At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Football Performance Psychology programme for our U21 squad and support player development.
- Company: Join Aston Villa Football Club, a prestigious Category One Academy with a family ethos.
- Benefits: Enjoy an attractive salary, flexible working hours, and amazing staff benefits.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team dedicated to nurturing talent and enhancing player performance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young athletes' mental performance and wellbeing in an elite environment.
- Qualifications: BSc in Psychology, MSc in Sport Psychology, and relevant professional accreditations required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ 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: Friday 31 July 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. 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 Psychologist 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 development programmes based on psychological profiling, observations and discussions with players and staff. You will work closely with 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 on the Psychology Coach Development programme for coaches across the Academy, including the delivery of Continued Professional Development (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 collaborate with the MDT to enhance the wellbeing and performance of players in the Academy. You will work closely with the Academy Medical and Sport Science Team and play a vital role in supporting rehabilitation programmes and the management of injured players. You will also take a leading role in driving and reinforcing the Academy Culture within our Culture Working Group.
The Person
This is an opportunity to play a key role in the development of our Boys Academy players, supporting them to develop to thrive in an elite environment and reach their maximum potential. We are seeking a professional and experienced Psychologist; you will need to hold the following:
- 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) or in the final stages of your training with the BPS or CASES.
You must have demonstrable experience of working in a Category 1 Academy and have strong knowledge of the Elite Player Performance Plan (expectations of a Category 1 Academy), 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 whilst 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 in line with the Boys Academy schedule.
Why Join Us?
There has never been a better time to join Aston Villa Football Club. Our drive to succeed is visible on the global stage, we are building a family ethos and culture to be proud of, and realising our ambitious plans for the expansion and improvement of our world-class facilities. If you are already excited by this challenge and want to play your part in our historic Club, then you'll be pleased to hear about our amazing staff benefits you'll receive whilst working for us!
As part of your application, you will be asked to:
- Upload your CV
- Answer the following question: Please outline your key skills, qualities and experience which make you the ideal candidate for this role (400 words maximum)
Right to Close Vacancy Posting Early
The Club reserves the right to close any advertised vacancies earlier than the advertised closing date if sufficient applications have been received.
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 & Barring Service may be required prior to starting in a role at the Club.
Lead Psychologist (Boys Academy) employer: Aston Villa FC Limited
Aston Villa Football Club is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment at the prestigious Bodymoor Heath Training Ground. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide numerous opportunities for professional growth, including tailored CPD sessions and collaborative workshops. Our inclusive culture fosters teamwork and innovation, making it an exciting time to join our dedicated team as we strive for excellence in youth football.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Psychologist (Boys Academy)
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Create a blog or a LinkedIn page where you share insights about psychology theories or current trends. This not only showcases your knowledge but can help you connect with like-minded professionals and potential employers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
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We think you need these skills to ace Lead Psychologist (Boys Academy)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV with Relevant Experience:In psychology, it’s crucial to highlight your relevant experience, such as internships, research projects, or any volunteer work in mental health settings. Make sure to include specific roles and responsibilities, demonstrating how you've applied theoretical knowledge in real-world situations—this is what gets us excited!
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:Given the nature of psychology, we want to see your academic journey laid out clearly. Include your degree(s), grades, and any specialised courses or certifications that set you apart. If you've got published papers or presentations at conferences, be sure to mention them—it shows your commitment to the field!
Personal Statement: Make It Count:Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Share insights about why you’re passionate about psychology and how this role at Aston Villa FC Limited connects with your career goals. Be honest about your motivations and what you hope to learn—this is key for a full-time position and helps us gauge your fit in our team!
Focus on Soft Skills in Your Application:Psychology is as much about people as it is about theories. Highlight your soft skills such as communication, empathy, and teamwork in your application. These traits are essential in our field and will help us see how you connect with others, so don't hold back in showcasing them!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aston Villa FC Limited
✨Brush Up on Key Psychological Theories
Before stepping into the interview with Aston Villa FC Limited, revisit key psychological theories that are relevant to the role, like cognitive behavioural therapy or humanistic psychology. Expect to discuss these during your interview, as they want to see how you apply theory to practice.
✨Bring Real-Life Case Studies
Prepare a couple of case studies or anecdotes that demonstrate your practical experience in psychology. Whether it’s handling a difficult client or designing a psychological assessment, these stories will highlight your skills and help you stand out in your full-time interview.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Ethical Guidelines
Get comfy with the ethical guidelines set by the British Psychological Society. Be ready to chat about how you ensure ethical practice in your work, as this is crucial in the psychology field, and Aston Villa FC Limited will be keen to know you’ve got integrity.
✨Showcase Your Continuous Learning
Since you're going for a full-time gig, it’s essential to demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development. Bring up any workshops, courses, or readings you’ve engaged in recently. This shows Aston Villa FC Limited that you’re not just there for a job, but genuinely passionate about the field.
