At a Glance
- Tasks: Support elite athletes' mental performance and wellbeing in a dynamic football environment.
- Company: Join AFC Bournemouth, a leading club committed to player development and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy free parking, subsidised lunches, discounts, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team and contribute to a positive club culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on players' transitions and performance in elite football.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate qualification in Sport Psychology and experience with elite athletes required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Department: First Team - Performance & Medicine
Location: AFC Bournemouth Performance Centre, Wimborne
Application Deadline: 22 May 2026
We are seeking an experienced and applied Psychologist to contribute to the delivery of psychological services within the Men’s First Team, alongside leading and delivering key aspects of the Academy psychology provision. The role provides a unique chance to work across both senior and development environments, supporting players within the Professional Development Phase (PDP) and contributing to their transition into the First Team.
Working as part of an integrated multidisciplinary team, you will support the development of a psychologically informed performance environment that enhances individual and team performance, promotes wellbeing, and prepares athletes to meet the demands of elite football. The role contributes to the development of integrated mental performance and wellbeing frameworks across the club. Therefore, the role integrates psychological principles into performance environments, focusing on prevention, education, and support, while contributing to a holistic and sustainable athlete development model.
The role will report to the Director of Medical & Performance and is operationally managed by the First Team Head of Medical & Performance. The role works in close collaboration with the Academy Head of Medical & Performance to ensure consistent psychological support and development across the player pathway, and aligns with external psychological consultants and clinical services where appropriate.
Key Responsibilities- First Team Contribution
- Contribute to the delivery of psychological support within the Men’s First Team environment
- Support players through individual and group interventions aligned to performance and wellbeing needs
- Collaborate with medical and performance staff to support psychological readiness within return-to-play processes
- Academy Psychology Provision
- Lead and coordinate the delivery of the Academy psychology programme, working collaboratively with relevant staff across all phases
- Deliver targeted psychological support within the Professional Development Phase (PDP), supporting players in preparation for senior football
- Contribute to the delivery of psychology provision across the wider Academy pathway, in collaboration with other practitioners where appropriate
- Support key transition points within the player pathway, particularly progression from Academy to First Team
- Integration & Collaboration
- Work as an embedded member of the multidisciplinary team across both First Team and Academy environments
- Contribute to interdisciplinary discussions and player management processes
- Support the ongoing development of a psychologically informed culture across the club
- Education & Development
- Deliver education sessions to players and staff on mental performance, wellbeing and personal development
- Support the development of staff capability in embedding psychological principles within coaching and performance environments
- General
- Follow and actively promote the club’s mental health policies and practices, ensuring an open, non-judgmental and inclusive environment for everyone engaged with the club.
- Adhere to the club’s safeguarding policies and procedures, and be committed to safeguarding values, creating a safe and positive environment for all those who interact with the club.
- Obligation to adhere to the club’s health and safety policy and procedures.
- Responsibility to comply with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and all related Company policies, taking reasonable care for their own safety and that of others, reporting hazards or incidents, following safe systems of work, and cooperating with all training and emergency procedures.
- Follow and actively promote the club’s equality policies and practices, ensuring a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment for everyone engaged with the club.
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.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise- Essential
- Postgraduate qualification (MSc or equivalent) in Sport and Exercise Psychology or related discipline
- HCPC registered Practitioner Psychologist, or near completion of BPS Stage 2/CASES SEPAR training routes (evidence required upon request)
- Proven experience of delivering applied psychology support within elite or high-performance sport
- Demonstrable experience working directly with elite athletes
- Experience of working effectively within a multidisciplinary team
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and influence across a range of stakeholders
- Desirable
- Experience working within professional football and/or a Category 1 Academy environment
- Understanding of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP)
- Ability to communicate in an additional language (e.g. French, Spanish or Portuguese)
- 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.
Performance Psychologist in Bournemouth employer: AFC Bournemouth
AFC Bournemouth is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for a Performance Psychologist to work within a dynamic and supportive environment at the AFC Bournemouth Performance Centre in Wimborne. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, professional development, and a collaborative culture, the club provides numerous benefits including subsidised meals, health plans, and paid volunteer days, ensuring that staff feel valued and engaged while contributing to the success of elite athletes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Performance Psychologist in Bournemouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the football and psychology fields, especially those connected to AFC Bournemouth. A friendly chat can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to meet potential colleagues or during interviews, let your enthusiasm for performance psychology shine through. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to the team’s success.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! Be ready for scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills in real-time situations. Think about how you'd support players during their transition from Academy to First Team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of our team at AFC Bournemouth.
We think you need these skills to ace Performance Psychologist in Bournemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Performance Psychologist role. Highlight your relevant experience in elite sports psychology and how it aligns with our club's values and goals.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills can contribute to both the First Team and Academy environments. Use specific examples of past experiences where you’ve made a difference.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We want to see who you are beyond your qualifications, so share your passion for sports psychology and how you connect with athletes.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our official website. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you quicker!
How to prepare for a job interview at AFC Bournemouth
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest psychological theories and practices relevant to performance psychology. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of elite athletes and how psychological support can enhance their performance and wellbeing.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This role involves working closely with a multidisciplinary team, so be ready to discuss your experience in collaboration. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with coaches, medical staff, and other psychologists to create a supportive environment for athletes.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-life situations. Think about how you would handle various scenarios, such as supporting a player returning from injury or managing group dynamics within a team setting.
✨Emphasise Your Communication Skills
Strong interpersonal skills are crucial in this role. Be prepared to demonstrate how you build trust with athletes and staff alike. Share specific instances where your communication made a positive impact on an athlete's performance or wellbeing.
