Lead Psychologist (Boys Academy) in Heath

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, reflecting our commitment to delivering excellence across all areas of youth football, including coaching, education, training, and facilities. To continue delivering 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

As 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, and work closely with the Head of Technical and Player Development to provide psychological support to players on the elite player pathway.

You will collaborate with the Head of Coach Development to devise and lead the Psychology Coach Development programme for coaches across the Academy, including the delivery of Continuous Professional Development sessions, training support and the creation of educational resources. You will also lead the delivery of all‑staff CPD sessions and multidisciplinary team workshops, and collaborate with the Academy Medical and Sport Science Team to support rehabilitation programmes and the management of injured players. You will play a leading role in driving and reinforcing the Academy Culture within our Culture Working Group.

Qualifications

• 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, ideally with experience in delivering a psychology coach development programme. Utilising excellent communication skills, you must build rapport and strong professional relationships with stakeholders, maintaining high professional standards and confidentiality at all times.

Why Join Us?

There has never been a better time to join Aston Villa Football Club. We offer a world‑class environment, an ambitious plan for our facilities, and a family ethos. Our staff benefits include competitive remuneration, health and wellness programmes, and more. See our Staff Benefits booklet to find out more.

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. We adhere to Safer Recruitment processes and may require a satisfactory enhanced disclosure via the Disclosure & Barring Service for some roles before starting.