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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Football Performance Psychology programme for our U21 squad and support player transitions.
- Company: Join Aston Villa, a prestigious Category One Academy dedicated to youth football excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young athletes' mental performance and development in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: BSc in Psychology, MSc in Sport Psychology, and relevant experience in a Category 1 Academy.
- Other info: Work closely with a multidisciplinary team and contribute to a supportive academy culture.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ 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 & Barring Service may be required prior to starting in a role at the Club. For more information, please see the official club website and safeguarding policy.
Lead Psychologist (Boys Academy) in Loughborough 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) in Loughborough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at the Boys Academy, especially those in psychology roles. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a mini-presentation on how you’d approach the psychology programme for the U21 squad. This will demonstrate your proactive attitude and understanding of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Get involved in local football events or workshops. Not only does this boost your CV, but it also helps us connect with others in the field and stay updated on the latest trends in sports psychology.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Psychologist (Boys Academy) in Loughborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for psychology and youth development shine through. We want to see how much you care about nurturing the next generation of elite footballers!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in a Category 1 Academy and any work with performance psychology. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and knowledge in this area.
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 also personable!
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 Elite Player Performance Plan and the specific needs of a Category 1 Academy. Brush up on your knowledge of performance psychology, especially as it relates to youth football. This will show that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in delivering psychology programmes, particularly in a sports context. Be ready with examples of how you've developed individual programmes for players and worked with coaching staff. Specific anecdotes can really make your application stand out.
✨Build Rapport
Since this role involves working closely with various stakeholders, practice your communication skills. Think about how you can build rapport with players, coaches, and parents. During the interview, demonstrate your ability to engage and connect with different audiences.
✨Flexibility is Key
Be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends. This shows that you understand the demands of the role and are committed to supporting the academy's needs, especially during matchdays.