Academy Player Care Lead

Watford Football Club is recruiting an Academy Player Care Lead, to coordinate player care across the Academy and supporting Academy players into the Men’s First Team. Working with safeguarding, education, coaching and other specialists, you will help players and their families access timely support from induction through development, transition and release. The role reports to the Head of Safeguarding.

Your main responsibilities will include:

·        Supporting the Head of Safeguarding in promoting safeguarding and welfare practice across the Academy and following club procedures and relevant requirements.

·        Working with relevant colleagues to maintain accurate records and support compliance with club, statutory and football governing body requirements.

·        Coordinating player care with Academy and Men’s First Team staff, with particular attention to Professional Development Phase players moving into the First Team.

·        Building relationships with players and families and coordinating appropriate support throughout the Academy pathway.

·        Receiving and recording welfare and safeguarding concerns in the club’s designated system, including CPOMS where applicable, and promptly escalating them under club procedures. Specialist safeguarding decisions remain with the designated safeguarding leads.

·        Coordinating the Academy host family provision with safeguarding colleagues, including placements, ongoing contact, welfare monitoring and escalation of concerns under club procedures.

·        Organising the Academy Life Skills Programme, including facilitators, session logistics and feedback.

·        Building supportive relationships with Academy players from U9 to U21 and monitoring their welfare in collaboration with the appropriate staff.

·        Coordinating inductions, mid-season transitions and release aftercare, including the club’s three-year release strategy. Working with the relevant colleagues, prepare appropriate player information for football clubs and build contacts that may offer released players further opportunities.

·        Working with staff on Player Voice, Parent Voice and end-of-season surveys, and using feedback to inform action plans.

·        Coordinating player welfare arrangements for loans, community visits, matchday activities, off-site events and tours, including consent forms and risk assessments with the relevant teams.

·        Participating in the Safeguarding Management Group and coordinating player wellbeing meetings and action plans with the appropriate staff and designated safeguarding leads.

·        Supporting the Academy’s Mental and Emotional Wellbeing pathway by coordinating access to support and referrals to qualified practitioners where specialist assessment or treatment is needed.

·        Contributing to the Academy Performance Plan in education, life skills and welfare.

·        Championing Watford Welcomes values and following the club’s equality, diversity, inclusion and safeguarding policies.

·        Carrying out other duties appropriate to the Player Care Lead role and agreed priorities of the Safeguarding Team.

You will work well with players, families and colleagues, communicate sensitively, keep appropriate records and manage competing priorities across the Academy and First Team.

The role is based at the training ground in London Colney and requires travel to other locations as needed. Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK.

Essential Experience and Qualifications:

·        Experience of working with children in a welfare or pastoral role.

·        Understanding of child protection and safeguarding responsibilities, including appropriate reporting and escalation.

·        A valid FA Safeguarding Children Certificate or equivalent.

·        A valid FA Welfare Officers Workshop Certificate or equivalent.

·        Commitment to the club’s equality, diversity, inclusion and safeguarding policies.

·        A full UK driving licence or the ability to travel to the locations required by the role.

·        The successful candidate will be subject to the appropriate safeguarding and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check and children’s barred list check where applicable to the role.

Desirable Experience and Qualifications:

·        Experience of working in football, preferably within an Academy environment.

·        Mental Health First Aid qualification and Basic First Aid for Sport, or equivalent.

For the full job profile, please contact HR Admin at hradmin@watfordfc.com

As part of the recruitment and safeguarding process, the club may:

1. Request references before interview.

2. Carry out an online search of publicly available information as part of due diligence.

3. Require the successful candidate to complete the appropriate DBS check for the role

Club Commitment:

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI):

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and dynamic working environment by building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Safeguarding:

We provide a safe and secure environment for all. We believe safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children & adults is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone in the organisation has a role to play, to ensure that club policies, procedures, and practices in regard to safeguarding are followed.