Lead Academy Player Care

Swindon Town Football Club is seeking to recruit a dynamic, energetic, and ambitious person to fill the roll of Head of Player Care

Reporting to: Jamie Russell, Senior Academy Director

Responsible for:

Location: County Ground/ Any other locations required by the club

Key duties include but not limited to:

• To develop and implement a Player Care programme for all players across the three phases of the Academy to provide the best possible care, support and development so they can maximise their potential both on and off the pitch.

• Design, develop and implement a player induction process for newly registered players into the Academy as well as supporting existing players who progress through the pathway to ensure they are comfortable within our environment.

• Design, develop and implement a strategy to support player transitions through age groups, phase groups, player release and progression from the Academy.

• To develop and implement a comprehensive Life Skills programme for all players across the three phases of the Academy linking in with specialist staff internally and externally, to ensure individual players develop skills and qualities to make a positive contribution to society.

• To develop, implement and oversee the Academy's Personal Development programme including Individual Development Action Plans.

• Engage with parents/guardians through consistent regular dialogue and support the Head of Education in developing and coordinating agespecific parent workshops across the Academy phases.

• Support the Head of Education to design, develop and implement an education programme for our Host Families.

• Attend (where appropriate) tours and trips, leading on all Player Care and Wellbeing matters pre, during and post trips.

• To lead the Parent and Player voice initiatives to ensure that young people and parents have a voice in the Academy.

• Attend weekly operational meetings and phase-specific meetings as well as organise and attend any external meetings organised by the Premier League and EFL.

• Be the principal point of contact for the EFL/PL and relevant governing bodies for all matters relating to areas within Player Care.

• Supporting the Head of Education and the DSO with safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in our care across the player pathway.

• To be a member of the Academy Leadership Team.

• Be a presence across all age groups to make sure that the young players and their parents

  know whom to speak to with any worries or concerns they may have.

• To maintain player information confidentiality and professional practice at all times.

• Hold a commitment to equality and diversity in the workplace.

• To be responsible for the design, coordination and evaluation of the Psychology

  programme.

  Qualifications & Experience:

• Player Care qualification (desirable)

• F A Emergency Aid (iF AiF) (desirable)

• Safeguarding qualification

• Undergraduate / post graduate Psychology qualification (desirable).

• Teaching qualification (desirable)

• Previous experience in a similar role is desired but not essential

• Being a team player is essential and having a flexible approach to work

  Salary & Benefits:

  • Competitive salary

  • Pension plan

  • 2x Swindon Town FC season tickets upon successful completion of 6-month probation

    period

  • 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays per annum