Player Care Manager

EFL; Lincoln; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An EFL Category 3 Academy in Lincoln is seeking a passionate Player Care Manager. The role focuses on leading the personal development and wellbeing programme for academy players, ensuring they receive vital support both on the pitch and in life. Responsibilities include coordinating activities, developing a mental health strategy, and fostering communication between parents and staff, all aimed at nurturing well-rounded young athletes.

Qualifications

• Understanding of mental and emotional wellbeing in young people.
• Experience working with young people in sport or education.
• Outstanding communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the personal development and wellbeing programme for academy players.
• Ensure effective planning and communication of academy operations.
• Develop a mental health and wellbeing strategy.

Skills

Communication skills

Team player

Emotional intelligence

Job description

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About The Role

About Lincoln City FC Academy

Lincoln City FC Academy is a forward-thinking, progressive environment committed to developing young footballers both on and off the pitch. As a proud EFL Category 3 Academy, we are dedicated to nurturing talent and supporting holistic player development.

Role Overview

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Player Care Manager to lead the personal development and wellbeing programme for our Academy players. This role is central to ensuring that every player receives the support they need to thrive in football and life.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure effective planning and communication of Academy Operations on a weekly basis to enable academy players and parents get the best experience possible.
• Liaise closely with multidisciplinary staff to ensure clear and regular communication regarding the wellbeing of all Academy players.
• Plan and facilitate a programme of age-appropriate activities to promote outstanding personal development and life skills of all Academy players.
• Become the chair of the parent voice group across all phases with the aim of providing high-quality feedback on the Academy experience for all players.
• Create an Academy leadership group to act as player voice and play a leading role in improving the experience of all Academy Players.
• Develop a mental health and well-being strategy that supports players and staff in mental health areas and signposts to expertise where required.
• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion with staff, players, and parents through awareness, training, and workshops.
• Create a database to track wellbeing risks and devise appropriate interventions where risks are identified.
• Establish an active Alumni group to support ex-scholars and monitor their development and progress.
• Build relationships with external stakeholders such as PFA, LFE, Premier League, Kick it Out, Sporting Chance, and others.
• Develop wider personal development opportunities, including community work, work experience, hobbies, etc.
• Work with the Academy DSO to promote safeguarding and welfare, ensuring best practice and challenging behaviour when necessary.
• Foster a culture where player welfare is central, and all players feel valued and respected.
• Be a key contact for parents, families, and visitors on matchdays, ensuring protocols are followed, which may involve weekend work.
• Be present at training evenings and accessible to parents and players.
• Deliver and coordinate the SEP programme across the season.
• Liaise with LFE on SEP coursework progression and completion.
• Monitor individual scholar progress using LFE EMS.
• Plan safe travel logistics for day-release players and scholars.
• Contribute to review processes, providing support through intervention meetings as needed.
• Ensure new players receive age-appropriate inductions.
• Implement clear exit strategies and support the transition of released players.
• Assist with audits, inspections, and assessments relevant to the academy category.

About The Candidate

Knowledge

Essential

• Understanding of mental and emotional wellbeing in young people.
• Knowledge of elite performance environments for youth.
• Understanding psychological frameworks and goal-setting.

Desirable

• Knowledge of PGAAC and academy audit processes.
• Experience with sharing platforms and performance management tools.
• Mentoring experience is advantageous.

Technical/Work-Based Skills

Essential

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate records over time.
• Ability to meet deadlines and prioritize work.

Desirable

• Ability to appraise others.
• Driving license (D1).

General Skills and Attributes

Essential

• Outstanding communication skills.
• Effective team player.
• High emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.

Experience

Essential

• Experience working with young people in sport or education.
• Experience in holistic development.

Desirable

• Experience in an elite sporting environment.
• Mentoring experience with children or adults.