At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and protect young athletes, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment.
- Company: Join Sunderland AFC's dedicated safeguarding team making a real difference.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape a positive culture and develop essential skills.
- Other info: Flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, with potential for growth in a rewarding role.
- Why this job: Be a trusted point of contact, helping young players thrive on and off the pitch.
- Qualifications: Experience with children, safeguarding training, and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
About the Safeguarding Team: Our dedicated team is committed to creating a secure and supportive environment, ensuring that everyone involved with our club feels safe and valued. At the Academy, we implement robust safeguarding policies tailored to protect our young athletes. We conduct regular risk assessments and provide tailored training for coaches and staff, focusing on recognising and addressing potential safeguarding concerns. Working closely with other teams, we ensure that safeguarding measures are seamlessly integrated into all activities. Our aim is to protect our young talents so they can thrive on and off the pitch in a nurturing environment.
The Opportunity: This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference at the heart of Sunderland AFC's Academy, helping protect and support young players as they develop on and off the pitch. Working closely with the Head of Safeguarding, you’ll help shape a safe, positive and child-centred environment where young people feel supported, listened to and able to thrive. You’ll be a trusted point of contact across the Academy, providing guidance, training and practical support to staff, players, parents and host families, while helping ensure safeguarding is embedded in everyday practice. From matchdays, tours and player workshops to referrals, risk assessments and safeguarding meetings, you’ll play a key role in making sure the right support is in place when it matters most. It’s a varied and rewarding role for someone who brings confidence, care and professionalism, and who wants to contribute to a culture where every young person is protected, valued and given the best chance to succeed.
What We Ask For: The ideal candidate will be Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) trained or willing to complete this training upon appointment. They should have undertaken recent safeguarding or child protection training and possess hands-on experience in managing safeguarding concerns and disclosures. A background in working directly with children or young people is essential, along with a solid understanding of safeguarding legislation and procedures. The role requires someone with excellent communication skills, capable of engaging effectively with both young people and adults. A high degree of integrity, discretion, and professionalism is expected, and the ability to work flexibly, including during evenings and weekends, is essential. While not mandatory, it would be advantageous for applicants to have experience within a football environment and to have completed FA Safeguarding Children or Welfare Officer training. Additional qualifications such as First Aid or Mental Health First Aid, as well as familiarity with FA, EFL, or Premier League safeguarding standards, would also be beneficial. An Enhanced DBS from Sunderland AFC is required.
Academy Safeguarding Officer in Exeter employer: Sunderland AFC
Sunderland AFC is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where finance professionals can thrive. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and development, the company provides opportunities for training and advancement within the finance team. Located in the heart of Sunderland, employees enjoy a supportive culture that values teamwork and dedication, making it a rewarding place to contribute to the club's financial success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Academy Safeguarding Officer in Exeter
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
Even though you’re after a full-time role, don’t underestimate internships or volunteering in sports organisations. These positions not only give you hands-on experience but can also lead to permanent openings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your face known in the industry!
✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for sports job fairs and career expos specific to the recreation management field. These events are goldmines for meeting hiring managers from organisations like Sunderland AFC. Bring your A-game and be ready to chat about how you can contribute to their team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out openings on our site! Our listings will often include positions at excellent organisations in sports recreation management, including Sunderland AFC. Applying directly through our platform increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Let's get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Academy Safeguarding Officer in Exeter
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 Sunderland AFC 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 Sunderland AFC
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Sunderland AFC, 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.
