Head of Academy Player Care in Walsall - EFL (English Football League)

About The Role

Job Role: Head of Academy Player Care

Hours: Full-Time

Salary: Competitive and commensurate to the role and experience

Application Deadline: Sunday 9th November

Walsall FC is seeking a dynamic and passionate Head of Academy Player Care to lead and develop our Player Care and Life Skills Programme across all age groups.

This is a key leadership role within our Academy, as you will be responsible for ensuring that every young person in our Academy receives outstanding care, support and guidance throughout their journey. Working closely with the Academy Manager and Head of Coaching, you will ensure the Academy Performance Plan is fully implemented, embedding player wellbeing, personal development and safeguarding at the heart of everything we do.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities:

Develop and deliver a comprehensive Player Care Programme for all Academy players across Foundation, Youth Development and Professional Development phases.
Design and implement effective player induction and transition processes, supporting players joining, progressing through or leaving the Academy.
Lead a Life Skills Programme that prepares players for success both within football and beyond.
Build strong relationships with players, parents, and Colleagues ensuring consistent communication and a supportive environment.
To lead the Parent and Player Voice initiatives to ensure that young people and parents have a voice in the Academy.
Establish and promote a Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, ensuring access to appropriate support and training across the Academy.
Oversee the Academy’s Personal Development Plan process and contribute to player Individual Development Action Plans.
Collaborate with the Head of Education and Safeguarding Team to deliver educational and safeguarding programmes for players, parents and Colleagues.
Represent the Club at Premier League, EFL and other external meetings related to Player Care.
Act as a Designated Safeguarding Lead, promoting a culture of trust, inclusion, and welfare across the Academy.
Be an active and visible presence across all age groups, ensuring every young person knows where to turn for support.

About The Candidate

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

Degree in a relevant field (e.g. wellbeing, psychology, sport science, or social sciences).
Mental Health First Aider qualification (or working towards).
Designated Safeguarding Lead Level 3 (or willingness to complete).
Current FA Safeguarding Children qualification.
Experience working with young people in a welfare, education, or wellbeing environment.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Must successfully complete an FA Enhanced DBS check.

Desirable:

Talented Athlete Lifestyle Support (TALS) Level 3.
Counselling Skills qualification (Level 1 or above).
Experience working within a professional football or sporting environment.

Safeguarding & Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI):

To adhere to safeguarding and child protection policies, ensuring the welfare of children and young people.
Behave inclusively and respectfully, reflecting the positive EDI values of the Club.
All employees must undergo suitable DBS checks through the Club.

About The Club

About Walsall Football Club:

Walsall Football Club, founded in 1888, is a place full of passion and pride, with a rich history having had exciting moments in both the lower divisions and the second tier of English football. Since moving to the Bescot Stadium in 1990, we've celebrated promotions, including two stints in the second tier in 1961 and 2001, and a memorable League Two title win in 2007.

We’re committed to inspiring our community, offering a sense of belonging, pride, and aspiration. We are guided by our core values of Excellence, Service, Discipline, and Ambition, creating opportunities for people to connect, grow, and achieve both on and off the pitch.

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Head of Academy Player Care

About The Role

About The Candidate

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

Desirable:

About The Club

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