Academy Psychologist

Al Qadisiyah; Eastern Province; On-site; SAR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Al Qadisiyah Academy seeks a licensed sport psychologist to lead and deliver psychological support across the academy, embedding principles to enhance performance and wellbeing. You will design a psychology and mental skills curriculum, provide individual and group interventions, and collaborate with coaches, parents and staff to create a safe, development-focused environment.

This role requires a Master’s in Sport Psychology and accreditation, with experience in youth athletes and in the Middle

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Sport Psychology or related field is required.
• Accreditation with HCPC, BPS, BASES or equivalent is preferred.
• Experience with academy-age athletes in a performance environment is essential.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement a psychology and mental skills curriculum for all academy age groups Foundation Youth and Professional Development Phases.
• Deliver individual and group psychological interventions to support player development wellbeing and performance.
• Assist in the psychological preparation of Academy teams and players.
• Support players through transitions such as promotions injuries and deselections with appropriate psychological care.
• Work closely with coaches parents and support staff to promote wellbeing and a psychologically safe learning environment.
• Collaborate across departments to align psychological development with life skills and character with the Club’s culture.
• Contribute to player reviews and IDPs by providing psychological profiles and recommendations.
• Stay updated on latest training methodologies and technologies in psychology.
• Provide regular CPD to staff on psychological topics.

Skills

Youth athlete psychology

Rapport with young people

Coaching collaboration

Multicultural adaptability

Interpersonal communication

Ethical practice safeguarding

English, Spanish, Arabic multilingual

Saudi/M Middle East experience

Education

Master’s degree in Sport Psychology, Performance Psychology or a related field

Job description

Job Purpose

To lead and deliver psychological support across the Academy Contribute to the development of mentally resilient self-aware and high performing players by embedding psychological principles across all phases of the Academy

Job Responsibilities

Mental Skills

• Design and implement a psychology and mental skills curriculum for all academy age groups Foundation Youth and Professional Development Phases
• Deliver individual and group psychological interventions to support player development wellbeing and performance
• Assist in the psychological preparation of Academy teams and players
• Support players through transitions such as promotions injuries and deselections with appropriate psychological care
• Work closely with coaches parents and support staff to promote wellbeing and a psychologically safe learning environment
• Collaborate across departments to align psychological development with life skills and character with the Clubu2019s culture
• Contribute to player reviews and Individual Development Plans IDPs by providing psychological profiles and recommendations

Professional Development and Research

• Stay updated on the latest training methodologies and technologies in psychology
• Attend courses conferences and seminars to ensure a scientific evidence-based approach
• Actively participate in departmental meetings and Academy board sessions to align with the club s philosophy and youth development model
• Provide regular training and CPD to staff on psychological topics

Other

• Uphold ethical standards and confidentiality in all psychological work and data management
• Further duties at the discretion of line Manager or Academy Technical Director

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Sport Psychology, Performance Psychology or a related field
• Eligible for or working towards accreditation with a recognised governing body (e.g., HCPC, BPS, BASES, or equivalent)
• FIFA Guardian safeguarding qualification

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

• Applied experience of working with academy age athletes in a performance environment
• Proven ability to build rapport with young people and work effectively with coaches and parents
• Strong understanding of psychological development in youth athletes
• Ability to adapt training programs based on different age groups and development levels
• Commitment to safeguarding and ethical practice in youth sport
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills
• Adaptability to an international and multicultural work environment
• Previous experience in Saudi Arabia or the Middle East
• Multilingual skills, particularly English, Spanish and Arabic