Performance & Wellbeing Lead - PGA Womens Academy

The Performance Wellbeing Lead is responsible for leading and developing the Performance Wellbeing programme across the Professional Game Academy and academy age groups, ensuring players receive high-quality support throughout their development journey. The role champions environments that prioritise wellbeing, empowerment and long-term success, acting as a key advocate for female players and the women's game.

Working collaboratively across the multidisciplinary team, the role delivers evidence-based wellbeing provision that supports players in navigating the demands of elite football, education and personal development. Through a holistic approach, the role helps players thrive within the pathway, successfully manage key transitions and prepare for future opportunities both within and beyond football.

Responsibilities

• Act as a role model by creating a learning environment where staff take responsibility for development, reflect on mistakes and experiment.
• Model strong personal wellbeing and sustainable working practices.
• Provide clarity, feedback and support to ensure strong leadership and performance.
• Work alongside players to co-create the tailored support and feedback documented in their Individual Development Plans (IDPs) each season.
• Reflect and review the programme using evidence-based and research-backed approaches to maximise impact and ensure resources are used effectively.
• Ensure continuity of performance wellbeing support for all players, including those training or competing away from the PGA (e.g. ADRs and loans), and provide targeted input for players on Academy Contracts.
• Ensure the PGA programme adheres to or exceeds FA PGA criteria.
• Observe and provide feedback to coaches regarding their contribution to wider player wellbeing objectives.
• Ensure all PGA activities are well managed with a clear performance development philosophy.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with PGA partners (e.g., The FA, clubs, external practitioners).
• Participate in relevant audit and accreditation processes.
• Work effectively with the Academy Manager and other colleagues to ensure the smooth running of the PGA.
• Develop strong relationships with parents/carers and support them in understanding their role in their daughter's wellbeing and personal development.
• Ensure players’ and parents’ voices are meaningfully captured and acted upon through planned, structured engagement activities (e.g. feedback forms, surveys and review meetings) throughout the season.
• Manage productive relationships with First Team staff to support players in, through and beyond their playing journey.
• Work closely with the PGA Designated Safeguarding Person to ensure the wellbeing and welfare of all players and staff is prioritised.
• Maintain positive relationships with other senior clubs where players may move.
• Upholding and promoting the Club’s policies and procedures, including Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities policies and procedures.
• Other duties and responsibilities as required by line manager.

Experience, Skills And Qualifications

• Relevant wellbeing, pastoral, player care or performance lifestyle experience.
• APDL / coaching / mentoring qualification (or similar).
• FA DBS.
• FA Safeguarding Children.
• FA Safeguarding Adults Course.
• FA IFAiF / Emergency First Aid Qualification.
• Recent & relevant Female Athlete Health CPD.
• Degree (bachelor’s level or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Sports Science, Sport and Exercise Psychology.
• Ongoing professional development related to wellbeing, player care or performance lifestyle.
• Working towards a Master’s in a related discipline.

Benefits

• Complimentary match day ticket.
• Reward and Discount Scheme through our Tech Scheme and Simple Health app.
• Health and Wellbeing benefit scheme.
• 20% Discount in our Retail Stores.
• Discounts in various gyms through GymFlex.
• Volunteering Day - 1 Workday off to support a charity of your choice.
• Travel Season Ticket loan.
• Holiday allowance: 25 Days.

Our commitment to Equality

At Crystal Palace Football Club, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion is spirited and continues to grow due to the working environment, which makes all staff feel appreciated and welcomed. Crystal Palace Football Club do this by encouraging good relations and practices towards different groups and are committed to promoting employment opportunities that celebrate diversity.

We are committed to attracting, recruiting, and retaining the most talented candidates and the club intends to ensure that everyone who wishes to engage with the club, whether as matchday fans, staff, players, board members, participants in Foundation programmes and any other person engaged with the club's activities, has a real and equal opportunity to do so.

Reasonable Adjustment

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role, ensuring equitable opportunities for everyone.

If you require disability-related adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact DLO@cpfc.co.uk (DLO inbox is for disability-related queries only, if you wish to gain further information regarding this vacancy, please contact cpfc.recruitment@cpfc.co.uk). We are here to help you through the whole recruitment process including trying to apply for a vacancy, getting in touch with us through the process, and/or helping with access in case you are required to come in for an interview.

Safeguarding

Crystal Palace Football Club is committed to safeguarding and ensuring the welfare and protection of children and vulnerable people and expects all staff to share this commitment. As such, the post holder will be required to undergo any relevant security checks, including a comprehensive background check, Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to ensure the safety and protection of children and vulnerable individuals.

As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we collect demographic data to monitor our recruitment trends. This information is processed independently of your application and has no influence on selection decisions. You may select ‘prefer not to say’ if you do not wish to disclose this information.