At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Player Care department and support player development in a positive environment.
- Company: Join AFC Bournemouth, a club that values players and teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy free parking, subsidised lunches, discounts, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on mental health and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young players' lives while fostering their growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in player care and strong communication skills with families.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 14 June 2026
Department: Academy - Player Care
Location: AFC Bournemouth Performance Centre, Wimborne
Academy Values
- Players First: every player valued. Every decision made with care.
- Togetherness: working as part of a wider team and willing to contribute beyond own interests.
- Integrity: carrying out academy and club values in an open and honest manner.
- Accountability: willing to take responsibility for actions, allowing for learning, growth and reflection.
Job Purpose
Adhere to our Player Care purpose of supporting player development by building a positive and supportive environment for our players to develop as people.
Key Responsibilities
Player Care
- Lead the Player Care department within the Academy Management Team (AMT), including writing the Academy Performance Plan, managing the Player Care KPI’s and leading on the Audit.
- Lead the Academy’s holistic Player Care programme across all age groups, focusing on U15-Dev. Squad age groups.
- Ensure players are supported throughout their Academy journey.
- Develop systems that support player behaviours.
- Work closely with the Academy Alumni & Transitions Manager to support players during key transition moments, including recruitment, release, injury, scholarships, and professional contracts.
- Work closely with safeguarding and multidisciplinary staff to ensure player welfare remains a priority.
Working with Families
- Build strong relationships with parents and families across the Academy, focusing on U15-Dev. Squad players.
- Deliver parent engagement events, workshops, inductions, and ongoing communication programmes.
- Support families in understanding Academy expectations, player pathways, and personal development opportunities.
- Act as a key point of contact for player and family support matters.
Collaboration & MDT Working
- Work collaboratively with coaching, medical, psychology, operations, recruitment, and safeguarding departments.
- Attend multidisciplinary meetings and contribute to individual player support plans.
- Provide guidance and education to staff around player care, communication, and wellbeing best practice.
Other duties
- As a member of staff to ensure in all matters, you follow and actively promote the club’s mental health policies and practices to ensure an open, non-judgmental and inclusive environment for everyone engaged with the club.
- Obligation to adhere to the club’s health and safety policy and procedures.
- As a member of staff to ensure in all matters you follow and actively promote the club’s equality policies and practices to ensure a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment for everyone engaged with the club.
- Equality champions are responsible for advocating and raising awareness of EDI throughout their department.
- The equality champion should also endeavour to attend as many equality champions meetings as possible and provide valuable/considered feedback to the EDI manager on any relevant campaigns, issues or activities.
The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time; or the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands.
Benefits
- Free onsite parking.
- Season ticket and allocation of complimentary/purchased tickets (subject to availability).
- Subsidised lunches and complimentary healthy snacks throughout the day.
- Discounts at the club Superstore.
- Access to Health Cash Plan with Simplyhealth.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Contribution towards eye tests and glasses.
- Discounts and benefits from partners and local businesses.
- Club pension & Life Assurance Scheme.
- Paid parental leave (bank of five days per year).
- Club events or other social events throughout the year run by our club social team.
- Paid volunteer opportunities (2 days per year).
- Paid day’s leave on your birthday.
Academy Head of Player Care employer: AFC Bournemouth
AFC Bournemouth is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for both players and staff at our Performance Centre in Wimborne. With a strong emphasis on player welfare and development, we offer numerous benefits including free onsite parking, subsidised lunches, and access to health plans, alongside opportunities for personal growth and community engagement through paid volunteer days. Our collaborative work culture prioritises integrity and accountability, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to the success of our academy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Academy Head of Player Care
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current or former employees at AFC Bournemouth. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for player care! When you get the chance to chat with someone from the club, make sure to express your enthusiasm for supporting player development. Share your ideas on how to create a positive environment for players – it’ll show you’re a great fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the club’s values and recent initiatives. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their Player Care programme and support families effectively. Tailor your responses to reflect the club's commitment to integrity and accountability.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at AFC Bournemouth. Good luck, and remember to keep that positive attitude!
We think you need these skills to ace Academy Head of Player Care
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Player Care:When writing your application, let your passion for player care shine through. We want to see how much you value supporting players in their development and how you can contribute to creating a positive environment.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Academy Head of Player Care. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with our values, like integrity and accountability, to show us you're the right fit.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your experiences and ideas. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great candidate.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at AFC Bournemouth
✨Know Your Player Care Principles
Make sure you understand the core values of player care, such as putting players first and fostering a supportive environment. Be ready to discuss how you would implement these principles in your role and provide examples from your past experiences.
✨Engage with Families
Since building relationships with families is key, think about how you would approach this. Prepare to share ideas for parent engagement events or workshops that could help families understand the Academy's expectations and support their children’s development.
✨Collaboration is Key
This role requires working closely with various departments. Be prepared to discuss your experience in multidisciplinary teamwork and how you can contribute to creating individual player support plans. Highlight any specific examples where collaboration led to positive outcomes.
✨Show Your Commitment to Inclusivity
Familiarise yourself with the club’s mental health and equality policies. Be ready to talk about how you would promote an inclusive environment and support mental health initiatives within the Academy. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to these values.
