilities
1. To comply with all Club policies, procedures and practices and carry out your role diligently and in the best interests of the Club
2. To lead with a proactive, high-performance mindset and actively contribute to a winning culture on and off the pitch
3. To behave in a manner consistent with Club values and policies
4. To ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, ethical and social requirements.
5. To keep confidential any information gained regarding the Club and its personnel.
 
What we are looking for
Qualifications and Training
Essential
·         Degree, or equivalent, level qualification in a field relevant to performance wellbeing, e.g. wellbeing, education, psychology, counselling
·         UKAD Clean Sport Advisor
·         Mental Health First Aid 
·         Relevant Safeguarding qualification
 
Desirable
·         Completed or working towards a Master’s level qualification in a related subject 
·         Professional coaching and mentoring qualification, for example - EMCC Level 7 Certificate in Counselling, ILM Level 7 Certificate and Diploma For Executive and Senior Level Coaches and Mentors, Certificate in Elite Athlete Wellbeing Management, Level 3 Athlete Personal and Development Lifestyle Certification
 
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Essential
·         Previous experience in roles where athlete transition management, personal and professional development and wellbeing support have been a key focus
·         Experience of working with high performance academy athletes and good understanding of the day-to-day issues they face away from the pitch
·         Coaching and mentoring experience, ideally with academy high performance athletes 
·         Track record of successfully integrating into established MDTs
·         Strong personal resilience with the ability to stay calm and focussed in stressful moments
·         Ability to manage own work-life balance or blend, and strategies for managing own wellbeing
·         Engages well with others, is approachable and takes pride in helping others and positively affecting lives and futures
·         Maintains strong professional boundaries and knows when to signpost to others for further support
·         Diligent about recording information and record keeping in line with Club and professional 
 
Desirable
·         Experience with high performance athletes in women’s sport
·         Experience in elite level Academy football

Characteristics
·         Passionate about women’s football and broader women’s sport culture.
·         Entrepreneurial spirit and ability to deal with matrix stakeholders & ambiguity.
·         High standards of personal integrity and EQ.
·         Comfortable and able to work on own initiative
·         Has a learning mindset; is keen to continue their self-development and keep up to date with best practice and learning opportunities
·         Continually seeks to improve efficiency and performance
·         Seeks out and embraces new ways of thinking and working – not afraid to fail.

London City Lionesses is committed to safeguarding, health and safety, and equality, diversity, and inclusion. We prioritise the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, the well-being of all staff and visitors, and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported. These responsibilities are shared by all staff and volunteers, with safeguarding, safety, and inclusivity being collective priorities.
 
All staff are required to adhere to the Club’s policies, complete relevant training, and actively contribute to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment. This includes timely reporting of concerns, compliance with health and safety regulations, and upholding the Club’s zero-tolerance approach to discrimination.
 
For certain roles, additional checks, such as Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks or health assessments, may be required. Applications must include a fully completed application form; CVs alone will not be accepted. All candidates will be assessed on merit and their alignment with the Club’s values.
 
London City Lionesses
About London City Lionesses

 

 

 

 
LONDON CITY LIONESSES

The First Independent Club in the Women's Super League

2024/25 Women's Championship winners, now competing in the Barclays WSL. Part of Michele Kang's Kynisca Sports International — the first woman-owned multi-club organisation in women's football.

Est. 2019
Founded
WSL
Barclays Women's Super League
28 Acres
Cobdown Park Training Ground
 

WHY LONDON CITY

Why Work at London City Lionesses

 

London City Lionesses is not a legacy club adapting to the modern game — it was purpose-built for it. Founded in 2019 and acquired by Michele Kang's Kynisca Sports International in December 2023, the club is part of the first woman-owned, woman-led multi-club organisation in football, alongside the Washington Spirit (2021 NWSL champions) and OL Lyonnes (eight-time Women's Champions League winners). Staff work within a network that spans three continents and is led at group level by Global Sporting Director Markel Zubizarreta, formerly of FC Barcelona.

Kynisca's stated mission is to build the world's pre-eminent women's sports organisation, with a core principle of training women as women — backed by the Kynisca Innovation Hub, which funds sports science research into female athletic performance. At club level, that translates into a 28-acre training ground at Cobdown Park now under construction, with a Performance Campus designed to match a men's Premier League facility but built specifically around the needs of female athletes. The July 2026 signing of two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas underlines the level of ambition across every department.

Sources: londoncitylionesses.com; kynisca.com; Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, September 2025

ABOUT

About London City Lionesses

 

London City Lionesses is a professional women's football club based in Kent, with home matches played at the CopperJax Community Stadium in Bromley. Founded in 2019, the club won the 2024/25 Barclays Women's Championship to earn promotion and became the first ever independent club to compete in the Barclays Women's Super League in 2025/26 — the top tier of English women's football.

The club is part of Kynisca Sports International, Ltd., owned and led by Michele Kang. Kynisca's vision is to become the most pre-eminent women's sports organisation in the world — building a high-performance culture of winning on and off the pitch, training women as women, and motivating the next generation of girls and women. The club operates under the legal entity LCL Sports Group Limited, with commercial partners including Nike (kit manufacturer) and Mastercard. In January 2026, Kynisca was named presenting partner of the inaugural FIFA Women's Champions Cup.

Sources: londoncitylionesses.com; kynisca.com

WHAT WE DO

Three Pillars of the Club

 

London City Lionesses operates across first-team football, academy development and community engagement — each with dedicated staff and growing infrastructure.

First Team & Performance

Competing in the Barclays WSL with players including two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas. Kynisca's principle of training women as women is central — the forthcoming Cobdown Park Performance Campus and the Kynisca Innovation Hub both focus on research-led, female-specific performance, recovery and wellbeing.

Academy & Development

Four academy squads covering U12 to U21 pathways. The new training centre includes an improved Academy building with a high-quality 3G pitch, creating clear routes from grassroots to professional level in Kent.

Community & Grassroots

The Mastercard Sister Club Programme connects the club with grassroots clubs across Kent and London, offering free match tickets, mascot opportunities and coaching clinics. The 3G pitch at Cobdown Park will also serve the Kent FA, local leagues and SEND schools.

KEY NUMBERS

London City Lionesses in Numbers

 

From the training ground to the multi-club network, London City Lionesses is investing at a scale that matches its ambition in the women's game.

WSL

Top-Tier Football

First independent club in the Barclays Women's Super League (2025/26)

28

Acres at Cobdown Park

Acquired June 2024. Performance Campus under construction, completion target 2027

50+

New Permanent Jobs

Created by the Cobdown Park development, plus ~£1m per year in local economic investment

3

Club Network

Kynisca Sports International — alongside Washington Spirit (2021 NWSL champions) and OL Lyonnes (8× Champions League winners)

Sources: londoncitylionesses.com; kynisca.com; Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, September 2025

CAREER AREAS

Functions at London City Lionesses

 

The club recruits across football operations, medical, academy, and corporate functions. Current and recent roles advertised via the club's CharlieHR careers page as of July 2026 include:

Coaching

First team and academy coaching roles, including goalkeeper and outfield specialists

Sport Science & Medicine

Physiotherapy, sport psychology and performance support for elite female athletes

Academy & Education

Player development, education lead and pathway management from U12 to U21

Operations & Administration

HR, legal, finance and day-to-day club operations across multiple sites

Community & Programmes

Grassroots engagement, Sister Club Programme, school outreach and coaching clinics

Media & Communications

Content creation, press, social media and matchday coverage

Source: lcl.recruit.charliehr.com/careers — July 2026

COMMUNITY IMPACT

Growing the Women's and Girls' Game

 

London City Lionesses runs the Mastercard Sister Club Programme, connecting the club with grassroots women's and girls' football clubs across Kent and London. Sister Clubs receive complimentary match tickets, matchday mascot opportunities and priority access to player appearances, festivals and coaching clinics. The club also runs regular community sessions open to the public. Once completed, the new 3G pitch at Cobdown Park will be made available to the Kent FA, the Kent Girls and Ladies League, local SEND schools and the Kent disability mixed league — extending the club's reach well beyond the professional squad.

Sources: londoncitylionesses.com/sister-clubs; Cobdown Park planning application, September 2025

WORKING HERE

Life at London City Lionesses

 

Day-to-day operations are split between the CopperJax Community Stadium in Bromley for matchdays and Cobdown Park in Aylesford, Kent for training and office work. The club is scaling quickly — the Cobdown Park development alone will create more than 50 new permanent positions across coaching, medical, operations and academy functions. As part of the Kynisca multi-club network, staff have scope for collaboration with counterparts at the Washington Spirit and OL Féminin.

Source: londoncitylionesses.com; lcl.recruit.charliehr.com/careers

LOCATION

CopperJax Community Stadium

 

Home matches are played at the CopperJax Community Stadium in Bromley, south-east London. The club's training and operational base is at Cobdown Park in Aylesford, Kent.

LCL Stadium
Address: Hayes Lane, Bromley, England BR2 9EF
View on Google Maps →
 

London City Lionesses is building something new in women's football — explore current opportunities on Jobs In Football.

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