At a Glance
- Tasks: Support elite athletes' mental performance and wellbeing in a dynamic football environment.
- Company: Join AFC Bournemouth, a club dedicated to player development and mental health.
- Benefits: Enjoy free parking, subsidised lunches, discounts, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team and contribute to a psychologically informed culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on players' transitions and performance in professional football.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate qualification in Sport Psychology and experience with elite athletes required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
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. 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- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
As a member of staff, ensure in all matters you follow and actively promote the club’s mental health policies and practices to ensure an open, non‑judgemental and inclusive environment for everyone engaged with the club. Adhere to the club’s safeguarding policies and procedures and are committed to our 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. 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.
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- 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.
- 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.
Performance Psychologist in London employer: AFCB Sydney Supporters Group
Contact Detail:
AFCB Sydney Supporters Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Performance Psychologist in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at AFC Bournemouth, especially those in the Performance & Medicine department. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of performance psychology in football. We should be ready to discuss how our skills can enhance player wellbeing and performance, so think of examples from our past experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our passion for the game! When we get the chance to speak with the hiring team, let’s express our enthusiasm for working with elite athletes and contributing to their development. It’s all about that connection!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the AFC Bournemouth family.
We think you need these skills to ace Performance Psychologist in London
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 it drives you to support 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 ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at AFCB Sydney Supporters Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in sports psychology and how they apply to elite football. Familiarise yourself with the club's values and their approach to player development, as this will show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've successfully supported athletes' mental performance. Highlight any collaborative projects you've been involved in, especially those that demonstrate your ability to work within a multidisciplinary team.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Come prepared with questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the club's culture. Inquire about their current psychological frameworks or how they measure the success of their programmes, which shows you're thinking critically about how you can contribute.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity goes a long way in interviews. Be open about your passion for sports psychology and how it drives you to help athletes. This will help you connect with the interviewers and demonstrate your commitment to fostering a positive environment.