At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Performance Wellbeing programme for our Girls Academy, supporting player development and wellbeing.
- Company: Join Aston Villa Football Club, a leader in girls youth football development.
- Benefits: Enjoy amazing staff benefits and be part of a proud family culture.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for career progression in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the next generation of female footballers and their personal growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in wellbeing support and relevant qualifications required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Our Girls Academy Department has established itself as a leader in girls youth football development, consistently delivering the highest standards in coaching, education and training across 10 teams with players aged U10 – U21. We are committed to nurturing talent and creating a supportive and professional environment and we are proud of the role we play in shaping the next generation of female footballers as demonstrated in our recent success with our U21s winning the Professional Game Academy Plate.
To support our continued growth and success of our programme, we have a new opportunity for a Performance Wellbeing Lead to join the team.
The Role
You will lead the Professional Girl’s Academy (PGA)’s Performance Wellbeing programme, working as an advocate for the girl’s game and ensuring that environments prioritise empowerment and enable long-term success of our players. In this role, you will lead and deliver a player development programme that supports progression through the Girls Academy pathway, transition into senior football and preparation for future careers. You will provide personalised emotional, psychological and practical support throughout all player transitions, into, through and beyond the pathway.
You will provide structured wellbeing and personal development guidance such as career planning, aspiration mapping, readiness for trials or new environments in order to prepare players for life beyond the PGA and helping players build confidence and resilience beyond football. You will reflect and review the programme using evidence-based and research-based informed approaches to maximise impact and ensure resources are used effectively as well as work alongside players to co-create tailored support and feedback documented in their Individual Development Plans (IDPs) each season.
Working closely with the Youth Technical Director, Head of Safeguarding and Wellbeing, and wider performance staff, you will ensure that a collaborative approach is undertaken within the wider multidisciplinary team (MDT) to enable relevant information to be communicated effectively.
The Person
We are looking for an experienced, approachable, and forward-thinking individual with a passion and interest in players’ wellbeing and personal needs. You will need:
- Demonstrable experience in wellbeing, pastoral support, player care or performance lifestyle provision
- Athlete Personal Development and Lifestyle (APDL) certificate or relevant coaching / mentoring qualification (or equivalent)
- FA Safeguarding Adults Course
- FA Introduction to First Aid in Football (IFAiF) / Emergency First Aid qualification
- Youth Mental Health First Aid Award (YMHFA)
You must have proven experience in designing or managing programmes that support long term wellbeing, lifestyle or personal development with the ability to build trust through respect, transparency and support. You must be able to communicate in a clear and concise manner and be able to multitask and prioritise workload effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. You must be available to work flexibly as this role will require you to work evenings and weekends, and you must hold a full, UK driving licence with access to a vehicle.
Why Join Us?
There has never been a better time to join Aston Villa Football Club. Our drive to succeed is visible on the global stage, we are building a family ethos and culture to be proud of, and realising our ambitious plans for the expansion and improvement of our world‑class facilities.
If you are already excited by this challenge and want to play your part in our historic Club, then you'll be pleased to hear about our amazing staff benefits you will receive whilst working for us!
As part of your application, you will be asked to:
- Upload your CV
- Answer the following question: Please outline your key skills, qualities and experience which make you the ideal candidate for this role (400 words maximum)
The Club reserves the right to close any advertised vacancies earlier than the advertised closing date if sufficient applications have been received.
Equality Statement
Aston Villa Football Club celebrates the diversity of its Club and embrace 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. As such, 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.
Performance Wellbeing Lead (Girls Academy) Aston Villa Football Club in Birmingham employer: Kick it Out
Aston Villa Football Club is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and empowering environment for its staff and players alike. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing and professional development, the club offers unique opportunities for growth within the dynamic world of sports, all while being part of a historic institution that values diversity and inclusivity. Join us in shaping the future of female footballers and enjoy a range of fantastic staff benefits as we expand our world-class facilities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Performance Wellbeing Lead (Girls Academy) Aston Villa Football Club in Birmingham
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
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We think you need these skills to ace Performance Wellbeing Lead (Girls Academy) Aston Villa Football Club in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining Kick it Out aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kick it Out
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Kick it Out, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
