Head of Academy Player Care

About The Role

The Head of Player Care is responsible for leading and managing the Academy's Player Care provision in line with the requirements of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP), Premier League, EFL and Club policies.

The role will ensure the holistic development, welfare, safeguarding, wellbeing, education support and personal development of all Academy players, creating a positive environment that promotes personal growth alongside football development. The Head of Player Care will oversee the Player Care department, manage staff within the function and work collaboratively across all Academy multidisciplinary departments to ensure players receive comprehensive support throughout their Academy journey.

This role requires a flexible working pattern, including regular evening and weekend work to support training sessions, fixtures, player reviews, parent meetings and Academy events. The post holder will be expected to work across Academy sites and occasionally travel to schools, partner organisations and football venues as required. Flexibility and visibility across the Academy programme are essential.

Regular travel to fixtures, meetings and other events in connection with performance of the duties.

Direct Reports: Academy Youth Mentor

About The Candidate

Essential Qualifications

Degree or equivalent qualification in Sports Development, Education, Social Work, Psychology, Youth Work, Welfare or a related field.
FA Safeguarding Children Certification (or willingness to obtain).
Enhanced DBS Check.
Full UK Driving Licence.

Experience

Significant experience working in player care, welfare, education, safeguarding or youth development within elite sport.
Experience leading and managing staff.
Experience working with young people aged 9-21 in a developmental environment.
Experience of developing and delivering personal development and wellbeing programmes.
Experience of working collaboratively with parents, schools and external agencies.
Understanding of safeguarding processes and welfare support systems.

Knowledge

Detailed understanding of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP).
Knowledge of Premier League, EFL and FA Youth Development regulations.
Understanding of safeguarding legislation and best practice.
Knowledge of player wellbeing, mental health and holistic development principles.
Understanding of Academy football environments and talent development pathways.

Skills and Behaviours

Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong leadership and people management abilities.
Ability to build effective relationships with players, staff and families.
Excellent organisational and administrative skills.
Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making capability.
Commitment to safeguarding, welfare and inclusion.
Ability to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends.

About The Club

Leyton Orient Football Club is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment and its employment policies for recruitment, selection, training, development and promotion are designed to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity.

The employee must always carry out their duties with due regard to the Leyton Orient Football Club policies and procedures. The employee must ensure a positive commitment towards equality and diversity by treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation or harassment of any description and to promote positive working relationships between all internal and external stakeholders.

To have due regard for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, coaches and young people and to follow the child protection procedures adopted by the FA and the club.

All policies can be found on our website: Customer Charter, Policies & Safeguarding

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