Academy Psychologist/Player Care Manager

Aim

To provide a coordinated approach to the overall safety and wellbeing of players and staff in the Academy. To be responsible for the management and delivery of the Personal Development and Life Skills Plan for all Academy Players; the Induction and Transition Strategy; Equalities, Diversity, and Inclusion plans; in addition to other aspects of the Club’s Duty of Care, including mental and emotional wellbeing of Academy Players and Staff.

1. To be responsible for the delivery of YD Rules
2. To be a full member of the Academy Management Team, making regular reports on all areas of activity.

   Key Responsibilities:

   Psychology

   • Implement a Psychological curriculum and programme that is evidence-based
   • Implement a Psychology workshop plan for the 18’s and schoolboys
   • Deliver 1-2-1 sessions to players where appropriate for players across all age groups (U9’s-U18’s)
   • Measure and assess impact through appropriate psychometrics
   • Support players through key transitions (e.g., injury, selections, contract decisions)
   • Work closely with coaches and support staff to embed psychological principles into training and match environments
   • Ensure all players are individually profiled using an appropriate mental framework

Player Care

• Be responsible for the clubs’ induction, transition and exit strategy for new and exiting players
• Act as the academy’s lead for mental and emotional wellbeing
• Develop and maintain the equality, diversity and inclusion plans for the academy
• Develop appropriate mechanisms for players and parents to voice concerns
• Develop, maintain and deliver a life skills programme for academy players in partnership with the LFE
• Recruit, train and look after host families for apprentices
• Liaise with schools to check on progress of each individual player within the academy 

• Promote and uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and player welfare throughout the Academy.
• Work collaboratively with the Club Safeguarding Officer to ensure safeguarding concerns are identified, reported, and managed appropriately.
• Contribute to the provision of a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all Academy players and staff.
• Maintain accurate, secure, and confidential safeguarding records in line with GDPR and Club policies.

• Complete all mandatory safeguarding training and continuing professional development requirements.

 Reports to: Academy Manager