Academy Player Care Manager (U9-U16)

This role sits within the Academy Operations team and focuses on the wellbeing, development and overall Academy experience of young players across the Under 9 to Under 16 age groups. The post holder works closely with players, parents, schools, host families and multidisciplinary colleagues to provide individual player care support and to help create a challenging and caring environment. They lead key player care programmes, support successful transitions through the Academy pathway, and ensure that players and families receive the guidance and support they need at every stage of their development.

• Build positive relationships with players and parents, providing tailored support and acting as a key point of contact when required.
• Coordinate and deliver the Academy Transition Strategy and Lifelong Learner Programme, providing engaging life skills and personal development opportunities.
• Manage the Host Family Programme, including recruiting, supporting and maintaining relationships with host families, coordinating placements and ensuring a positive experience for players.
• Support wellbeing initiatives, coordinate appropriate support and contribute to an environment that enables players to flourish.
• Maintain accurate, organised and confidential player care records while supporting wider reporting requirements.
• Collaborate with Academy staff, families and external organisations to support player development and resolve issues effectively.
• Support players and families through key Academy transitions and deliver annual induction activities.
• Contribute to tours, tournaments and wider player care projects across the Academy.

• Demonstrable track record of providing welfare-focused support to children, young people and families and of building trusted relationships.
• Outstanding stakeholder management skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and build positive relationships with a range of internal and external contacts.
• Experience of working within multidisciplinary teams and collaborating with colleagues from different departments to achieve shared objectives.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills, including the ability to manage programmes, maintain records and balance competing priorities.
• Knowledge of safeguarding practices, policies, procedures and responsibilities when working with young people.
• Confident IT skills, including the use of Microsoft 365 and the maintenance of accurate administrative records.
• A caring, proactive and trustworthy approach, building trust quickly, handling sensitive matters with discretion and contributing positively to team culture.
• Willingness to uphold high standards of conduct in a position of trust involving regular, direct contact with children or vulnerable adults, and to keep updated with both Club and FA safeguarding training and education.
• Requirement to complete a DBS check and other essential background checks prior to starting employment, with the level of DBS check (basic, standard or enhanced) depending on the responsibilities of the role.

• Knowledge of youth development frameworks and Academy operations, and an understanding of the football development environment.

• An exciting reward and recognition scheme.
• Generous holiday allowance which increases with length of service.
• Great internal learning and development programmes.
• A flexible hybrid working model.
• Priority access to apply for match tickets.
• A competitive health and wellbeing benefits package.
• A leading Employee Assistance Programme.
• Great discounts with some of the club's partners.
• The opportunity to play a vital role in delivering the ED&I strategy by joining one of the Employee Networks.