Academy Psychologist

Stoke City Football Club of the English Football League is looking for an Academy Psychologist to be based at our Clayton Wood Training Ground in Trent Vale.

This role is integral to the Academy’s multidisciplinary performance department, ensuring that psychological support is embedded within the Club’s wider development structure. The successful applicant will work closely with coaching and medical staff to maintain high standards of player welfare and performance across the Academy pathway, while also supporting staff development to enhance the overall quality of our coaching environment.

The ideal candidate will be available to work evenings and weekends, with a willingness to travel as and when the role requires.

The position will be offered on a full time and permanent basis.

Main Responsibilities

• Providing evidence based psychological support to U21s, scholars, and Academy players to enhance performance and wellbeing.
• Integrating psychological provisions with coaching processes and multidisciplinary support teams to ensure a holistic approach to player development.
• Developing, implementing, and evaluating psychological training programmes to improve individual and team performance.
• Conducting psychological profiling and screening to identify development needs in line with Club philosophy.
• Providing expert guidance on psychological factors to players, parents, and coaching staff.
• Participating in performance review meetings to identify and address opportunities for player improvement.
• Monitoring and improving player attitudes and behaviours towards sports science and performance related areas.
• Developing and maintaining psychological resources and measurement tools.
• Ensuring full compliance with all Club policies, safeguarding procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Supporting a culture of equality, diversity, and inclusion across the Academy.

Key Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology is desirable.
• HCPC registered.
• Proven experience delivering psychological support within an elite sporting environment.
• Strong ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams, including coaches and medical staff.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build rapport with players, parents, and staff.
• Experience in conducting psychological profiling and performance analysis.
• Comprehensive understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Full UK driving licence is desirable.

This organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  Background checks and DBS checks at the appropriate level will be obtained prior to employment commencing.