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- Tasks: Lead a Football Performance Psychology programme for our U21 squad and support player transitions.
- Company: Join Aston Villa Football Club, a prestigious Category One Academy dedicated to youth football excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young athletes' mental performance and development in elite football.
- Qualifications: BSc in Psychology, HCPC registration, and experience in a Category 1 Academy.
- Other info: Flexible working hours, including evenings and weekends, with a commitment to safeguarding.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
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 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
As a Lead Psychologist you will deliver and support the management of a Football Performance Psychology programme for our Boys Academy, specifically focusing 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 U9‑21 coaches, including delivery of Continued Professional Development (CPD) sessions, training support and 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 the management of injured players, and the Player Care Team developing and implementing a Psychology programme for 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 strong knowledge of the Elite Player Performance Plan (expectations of a Category 1 Academy), ideally with experience in delivering a psychology coach development programme. Utilizing excellent communication skills which are clear, accurate and engaging, you must be able 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 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. We adhere to Safer Recruitment processes and, for some roles, a satisfactory enhanced disclosure via the Disclosure.
Lead Psychologist (Boys Academy) employer: British Association of Sport And Exercise Medicine
Contact Detail:
British Association of Sport And Exercise Medicine 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 industry, especially those connected to youth football and psychology. Attend events, workshops, or even local matches to meet potential colleagues and mentors who can give you the inside scoop on opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your experience in performance psychology, especially in a sports context. Include case studies or examples of how you've helped players develop mentally, as this will make you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses. Focus on how your background aligns with the role of Lead Psychologist and be ready to discuss your approach to working with young athletes.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to apply directly. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience and passion for developing young talent in football.
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 for the Lead Psychologist role. Highlight your experience in performance psychology, especially within a Category 1 Academy, and how it aligns with our goals at the Boys Academy.
Showcase Your Skills: Use clear examples to demonstrate your communication skills and ability to build rapport with players and staff. We want to see how you can engage with a diverse range of stakeholders while maintaining professionalism.
Be Specific About Your Experience: Detail your experience with psychological profiling and developing individual programmes. Mention any previous work with U21 squads or similar settings to show us you understand the unique challenges of this role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at British Association of Sport And Exercise Medicine
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the role and the academy's achievements. Familiarise yourself with the Elite Player Performance Plan and how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows you’re not just interested in the job, but you understand the bigger picture.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous work in a Category 1 Academy. Highlight any psychology programmes you've developed or delivered, especially those that involved coaching staff. Use specific examples to demonstrate your impact and how you can bring that expertise to their team.
✨Build Rapport
Since this role involves working closely with various stakeholders, practice your communication skills. Think about how you can engage with different personalities, from players to coaches. Being personable and relatable can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Flexibility is Key
Be ready to discuss your availability and willingness to work evenings, weekends, and matchdays. This role requires adaptability, so share examples of how you’ve successfully managed your time and commitments in previous positions.