Head of Player Care

Barnsley Football Club; Newport; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Newport County AFC Academy is seeking a Head of Player Care to lead and optimise welfare, safeguarding and personal development for academy players. The role requires working evenings and weekends to support training sessions, reviews, and events, with a strong emphasis on collaboration across departments.

The candidate should bring a degree in a relevant field, safeguarding certification, an enhanced DBS, and a full UK driving licence.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in relevant field.
• FA Safeguarding Certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Enhanced DBS Check.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Academy's Player Care provision across the programme.
• Ensure holistic development, welfare, safeguarding and wellbeing of players.
• Collaborate with Academy multidisciplinary departments to provide comprehensive support.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

Confidential information handling

Problem-solving

Safeguarding commitment

Evenings/weekends flexibility

Education

Degree in Sports Development/Education/Social Work

Job description

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 successful candidate will ensure the holistic development, welfare, safeguarding, wellbeing, educational 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 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 other Academy events. Flexibility and visibility across the Academy programme are essential.

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:

• Experience working in player care, welfare, education, safeguarding or youth development within elite sport.
• Experience working with young people aged 8-20 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.
• 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

Safeguarding Statement

Newport County AFC is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to endorse this commitment.

This post requires Enhanced Criminal Records Checks and may include checks against the Barred Lists, as such it is exempt from Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). Therefore all convictions including spent convictions that have not been subject to filtering by the DBS should be declared".

Relevant information and / or documents will be distributed as part of the recruitment process.

E & D Statement

Newport County AFC Academy is committed to providing services which embrace diversity and that promote equality of opportunity.