At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and enhance player experiences on and off the pitch at Stockport County Academy.
- Company: Join the rising Stockport County Football Club, a historic club with a bright future.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts on merchandise, tickets, and access to professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young players' lives while being part of a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Experience in player care, safeguarding, and excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant community and contribute to the club's exciting growth journey.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Stockport County is a club on the rise. For the past 11 years, we’ve finished higher every season, climbing from the National League North to finishing 3rd in League One, which has built on our rich and storied history that dates to 1883. With bold ownership, a strong leadership team, and a forward‑thinking board, we’re embarking on our next chapter of growth. This includes significant investments in renovating our stadium and training facilities, and the recent reinstatement of our academy, laying strong foundations for the future. Beyond the pitch, Stockport is transforming into a vibrant cultural hub in the Northwest. Our town boasts a thriving and rapidly growing arts, entertainment, and culinary scene, making it an incredibly dynamic place to live and work. We’re passionate about our town and the local community, specially creating opportunities for young Stopfordians to find opportunities and thrive. With our rapid progression and shared trajectory, we believe we have a once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity for Stockport County and the wider community to rise together and establish ourselves on both the national sporting and cultural stage.
We are seeking an enthusiastic Player Care Manager to join our Academy team. The postholder will support and deliver a holistic Player Care programme in line with the Academy Performance Plan. This role aims to enhance player experiences on and off the pitch, build strong relationships with families, and prepare players for future opportunities both within and outside football. The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time; or the scope of the job may change as required by the demands of the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Planning, organising, and delivering a high‑quality personal development programme
- Assist with the planning and delivery of SEP (Sporting Excellence Performance)
- Provide a visible player care presence on training nights, supporting players, parents and staff.
- Provide matchday support across the Academy programme, including weekends.
- To support the mental and emotional wellbeing of all academy players
- Provide logistical support for players where appropriate.
- Inducting and exiting players in a caring and organised manner
- Driving equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives across the Academy.
- Support and manage the Academy Host Family programme, ensuring strong communication, safeguarding and welfare standards.
- Coordinate external workshops and opportunities with key stakeholders such as the LFE, PFA and the FA.
- Alumni engagement and support
- Maintain accurate records and contribute to reviews and reporting processes.
- Act as a trusted point of contact for players, parents and staff
- Be able to identify safeguarding concerns early and follow correct reporting pathways, including regular meetings with the clubs Head of Safeguarding
- Promote Safeguarding throughout the Academy by use of inputs, training to players, parents and staff
- Promote a player‑centred safeguarding culture
Essential
- Enhanced DBS certificate (completed by the club prior to offer of contract)
- Player Care experience
- Relevant qualification in youth work, education, sport, or wellbeing.
- Previous experience in safeguarding and welfare
- Have completed FA Safeguarding Children training (or willing to complete as soon as in post)
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with an ability to use a variety of communication tools (verbal, written, digital)
- Be able to build positive relationships across the club
- Strong organisational and administrative skills
- IT skills, including the ability to use Microsoft Office and platforms such as Google Drive.
Desirable
- Higher Education qualification in a suitable area of study
- Mental health first aider
- Experience in social and/or pastoral care
- Understanding of the EPPP (Elite Player Performance Plan) and its requirements
Benefits
- Discount on SCFC retail products
- Discount of SCFC season or match by match tickets
- Access to online discount system perk box
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
- Be part of a dynamic and exciting team
- The chance to contribute to the success of a historic football club
Academy Player Care Manager in Stockport employer: Stockport County Football Club
Contact Detail:
Stockport County Football Club Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Academy Player Care Manager in Stockport
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the football industry, especially those connected to Stockport County. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for player care! When you get the chance to chat with someone from the club or during an interview, share your ideas on how to enhance player experiences. This will demonstrate your commitment and creativity, making you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios related to safeguarding and player welfare. Think about how you would handle various situations, as this will show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also practical and ready to jump in.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Stockport County family. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Academy Player Care Manager in Stockport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Player Care Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in player care, safeguarding, and any qualifications that align with what we're looking for at Stockport County.
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for football and player development shine through in your application. We want to see how much you care about enhancing player experiences both on and off the pitch!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well so we can easily see why you're a great fit for our Academy team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application via our official website! This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves.
How to prepare for a job interview at Stockport County Football Club
✨Know Your Player Care Fundamentals
Make sure you brush up on the key principles of player care, especially in a football context. Understand how to support players' mental and emotional wellbeing, and be ready to discuss your experience in creating personal development programmes.
✨Show Your Passion for Community Engagement
Stockport County values its connection with the local community. Be prepared to share examples of how you've engaged with families and communities in previous roles, and express your enthusiasm for contributing to the club's mission of supporting young Stopfordians.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
As a Player Care Manager, you'll need to build relationships with players, parents, and staff. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, and think of specific instances where your communication skills made a difference in your past roles.
✨Prepare for Safeguarding Scenarios
Given the importance of safeguarding in this role, be ready to discuss your understanding of safeguarding protocols. Think about how you would handle potential concerns and be familiar with the reporting pathways to demonstrate your commitment to player safety.