At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage player care for Academy players, ensuring their holistic development and wellbeing.
- Company: Join Newport County AFC, a club dedicated to player welfare and personal growth.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, including evenings and weekends, with a focus on personal development.
- Other info: Commitment to safeguarding and diversity is essential; excellent career growth opportunities await.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young athletes' lives while working in a dynamic sports environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and experience in player care or youth development required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
The Head of Player Care is responsible for leading and managing the Academy's Player Care provision in line with the requirements of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP), Premier League, EFL and Club policies.
The successful candidate will ensure the holistic development, welfare, safeguarding, wellbeing, educational support and personal development of all Academy players, creating a positive environment that promotes personal growth alongside football development.
The Head of Player Care will work collaboratively across all Academy multidisciplinary departments to ensure players receive comprehensive support throughout their Academy journey.
This role requires a flexible working pattern, including regular evening and weekend work to support training sessions, fixtures, player reviews, parent meetings and other Academy events.
Flexibility and visibility across the Academy programme are essential.
About The Candidate
Essential Qualifications
- Degree or equivalent qualification in Sports Development, Education, Social Work, Psychology, Youth Work, Welfare or a related field.
- FA Safeguarding Children Certification (or willingness to obtain).
- Enhanced DBS Check.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
Experience
- Experience working in player care, welfare, education, safeguarding or youth development within elite sport.
- Experience working with young people aged 8-20 in a developmental environment.
- Experience of developing and delivering personal development and wellbeing programmes.
- Experience of working collaboratively with parents, schools and external agencies.
- Understanding of safeguarding processes and welfare support systems.
Knowledge
- Detailed understanding of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP).
- Knowledge of Premier League, EFL and FA Youth Development regulations.
- Understanding of safeguarding legislation and best practice.
- Knowledge of player wellbeing, mental health and holistic development principles.
- Understanding of Academy football environments and talent development pathways.
Skills and Behaviours
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to build effective relationships with players, staff and families.
- Excellent organisational and administrative skills.
- Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making capability.
- Commitment to safeguarding, welfare and inclusion.
- Ability to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends.
- About The Club
- Safeguarding Statement
Newport County AFC is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to endorse this commitment.
This post requires Enhanced Criminal Records Checks and may include checks against the Barred Lists, as such it is exempt from Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974).
Therefore all convictions including spent convictions that have not been subject to filtering by the DBS should be declared”.
Relevant information and / or documents will be distributed as part of the recruitment process.
E & D Statement
Newport County AFC Academy is committed to providing services which embrace diversity and that promote equality of opportunity.
Head of Player Care in Newport employer: EFL
Cardiff City Football Club is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work environment, dedicated to the long-term development of its staff and players alike. With a strong emphasis on professional growth, employees benefit from access to cutting-edge analysis tools and a collaborative culture that encourages innovation and excellence in performance analysis. Located in the vibrant city of Cardiff, the club offers unique opportunities to engage with a passionate community and contribute to the success of a storied football institution.
