Lead Academy Sport Psychologist

Barnsley Football Club; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Portsmouth Football Club is seeking a Lead Academy Sport Psychologist to lead, coordinate and develop the academy psychology provision for U13–U18 players. The role will shape the psychology department in line with the ACT framework, the Portsmouth blueprint and wider academy priorities.

The post holder will deliver individual, group and team‑based psychological support, embed psychological principles within the coaching and player development programme, and contribute to MDT and wellbeing

Qualifications

• The appointed Sport Psychologist must have an MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology, HCPC registration or evidence of being on a recognised route with regular supervision, and BPS or CASES accreditation (or currently undertaking relevant route).
• FA Safeguarding Certificate.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and team working skills.
• Experience working with children and adolescents in a sporting environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead academy psychology provision across the U13–U18 programme.
• Shape the direction of the psychology department in line with the ACT framework, Portsmouth blueprint and academy performance plan.
• Embed psychological principles within coaching, player development, MDT practice and the daily training environment.
• Work with the Academy Manager and Head of Coaching to align psychology delivery with the coaching curriculum.
• Deliver individual, group and team‑based psychological support for U13–U18 players.
• Provide phase‑specific support across the Youth Development and Professional Development Phases.
• Support priority players with performance, transition, injury, wellbeing and/or academy-to-senior progression needs.
• Provide psychological input to coaches and MDT staff to support individual player plans.
• Provide psychological support to parents, enhancing their understanding of the psychology framework and academy journey.

Skills

MSc in Sport & Exercise Psychology

HCPC registration

BPS/CASES accreditation

FA Safeguarding Certificate

Excellent communication

Experience with children/adolescents

Education

MSc in Sport & Exercise Psychology

HCPC registration

BPS or CASES accreditation

FA Safeguarding Certificate

Job description

Portsmouth (including multiple training venues across the city)

Hours of work

25 hours/week

Department

Reports to

Renumeration

£20,280 per annum

Purpose of the role:

The Lead Academy Sport Psychologist will lead, coordinate and develop the academy psychology provision for U13‑U18 players. The role will shape the direction of the psychology department in line with the academy’s Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) framework, the Portsmouth blueprint and wider academy priorities.

The post holder will deliver individual, group and team‑based psychological support, embed psychological principles within the coaching and player development programme, and contribute to MDT and wellbeing discussions where psychological input is required.

The role will provide line management and work collaboratively with the Academy Sport Psychologist responsible for U9–U12 provision to ensure a consistent academy-wide approach. The post holder will also provide supervision and appraisal of psychology staff within the department.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and department direction

• Lead academy psychology provision across the U13–U18 programme.
• Shape the direction of the psychology department in line with the ACT framework, Portsmouth blueprint and academy performance plan.
• Embed psychological principles within coaching, player development, MDT practice and the daily training environment.
• Work with the Academy Manager and Head of Coaching to align psychology delivery with the coaching curriculum.

U13–U18 delivery and player support

• Deliver individual, group and team‑based psychological support for U13–U18 players.
• Provide phase‑specific support across the Youth Development and Professional Development Phases.
• Support priority players with performance, transition, injury, wellbeing and/or academy-to-senior progression needs.
• Provide psychological input to coaches and MDT staff to support individual player plans.
• Provide psychological support to parents, enhancing their understanding of the psychology framework and academy journey.

Collaboration and pathway alignment

• Work collaboratively with the Academy Sport Psychologist responsible for U9–U12 provision.
• Ensure consistency, continuity and clear progression across the academy psychology pathway.
• Support shared planning, transition information and consistent application of the ACT framework.
• Contribute to academy wellbeing discussions and support complex cases where required.

Line management and staff development

• Line manage, supervise and support academy psychology staff.
• Support professional development and ensure appropriate supervision, documentation and accountability.

Governance and professional standards

• Ensure psychology provision is planned, recorded and reviewed in line with safeguarding, confidentiality and professional standards.
• Maintain accurate case notes, reports and departmental records.
• Follow Club policies and procedures to safeguard all academy players.

Additional responsibilities

• Support academy events, parent education, coach education, player reviews and MDT meetings as required.
• Contribute to department planning, service review and continuous improvement.
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the role as reasonably requested by management.
• Appraise staffing performance through regular review, feedback and agreed objectives.

About The Candidate

Essential Qualifications & Skills

• The appointed Sport Psychologist must have an MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology, HCPC registration or evidence of being on a recognised route with regular supervision, and BPS or CASES accreditation (or currently undertaking relevant route).
• FA Safeguarding Certificate.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and team working skills.
• Experience working with children and adolescents in a sporting environment.

Guidance to consider

Please consider the below before applying:

• The role w ill be based at the training ground in Portsmouth, however there will be a need to travel to a variety of venues in and around the city and on occasion, to away games or tournaments and will include evening work.
• Given the training locations, games schedule, frequent access to a car is essential and living within a daily commutable distance from Portsmouth is required.
• Right to work in the UK and enhanced DBS check.

The hours of work for this position will include a blend of weekday daytime and evening work

About The Club

General information

We promote an equal, diverse, and inclusive workplace and we are committed to providing the best experience for our colleagues. As a business we aim to be as representative of as many sections of society as possible, and for each colleague to feel respected and able to give of their best every day. We ensure that we treat people the right way, promote respect and believe that making the most of our differences is the key to the success of our business.

We take a robust approach tomodern slaveryand human trafficking and our organisation is absolutely committed to preventingslaveryand human trafficking in our corporate activities, and to ensuring that our supply chains are free fromslaveryand human trafficking.

We must always respect the dignity and spirit of all people, including children, young people and adults at risk. Treat everyone fairly, encourage a supportive and positive environment to promote healthy competition, skill development, fun and achievement. Avoid contact or conduct that may be interpreted or defined as inappropriate.

Health and Safety Statement

Portsmouth Football Club is committed to ensuring the health, safety, and well‑being of all employees, contractors, visitors, and others who may be affected by our operations.

As part of this commitment, you are expected to take reasonable care for your own health and safety, as well as that of others. You must comply with the company’s health and safety policies, procedures, and any legal requirements relevant to your role. Together, we aim to maintain a safe and supportive environment that promotes the welfare and security of everyone involved in our activities.

Data Protection

The Club process all personal data collected during the recruitment process in accordance with complies with Data Protection Act (2018) and GDPR. Data collected as part of the recruitment process is held securely and accessed by, and disclosed to, individuals only for the purposes of managing the recruitment exercise effectively. All data that is deemed unnecessary will be disposed off at the end of recruitment process in line with our GDPR procedure.

Safeguarding
Portsmouth Football Club is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We are committed to ensuring that any club related activity will be in a safe environment where children, young people and adults at risk are protected from harm or abuse whilst under our care.

We acknowledge that every child, young person, or adult at risk who plays or participates in football should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from poor practice and abuse. Portsmouth Football Club recognises that this is the responsibility of every adult involved in our club.