At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead player care for Academy players, ensuring a safe and supportive environment.
- Company: Join Rochdale AFC, a historic football club with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Be part of a passionate team, with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to engage with players, families, and the wider community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young athletes' lives while working in the exciting world of football.
- Qualifications: Experience in player care, safeguarding, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
To lead and manage player care provision across the Rochdale AFC Academy in line with EFL Youth Development Rules, and Club policies, ensuring a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for all Academy Players, staff and volunteers.
About The Candidate
- Lead and develop the Academy Player Care Programme across the U9–U18 age groups.
- Design and deliver a comprehensive Life Skills and Player Wellbeing Programme.
- Support players and families through key transition points, including scholarships, professional contracts and player release.
- Act as the main point of contact for player care concerns involving Academy Players.
- Manage and support safeguarding referrals, reporting procedures and case management processes where required.
- Ensure safer recruitment procedures are followed across the Academy.
- Work collaboratively with coaching, education, coaching and medical departments to support player wellbeing.
- Oversee Academy accommodation requirements as and when they arise.
- Develop player and parent voice, along with Academy Alumni programmes.
- Maintain safeguarding records, risk assessments and compliance documentation.
- Support Academy audits, compliance reviews and continuous improvement planning.
- Attend Academy meetings, fixtures, tournaments and events as required.
- Liaise with external agencies and governing bodies where appropriate.
- Represent Rochdale AFC professionally and positively at all times.
About The Club
Founded in 1907, Rochdale AFC is an established professional football club, who will compete in EFL League Two for the 2026/27 season, alongside FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and Vertu Trophy knockout competition commitments. We are involved in a broad range of sporting, commercial, and charitable activities, following the acquisition of a controlling stake in the club by The Ogden Family in May 2024.
Academy Player Care Lead in Rochdale employer: EFL
Rochdale AFC is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for its Academy Players and staff. With a strong focus on player wellbeing and development, the club offers unique opportunities for personal growth through comprehensive life skills programmes and support during key transition points. Working at Rochdale AFC not only allows you to contribute to the future of young athletes but also to be part of a community-driven organisation that values collaboration and continuous improvement.
