About the Team
The Player Development Team at SAFC is dedicated to shaping young talent both on and off the pitch. Our core mission is to provide a comprehensive education and development framework that empowers youth players to grow into skilled athletes and responsible individuals.
The Opportunity
Support the delivery of a comprehensive Life Skills and Wellbeing Programme for all Academy players, helping them grow into self‑sufficient and independent individuals both in everyday life and in managing the demands of being a footballer. Promote the importance of developing broader identities beyond football while building and maintaining effective, professional relationships with players and parents through relevant training, life skills sessions, and wellbeing guidance. Support the Head of Academy Player Care in safeguarding all Academy players and assist players in developing their personal development plans.
Work collaboratively with the Multi‑Disciplinary Team to ensure every player’s mental and emotional wellbeing is supported, while also assisting with player inductions and transitions. Provide ongoing support to players leaving the Club by helping with next steps and maintaining regular contact following their departure. Maintain accurate Player Care recording systems to be shared with key internal stakeholders and contribute to the planning and delivery of tours, trips, and tournaments, leading on all Player Care and wellbeing matters before, during, and after travel.
Support Player Voice and Parent Voice forums by engaging a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to ensure all voices within the Academy are heard and that appropriate actions are followed up. Attend Multi‑Disciplinary Team meetings when required to support players across all disciplines and assist the Head of Player Care with the management of the Host Families Provision, including home visits, assessments, workshops, and recruitment. Ensure the Player Care department maintains matchday visibility when required and contribute to nine‑week reviews by keeping Kitman Labs and all relevant player progress records fully up to date.
What We Ask For
We are looking for a candidate who ideally has experience working within an elite sporting environment and as part of a multi‑disciplinary team. A relevant degree or equivalent qualification is desirable, along with experience in supporting young people and their families.
The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, demonstrating the ability to develop and maintain relationships with a diverse range of staff and stakeholders. Proficiency in administrative tasks, particularly with the Microsoft Suite, is essential.
You should be empathetic, approachable, and supportive, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team. A proactive, solution‑focused mindset is crucial, particularly in terms of supporting players’ long‑term development. Finally, a commitment to promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion across all areas of the academy is essential for this role.
An Enhanced DBS from Sunderland AFC and a Full, Valid UK Driving licence is required.
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