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- Tasks: Support young athletes' growth with life skills and wellbeing programmes.
- Company: Join the Player Development Team at Sunderland AFC, dedicated to nurturing talent.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience in a dynamic sports environment while making a real impact.
- Why this job: Be part of shaping future stars both on and off the pitch.
- Qualifications: Pursuing a degree in Sports, Psychology, or related fields; strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 £ per month.
About the Team: The Player Development Team at SAFC is dedicated to shaping young talent both on and off the pitch. Our core mission is to provide a comprehensive education and development framework that empowers youth players to grow into skilled athletes and responsible individuals.
The Opportunity: We are looking for a passionate Player Care Intern to support our Academy players in their growth both on and off the pitch starting in August 2026 and completing in July 2027. In this role, you will help deliver a comprehensive Life Skills and Wellbeing Programme, empowering young athletes to become self-sufficient while managing the unique demands of their football careers. You will promote the importance of developing identities beyond football, ensuring players grow holistically.
You will build and maintain professional relationships with parents and host families, providing essential training and guidance to support the players' overall wellbeing. Working closely with the Academy Player Care Lead, you will play an active role in safeguarding our players and ensuring their mental and emotional health is prioritised. Your contributions will also extend to assisting with player development plans and supporting transitions, helping players navigate their journey both during and after their time with us.
Your involvement in Player Voice and Parent feedback forums will ensure that all perspectives within our Academy are valued and acted upon. You will also be involved in Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings to support the player across all disciplines. If you are excited about making a difference in young athletes' lives, we would love to hear from you.
What We Ask For: To thrive as our Academy Player Care Intern, you will need to be a dynamic individual with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. You should be well-versed in administrative tasks, work with autonomy and thrive in a team environment. To work within the Player Care team, you should be able to develop and maintain relationships with a range of staff and players.
To be successful, you will need to be in the process of completing an undergraduate degree or a master’s during your internship. Candidates completing a programme in Sports & Exercise Science, Community & Youth Work, Sports Management, Psychology or Sports Management would be ideal for this role, although previous experience working within an elite sporting environment alongside an alternative degree would also be considered.
Ideal candidates would have the ability to work 5 days a week, including weekends and evenings where required. If you can commit to a minimum of 3-4 days a week and would like to express interest, your application may be considered. An Enhanced DBS from Sunderland AFC and a Full, Valid UK Driving license is required.
Player Care Intern employer: Sunderland Association Football Club
Contact Detail:
Sunderland Association Football Club Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Player Care Intern
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to player care or youth development. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for supporting young athletes shine through. Share your ideas on how to enhance their wellbeing and development. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the club and its values. Understand their approach to player care and think about how you can contribute. We recommend practising common interview questions and even role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the opportunity. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a quick email can keep you on their radar and show your eagerness!
We think you need these skills to ace Player Care Intern
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for supporting young athletes! In your application, share why you're excited about the Player Care Intern role and how you can contribute to their growth both on and off the pitch.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experiences that align with the job description. We want to see any previous work or volunteer roles that showcase your communication skills and ability to build relationships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how your background in Sports & Exercise Science or related fields makes you a great fit for our Academy. Don’t forget to mention your commitment to player wellbeing!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sunderland Association Football Club
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Player Care Intern and the mission of the Player Development Team. Familiarise yourself with their Life Skills and Wellbeing Programme, and think about how you can contribute to empowering young athletes both on and off the pitch.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for working with young athletes. Share any relevant experiences or projects that demonstrate your commitment to player development and wellbeing. This is your chance to show that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives.
✨Build Rapport
Since this role involves maintaining relationships with players, parents, and staff, practice your interpersonal skills. Be friendly and approachable during the interview, and think of ways to connect with the interviewers. A good rapport can go a long way in showing you’re the right fit for the team.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if the position aligns with your goals. You might ask about the challenges players face or how the team measures success in their programmes.