At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Performance Wellbeing programme for aspiring female footballers, supporting their development and transitions.
- Company: Join a leading Girls Academy committed to nurturing talent in youth football.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and the chance to make a real difference in players' lives.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and career advancement.
- Why this job: Empower young female athletes and shape their futures both on and off the pitch.
- Qualifications: Experience in wellbeing support and relevant coaching qualifications required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 £ per year.
Department: Football Division – Girls Academy Department
Hours of Work: Full-time, 35 hours per week (with flexibility to work during evenings and weekends, including matchdays)
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: Up to £30,000 per annum dependent upon experience
Location: Bodymoor Heath Training Ground
The Department
Our Girls Academy Department has established itself as a leader in girls youth football development, consistently delivering the highest standards in coaching, education and training across 10 teams with players aged U10 – U21. We are committed to nurturing talent and creating a supportive and professional environment and we are proud of the role we play in shaping the next generation of female footballers as demonstrated in our recent success with our U21s winning the Professional Game Academy Plate.
To support our continued growth and success of our programme, we have a new opportunity for a Performance Wellbeing Lead to join the team.
The Role
You will lead the Professional Girl's Academy (PGA)'s Performance Wellbeing programme, working as an advocate for the girl's game and ensuring that environments prioritise empowerment and enable long‐term success of our players. In this role, you will lead and deliver a player development programme that supports progression through the Girls Academy pathway, transition into senior football and preparation for future careers. You will provide personalised emotional, psychological and practical support throughout all player transitions, into, through and beyond the pathway.
You will provide structured wellbeing and personal development guidance such as career planning, aspiration mapping, readiness for trials or new environments in order to prepare players for life beyond the PGA and helping players build confidence and resilience beyond football. You will reflect and review the programme using evidence-based and research-based informed approaches to maximise impact and ensure resources are used effectively as well as work alongside players to co-create tailored support and feedback documented in their Individual Development Plans (IDPs) each season.
Working closely with the Youth Technical Director, Head of Safeguarding and Wellbeing, and wider performance staff, you will ensure that a collaborative approach is undertaken within the wider multidisciplinary team (MDT) to enable relevant information to be communicated effectively.
The Person
We are looking for an experienced, approachable, and forward-thinking individual with a passion and interest in players' wellbeing and personal needs.
You will need:
- Demonstrable experience in wellbeing, pastoral support, player care or performance lifestyle provision
- Athlete Personal Development and Lifestyle (APDL) certificate or relevant coaching / mentoring qualification (or equivalent)
- FA Safeguarding Children Course
- FA Safeguarding Adults Course
- FA Introduction to First Aid in Football (IFAiF) / Emergency First Aid qualification
- Youth Mental Health First Aid Award (YMHFA)
You must have proven experience in designing or managing programmes that support long term wellbeing, lifestyle or personal development with the ability to build trust through respect, transparency and support. You must be able to communicate in a clear and concise manner and be able to multitask and prioritise workload effectively in a fast‐paced and dynamic environment. You must be available to work flexibly as this role will require you to work evenings and weekends, and you must hold a full, UK driving licence with access to a vehicle.
Performance Wellbeing Lead (Girls Academy) in London employer: Aston Villa Football Club
Join our dynamic Girls Academy Department at Bodymoor Heath Training Ground, where we prioritise the development and wellbeing of young female footballers. As a Performance Wellbeing Lead, you will thrive in a supportive work culture that champions empowerment and personal growth, offering flexible working hours and opportunities to make a meaningful impact on players' lives. With a commitment to excellence and collaboration, we provide a unique environment for professional development and career progression in the world of sports.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Performance Wellbeing Lead (Girls Academy) in London
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
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✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
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We think you need these skills to ace Performance Wellbeing Lead (Girls Academy) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining Aston Villa Football Club aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aston Villa Football Club
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Aston Villa Football Club, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
