Player Care Executive in Wrexham

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Player Care Executive will provide player care and safeguarding support across the FAW's development programmes, with particular responsibility for the North Girls Regional Programme, as well as supporting the monitoring of player care and safeguarding provision across all Regional Programmes.

The post holder will work alongside the Player Welfare team to ensure a consistent, high-quality approach to player care, safeguarding, education, wellbeing and personal development across the FAW pathway.

The role will also provide player care and safeguarding support within FAW international environments, including undertaking the Player Care and Education Officer role on international camps where required.

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY

1.Girls Regional Programme (North)

• Provide regular player care and safeguarding support to players within the North Girls Regional Programme.
• Build positive and trusted relationships with players, parents/carers and programme staff, acting as an accessible point of contact for player care and welfare matters.
• Identify and respond appropriately to player care, wellbeing and safeguarding needs, escalating concerns in line with FAW policies and procedures where required.
• Support players with education, personal development, wellbeing and transition throughout their time within the programme.
• Promote player voice and ensure players have appropriate opportunities to raise concerns, seek support and provide feedback.
• Maintain appropriate records of player care and safeguarding interactions, concerns and follow-up actions in accordance with FAW processes.
• Work closely with programme staff and the wider Player Welfare team to ensure appropriate support is provided to players and any emerging concerns are identified and addressed.
• Work with relevant Adran League and domestic clubs to promote and support appropriate player care and safeguarding provision for players participating within the league, helping to ensure continuity of care between the FAW Regional Programme and club environment.

2.Player Care and Safeguarding across FAW Development Programmes

• Work with programme staff to ensure agreed FAW player care and safeguarding standards are understood and implemented consistently.
• Monitor player care and safeguarding provision across the Regional Programmes, identifying gaps, emerging issues or areas where additional support may be required.
• Support the development, implementation and review of player care processes, resources and initiatives across the Regional Programmes.
• Share learning, good practice and emerging themes across the Regional Programmes and wider Player Welfare team.
• Support programme staff in responding to player care and welfare matters, providing advice and escalating matters to the appropriate member of the Player Welfare or Safeguarding team where required.

3.Player Development, Education & Transition

• Support players with education and personal development throughout their involvement with the FAW.
• Support players to navigate key transitions, including movement between age groups, clubs, development programmes and senior international environments.
• Provide support around dual-career considerations and help players manage the demands of football alongside education and other commitments.
• Develop and deliver appropriate workshops covering personal development, wellbeing, life skills, career development and transition.
• Work with relevant FAW colleagues and external providers to ensure appropriate education and personal development support is available to players.

4.International Camp Support

• Attend FAW international camps when required, undertaking the Player Care and Education Officer role.
• Provide player care, wellbeing, education and safeguarding support throughout the international pathway.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with players and staff within the international environment.
• Support the identification, management and appropriate escalation of player care and safeguarding concerns.
• Maintain appropriate records and complete relevant post-camp reporting and follow-up.
• Work collaboratively with coaching, medical, performance, education and safeguarding staff to provide a joined-up approach to player care.

5.Player Engagement, Wellbeing & Reporting

• Promote a positive culture of player wellbeing and encourage players to seek support when required.
• Ensure player voice is incorporated into player care and development programme provision.
• Provide appropriate support, guidance and signposting to players in relation to welfare, wellbeing and personal development matters.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of player care interactions and relevant support provided.
• Contribute to reports and reviews that inform the ongoing development of player care provision.

6.Multidisciplinary Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with coaches, programme staff, medical and performance staff, education providers, safeguarding colleagues and other relevant stakeholders.
• Develop effective working relationships with clubs and other organisations to support continuity of care where appropriate.
• Contribute to a joined-up approach to player care across the FAW development and international pathway.
• Share relevant information appropriately and in accordance with FAW policies, procedures and confidentiality requirements.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualifications / Experience

• Relevant qualification in player care, education, safeguarding, welfare, youth development or a related field.
• Experience of working with young people within a sporting, educational or development environment.
• Experience of providing player care, welfare and safeguarding support.
• Experience of designing and/or delivering workshops, education or personal development sessions.
• Experience of working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders, including coaches, programme staff, parents/guardians, clubs or other support services.
• Experience of supporting players through personal, educational or sporting transitions.
  

Knowledge / Skills / Behaviours

• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection in elite sport.
• High level of emotional intelligence and the ability to build positive, trusted relationships with players.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with players, parents/carers, staff and external stakeholders.
• The ability to deal with sensitive or difficult matters professionally, appropriately and confidentially.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and maintain accurate records.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a wider multidisciplinary team.
• A proactive and approachable approach to player care, with the ability to identify emerging needs and respond appropriately.
• Commitment to promoting player voice, wellbeing, personal development and safeguarding.
• Ability and willingness to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends.
  

ROLE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• Flexible hours are required for this role, with the Girls Regional Programme training across evenings and weekends, presence at these sessions is essential. The sessions for the 26/27 season are scheduled for Wednesday and Friday evenings. There is also an expectation to attend international camps in a Player Care and Education Officer capacity which will mean regular trips abroad with up to 10 days away per camp.
• The ability to speak Welsh would be advantageous.
• The appointment of the successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and two professional / personal references, to the satisfaction of the FAW. In addition, the FAW will ask to see evidence of right to work in the UK.
  

FAW VALUES
Our values underpin the FAW vision and guide all aspects of our work:

Excellence – we approach every challenge with determination and a drive to deliver our very best in all we do. We display commitment, motivation, discipline and perseverance, and hold ourselves accountable for results. In every aspect of business and sport, we strive to excel.

Family – we promote a welcoming culture of warmth and belonging where everyone is embraced. Through the power of the collective, we’ll continue to expand our football family, welcoming anyone who wants to achieve great things for Wales

Respect – we believe that different ideas, strengths, interests, and cultural backgrounds are fundamental for success. We’ll earn the respect of others through our commitment to be open, honest, ethical and fair.