About the Women's Team:
Our team is committed to fostering a supportive environment that empowers female athletes to showcase their skills and reach their full potential.
We prioritise player development through tailored training programs that focus on technical skills, tactical understanding, and physical fitness.
The SAFC Women’s Football Team benefits from strong collaboration with our Coaching and Analysis teams, ensuring that our strategies and training sessions are informed by the latest insights and best practices.
The Opportunity:
We are looking for an experienced, professionally registered Women’s First Team Psychologist to play a central role in supporting the mental performance and psychological wellbeing of Sunderland AFC Women’s First Team squad.
You will provide one-to-one, group and team-based sports psychology support aligned with training and competition demands, contributing to player availability, psychological readiness for performance and long-term mental health and wellbeing.
This is a part-time, fized-term contract of 20 hours per week, with the working schedule to be negotiated.
What We Ask For:
We are looking for a suitably qualified practitioner with an MSc in psychology or sport psychology and appropriate professional registration, such as UK HCPC registration or an equivalent recognised accreditation. You will also hold British Psychological Society Chartered status, CASES accreditation or an equivalent professional standing.
You will bring experience from high-performance or professional environments, with a strong understanding of how psychological strategies can be embedded into coaching practice, team culture and individual player development. Experience supporting injured athletes through return-to-play transitions will be important in helping players manage the mental demands of recovery and performance.
The successful candidate will be able to build trusted relationships with players, coaches and performance staff, while maintaining clear professional boundaries, confidentiality and ethical practice. You will be comfortable managing competing priorities and contributing constructively within an inter-disciplinary team environment.
In addition, you will need appropriate professional liability insurance to work with and advise WSL players, together with FA Safeguarding, an Enhanced DBS, UKAD Introduction to Clean Sport, and a valid certified Mental Health First Aid Certificate.
Women’s First Team Psychologist 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 Women’s First Team Psychologist
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like Sunderland AFC often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sunderland AFC
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Sunderland AFC. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at Sunderland AFC.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at Sunderland AFC.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at Sunderland AFC.
