Academy Player Care Manager (U18) in St Albans

We're looking for an Academy Player Care Manager (U18) to join our Academy Operations team and play an important role in supporting the wellbeing and development of our young players. Working closely with players, parents, host families and multidisciplinary colleagues, you'll provide individual player care support for the Under 18 age group while helping to create a challenging and caring environment. You'll also take ownership of key programmes including the Lifelong Learner Programme and Host Family Programme, ensuring players receive the support they need throughout their Academy journey.

As part of our wider Player Care team, you'll contribute to the Academy's wellbeing strategy, build effective relationships across the Academy, and help young people develop both personally and professionally.

Your day-to-day:

• Support our young players and families - you'll build positive relationships with Under 18 players and their parents, providing tailored support and acting as a key point of contact when required.
• Deliver the Lifelong Learner Programme - you will manage and coordinate engaging life skills and personal development activities that are age-appropriate, relevant and aligned to Premier League requirements.
• Lead the Host Family Programme - you'll support host family recruitment, coordinate player placements for all hosted players, including those in the Full Time Training programme, oversee monthly processes and maintain regular contact with host families.
• Contribute to player wellbeing - you will support the Academy Mental Health & Wellbeing Strategy, including player wellbeing screening and transition support initiatives.
• Maintain accurate player care records - you'll ensure information relating to Under 18 player care is organised, up to date and managed with discretion.
• Connect players with the right support - you will work closely with families, colleagues and relevant departments to help resolve issues and support each player's development.
• Collaborate across the Academy - you'll contribute to multidisciplinary meetings, share insights and work alongside colleagues to support player progress.
• Assist Academy events and programmes - you will support with tours, tournaments and wider player care initiatives across the Academy when required.

What we are looking for:

• Experience supporting children, young people and families - you can draw upon previous experience, ideally in a similar player care role, providing guidance, support and welfare-focused care.
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment - you're comfortable managing a varied workload and responding to changing priorities.
• Outstanding stakeholder management skills - you build positive relationships and communicate effectively with a range of internal and external contacts.
• Experience working within multidisciplinary teams - you're confident collaborating with different specialists to achieve shared objectives.
• Excellent organisational skills - you can coordinate programmes, manage records and balance multiple responsibilities effectively.
• Knowledge of safeguarding practices - you understand the importance of safeguarding legislation, policies and processes when working with young people.
• Confident IT skills - you're confident using Microsoft Office 365 and maintaining accurate administrative records.
• A caring, approachable and trustworthy approach - you build trust quickly, handle sensitive matters discreetly and contribute positively to team culture.

Why choose us:

• An exciting reward and recognition scheme.
• Generous holiday allowance which increases with your length of service.
• Great internal learning and development programmes.
• A flexible hybrid working model.
• Priority access to apply for match tickets.
• A competitive health and wellbeing benefits package.
• A leading Employee Assistance Programme.
• Great discounts with some of our Partners.
• An opportunity to play a vital role in delivering our ED&I strategy by joining one of our Employee Networks.

Arsenal for Everyone is our commitment to promoting and embracing equality, diversity and inclusion, so that everyone connected to the club feels like they belong to the same Arsenal family. We believe that diversity of background, skills and experience drives our success on and off the pitch.

Application Closing Date - Friday 14th August, 2026. Please note: we reserve the right to close the position early if application volumes are particularly high. We encourage you to get your application in sooner rather than later.