Academy Player Welfare & Safeguarding Lead

Watford FC; London Colney; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Watford Football Club is seeking an Academy Player Care Lead to coordinate player care across the Academy and support players into the Men’s First Team. You will work with safeguarding, education, coaching and other specialists to help players access timely support from induction through development, transition and release.

You will be based at the Watford FC Training Ground in London Colney with travel as needed, supporting players from U9 to U21 and liaising with families and staff.

Qualifications

• Experience of working with children in a welfare or pastoral role.
• Understanding of child protection and safeguarding responsibilities, including appropriate reporting and escalation.
• A valid FA Safeguarding Children Certificate or equivalent.
• A valid FA Welfare Officers Workshop Certificate or equivalent.
• Commitment to the club’s equality, diversity, inclusion and safeguarding policies.
• A full UK driving licence or the ability to travel to the locations required by the role.
• The successful candidate will be subject to safeguarding and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check and children’s barred list check where applicable to the role.

Responsibilities

• Promoting safeguarding and welfare practice across the Academy and following club procedures and requirements.
• Maintain accurate records and support compliance with club, statutory and governing body requirements.
• Coordinate player care with Academy and Men’s First Team staff, especially PD1 players moving to the First Team.
• Build relationships with players and families and coordinate support throughout the Academy pathway.
• Receive and record welfare concerns in CPOMS and escalate as needed under club procedures.
• Coordinate the Academy host family provision with safeguarding colleagues, including placements and monitoring.
• Organise the Academy Life Skills Programme, including facilitators and session logistics.
• Build relationships with Academy players from U9 to U21 and monitor their welfare.
• Coordinate inductions, transitions and release aftercare, preparing information for clubs.

Skills

Welfare support

Safeguarding awareness

Record keeping

Communication skills

Stakeholder liaison

Driving licence

Education

FA Safeguarding Children Certificate

FA Welfare Officers Workshop Certificate

Tools

CPOMS

Office software

Job description

Watford Football Club is seeking an Academy Player Care Lead to coordinate player care across the Academy and support players into the Men’s First Team. You will work with safeguarding, education, coaching and other specialists to help players access timely support from induction through development, transition and release.

You will be based at the Watford FC Training Ground in London Colney with travel as needed, supporting players from U9 to U21 and liaising with families and staff.