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- Tasks: Lead the Football Performance Psychology programme for our Boys Academy and support player development.
- Company: Join Aston Villa, a prestigious football club with a commitment to youth excellence.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young athletes' mental performance and development.
- Qualifications: BSc in Psychology, experience in a Category 1 Academy, and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with a focus on safeguarding and diversity.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Department: Football Division – Boys Academy Performance Psychology Team
Hours of Work: Full-Time, 35 hours per week (flexible working hours including evenings, weekends and matchdays)
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: Attractive remuneration package dependent on experience
Location: Bodymoor Heath Training Ground
Closing Date: Sunday 19 April 2026
The Department
Our Boys Academy Department is proud to have achieved the prestigious Category One Academy status which reflects our commitment to delivering excellence across all areas of youth football including coaching, education, training, and facilities. We are dedicated to supporting and nurturing the next generation of elite footballers, as demonstrated in our memorable treble‑winning 2024/25 season for our U18s as we topped the Under‑18 Premier League Southern section table, the Under‑18 Premier League national title and we lifted the prestigious FA Youth Cup.
To continue to deliver our ambitious plans for nurturing, encouraging and developing talent at this level, we have an exciting opportunity for a self‑motivated and proactive individual to join our Boys Academy Performance Psychology Team.
The Role
Working as a Lead Psychologist you will deliver and support the management of a Football Performance Psychology programme for our Boys Academy, specifically with a focus on the U21 squad and players transitioning across squads within the Professional Development Phase. You will ensure that all players have individual programmes based on psychological profiling, observations and discussions for players and staff and work alongside the Head of Technical and Player Development to provide psychological support to players on the elite player pathway. Working closely with the Head of Coach Development, you will devise and lead the Psychology Coach Development programme for the U9‑21 coaches, including the delivery of CPD sessions, training support and the creation of educational resources. You will also lead the delivery of all‑staff CPD sessions and multidisciplinary team (MDT) workshops. You will work closely with the MDT including the Academy Medical and Sport Science Team playing a vital role in supporting rehabilitation programmes and management of injured players and the Player Care Team developing and implementing a Psychology programme for the parents in the Academy.
The Person
- BSc in Psychology or equivalent
- MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology or equivalent
- British Psychological Society (BPS) accreditation or Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (CASES) accreditation
- Registered with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC)
You must have demonstrable experience of working in a Category 1 Academy and have strong knowledge of the Elite Player Performance Plan, ideally with experience in delivering a psychology coach development programme. Utilising excellent communication skills which are clear, accurate and engaging, you must have the ability to build rapport and strong professional relationships with a wide range of stakeholders while maintaining high professional standards and confidentiality at all times. Given the nature of this role, you will be able to work flexibly including evenings, weekends and matchdays as and when required.
Equality Statement
Aston Villa Football Club celebrates the diversity of its Club and embraces equal opportunities for all. We welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, race, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, sex and religion or belief.
Safeguarding Statement
Aston Villa Football Club is fully committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk across our Club. As such, we adhere to Safer Recruitment processes and for some roles a satisfactory enhanced disclosure via the Disclosure.
Lead Psychologist (Boys Academy) employer: Aston Villa Fan Consultation Group
Contact Detail:
Aston Villa Fan Consultation Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Psychologist (Boys Academy)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the football and psychology fields, especially those connected to academies. A friendly chat can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get an interview, let your enthusiasm for youth development and performance psychology shine through. Share stories that highlight your experience and commitment to nurturing talent.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! Think about how you'd handle specific scenarios related to player support and coach development. This will show you're ready to tackle the challenges of the role head-on.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our success.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Psychologist (Boys Academy)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in performance psychology, especially within a Category 1 Academy. We want to see how your skills align with our mission to nurture elite footballers!
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t just list your qualifications; tell us about your hands-on experience working with young athletes. Share specific examples of how you've developed psychological programmes or supported players through transitions.
Be Clear and Engaging: Use clear and engaging language in your application. We appreciate good communication skills, so make sure your writing reflects that! Keep it professional but let your personality shine through.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our Boys Academy Performance Psychology Team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aston Villa Fan Consultation Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and theories in sports psychology, especially as they relate to youth football. Brush up on your knowledge of the Elite Player Performance Plan and be ready to discuss how you can apply this in a practical setting.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your experience in a Category 1 Academy. Highlight any successful psychology programmes you've implemented or contributed to, particularly those that involved coaching development or player support.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on your communication skills. Be engaging and personable, showing that you can build strong relationships with players, coaches, and other stakeholders. Think about how you can convey your ability to connect with a diverse range of individuals.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since the role requires working evenings, weekends, and matchdays, be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt your schedule. Share examples of how you’ve successfully managed flexible working hours in the past to show you’re ready for the demands of the job.