Academy Player Care Manager (U9-16s)

Organisation: Southampton Football Club
Salary: Competitive
Location: Southampton
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 1 June 2025
Job Description: Be part of our journey...
Location: Staplewood Training Ground

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Permanent

Criminal Record Check: DBS Enhanced with Child’s Barred List

What is the role?

To lead on the holistic development of all Academy players, with a focus on supporting the Academy Strategy with player Recruitment, Retention, Development, Progression and Transitions. The role leads on U9–U16 provision in particular, whilst supporting Player Care staff with U18-21 as required. The aim is to effectively prepare players for the next stage of their journey, both on and off the pitch, while ensuring appropriate Safeguarding and compliance with industry best practice.

What will you be doing?

You will lead and manage the Player Care functions across the Foundation Phase, Youth Development Phase and Professional Development Phase, ensuring high-quality support for all players, by supporting in the creation, delivery and monitoring of all U9–16 Individual Development Plans (IDPs) to ensure effective personal development.

Developing best practices in collaboration with key departments (Football Operations, Medical, Sports Science, Psychology, Safeguarding and Education) whilst working closely with Psychologists, Safeguarding and Education staff to manage individual needs and provide wraparound support will be key elements for this role.

You will need to ensure a clear and connected pathway is evident from U9 through to U18, aligned with player benchmarks and progression targets, support conversations around the U9–16 depth charts and planning to inform Recruitment, Retention, Development, Progression and Transitions whilst providing input into player movement decisions between groups/phases.

You will be required to collaborate with Recruitment, Coaching and the IDT to create a compelling development journey for every player, provide support to Academy trialists by coordinating schedules, liaising with departments and being a point of contact for players and parents/carers whilst providing emotional support and guidance to players and families during key transitions.

Other duties include:

· Build strong relationships with parents/carers, particularly in key decision making and transition years.

· Document all engagements on TMA, addressing concerns and directing actions as needed.

· Embed a high-performance culture through effective use of Player Voice and Parent Voice.

· Assist with Host Family player inductions and meetings.

· Ensure development conversations with players and parents/carers are purposeful and support both personal and football development goals.

· Implement a structured approach to player check-ins, balancing formal and informal interactions.

· Develop and deliver bespoke workshops across a range of required topics based on the curriculum and needs of age groups and individuals.

· Track transition success rates and implement support structures for players transitioning away from the Academy.

· Maintain coverage across all players, with increased focus on those involved with day-release.

· Attendance at home matches and training sessions to provide suitable support to players and parents/carers at evenings and weekends.

· Be a key contributor to Player Strategy meetings, Player Audits and Experience Builder meetings.

· Provide support and advice to the Girls’ and Women’s programme to ensure their Player Care delivery is aligned to the Boy’s Academy and best practice.

· Support all audits with relevant bodies, such as PGAAC, the Premier League, Barnardo’s, PGA and ETC.

· Guiding and mentoring Player Care staff to help them succeed in their roles and ensuring they have up to date and regularly reviewed Personal Development Plans.

Is this you?

Key Skills and Experience:

· Significant experience within a professional academy environment.

· Deep understanding of long-term player/personal development.

· Strong interpersonal skills with a high level of emotional intelligence.

· Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor and lead others to high standards.

· Proven track record of supporting young people both on and off the pitch.

How this benefits you…

If you are successful, you can look forward to a healthy benefits package;

· Access to x2 free match tickets for every home league game

· Access to our staff Health & Wellbeing initiatives (Mental & Physical Health).

· Discounted Southampton Football Club merchandise.

· 26 days’ holiday per year excluding bank holidays plus your birthday off each year.

· Contributory Pension Scheme.

· Worldwide Travel Insurance for you and your family.

· Learning & Development opportunities - supporting you to develop your potential and achieve in your career.

· Free onsite parking.

· Cycle to Work Scheme.

· Collaborative & inclusive working culture.

How can I apply?

Just click on the apply button below, enter your details and answer a quick pre-screening questionnaire, then attach your CV.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 01 June 2025.

*We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if a high volume of applicants are received.*
How to apply: https://saintsfc.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/SFC001/job/Staplewood-Campus/Academy-Player-Care-Manager--U9-16s-_RQ-032231