Academy Player Care Manager

Organisation: Stockport County Football Club
Salary: £30,000
Location: Stockport County Training Centre, Stockport Sports Village and Cheadle Hulme School
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 11 January 2026
Job Description: About Stockport County:

Stockport County is a club on the rise. For the past 11 years, we've finished higher every season, climbing from the National League North to finishing 3rd in League One, which has built on our rich and storied history that dates to 1883.

With bold ownership, a strong leadership team, and a forward-thinking board, we're embarking on our next chapter of growth. This includes significant investments in renovating our stadium and training facilities, and the recent reinstatement of our academy, laying strong foundations for the future.

Beyond the pitch, Stockport is transforming into a vibrant cultural hub in the Northwest. Our town boasts a thriving and rapidly growing arts, entertainment, and culinary scene, making it an incredibly dynamic place to live and work. We're passionate about our town and the local community, specially creating opportunities for young Stopfordians to find opportunities and thrive.

With our rapid progression and shared trajectory, we believe we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Stockport County and the wider community to rise together and establish ourselves on both the national sporting and cultural stage.

Role Overview:

We are seeking an enthusiastic Player Care Manager to join our Academy team. The postholder will support and deliver a holistic Player Care programme in line with the Academy Performance Plan. This role aims to enhance player experiences on and off the pitch, build strong relationships with families, and prepare players for future opportunities both within and outside football.

The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time; or the scope of the job may change as required by the demands of the business.

Key Responsibilities:

• Planning, organising, and delivering a high-quality personal development programme
• Assist with the planning and delivery of SEP (Sporting Excellence Performance)
• Provide a visible player care presence on training nights, supporting players, parents and staff.
• Provide matchday support across the Academy programme, including weekends.
• To support the mental and emotional wellbeing of all academy players
• Provide logistical support for players where appropriate.
• Inducting and exiting players in a caring and organised manner
• Driving equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives across the Academy.
• Support and manage the Academy Host Family programme, ensuring strong communication, safeguarding and welfare standards.
• Coordinate external workshops and opportunities with key stakeholders such as the LFE, PFA and the FA.
• Alumni engagement and support
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to reviews and reporting processes.
• Act as a trusted point of contact for players, parents and staff
• Be able to identify safeguarding concerns early and follow correct reporting pathways, including regular meetings with the clubs Head of Safeguarding
• Promote Safeguarding throughout the Academy by use of inputs, training to players, parents and staff
• Promote a player-centred safeguarding culture

Essential:

• Enhanced DBS certificate (completed by the club prior to offer of contract)
• Player Care experience
• Relevant qualification in youth work, education, sport, or wellbeing.
• Previous experience in safeguarding and welfare
• Have completed FA Safeguarding Children training (or willing to complete as soon as in post)
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with an ability to use a variety of communication tools (verbal, written, digital)
• Be able to build positive relationships across the club
• Strong organisational and administrative skills
• IT skills, including the ability to use Microsoft Office and platforms such as Google Drive.

Desirable:

• Higher Education qualification in a suitable area of study
• Mental health first aider
• Experience in social and/or pastoral care
• Understanding of the EPPP (Elite Player Performance Plan) and its requirements

Benefits:
• Discount on SCFC retail products
• Discount of SCFC season or match by match tickets
• Access to online discount system perk box
• Opportunities for professional development and growth
• Be part of a dynamic and exciting team
• The chance to contribute to the success of a historic football club
How to apply: To apply, please send your CV and Cover Letter to HR@stockportcounty.com Please note that all shortlisted candidates will be requested to complete a club application form as part of their application. Stockport County Promotes equal opportunities in employment and we positively welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We will screen all applicants and select candidates whose skills and experience seem to meet our needs. We will carefully consider your application during the initial screening and will contact you only if you are selected for an interview. Employment is subject to the provision of proof of eligibility to work in the UK. Safeguarding: Safeguarding at Stockport County Football Club is everyone’s responsibility, and we strive to ensure it is the golden thread through all the work we do. As part of our commitment to safeguarding children, young people and adults who engage in any club activities, all posts (including interns and volunteers) are subject to relevant background checks before an offer of employment is confirmed. This includes appropriate references, DBS and right to work checks.