Role Overview To deliver player care and pastoral support for Academy players aged U9 to U15, supporting personal development, early intervention and strong relationships with players and parents. This dual role will support safeguarding practice across the Academy, ensuring a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for all players, staff and families. Key Responsibilities Planning, organising, and delivering a high-quality personal development programme to our FP and YDP players. Act as a safeguarding point of contact within the Academy, supporting the Head of Safeguarding and working within the club’s safeguarding structure. Provide a visible player care presence at training and games supporting players, parents and staff. Record and respond to safeguarding concerns in line with club policies and statutory guidance, ensuring timely and appropriate escalation where required. To support the mental and emotional wellbeing of academy players Provide logistical support for players where appropriate. Maintain accurate, confidential and up-to-date safeguarding records in line with data protection and safeguarding standards. Inducting and exiting players in a caring and organised manner Supporting equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives across the Academy. Maintain accurate records and contribute to MDT/reviews. Promote a strong safeguarding culture across the Academy, ensuring safeguarding is embedded into day-to-day practice. About The Candidate Essential Player Care experience Strong understanding of safeguarding and welfare Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with an ability to use a variety of communication tools (verbal, written, digital) 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 About The Club 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. To apply, please send your CV and Cover Letter to [email protected] Closing Date - 30 th January 2025 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.