The Role
As a Womens team we are young (six seasons old) and at the start of our journey within an institution with rich history, pedigree and success. Within the Womens game we are disruptor who do things differently and break the status quo. The club’s ambition is to win out first WSL title by 2028 by producing a Women’s First Team that succeeds, entertains, innovates and inspires. Having a thriving Academy programme which develops home grown players is part of the clubs DNA and essential for future success.
The Education Lead plays a central role in ensuring the Professional Game Academy (PGA) provides a world‑class Dual Career environment that supports players equally in football and their future aspirations.
Responsibilities
* Provide strategic leadership, design and quality assurance of the Academy Education Programme, ensuring a personalised, high-quality academic offer aligned with players’ football commitments.
* Act as the primary point of contact for all education providers (schools, colleges, universities and awarding bodies), building strong relationships and ensuring effective communication and coordination.
* Ensure all players are engaged in full-time education or appropriate post-16 pathways, supporting their academic, vocational and personal development for life during and beyond football.
* Promote dual-career development by supporting long-term wellbeing, career adaptability and informed decision-making.
* Create and maintain a safe, inclusive and aspirational learning environment that supports individual ambition, manages academic pressure and meets all safeguarding and FA PGA Licence requirements.
* Oversee educational screening for all incoming players.
* Work collaboratively within the multidisciplinary team, embedding education within holistic player development and maintaining clear accountability for education provision.
* Ensure continuity of education during player transitions, including loan moves, dual registrations and contract changes, and manage Day Release arrangements and associated documentation.
* Design and oversee the annual education plan, including key milestones, application timelines, provider engagement and alignment with training schedules.
* Ensure a broad and appropriate range of academic and vocational pathways is available to all players.
* Lead the development and regular review of Educational Individual Development Plans (EIDPs), incorporating educational targets, aligned football development goals and career action planning.
* Provide tailored support for players requiring bespoke education or training arrangements.
* Monitor academic progress, attendance and punctuality, maintaining accurate records of targets and working grades, and implementing interventions where necessary.
* Ensure all education provision meets required regulatory and licensing standards.
* Build and maintain effective relationships with parents/carers, education providers and internal staff, ensuring consistent communication and alignment between academic and football commitments.
The Person
Qualifications
* Qualified Teacher Status: QTS or QTLS
Experience
* Practicing in sport with exposure in women’s and youth sport.
* Working in the educational sector.
* Working within a multi-disciplinary performance team in the delivery of services to elite youth athletes, preferably females.
* Delivering 1:1 consultancy with female athletes, alongside designing and implementing education and lifestyle sessions to youth athletes.
* To build meaningful, strong strategic relationships with club staff, players and their parents/guardians.
* Demonstrating high professional standards when representing the club.
* Awareness and understanding of the DiSE programme.
Knowledge & Skills
* Applying consultation techniques to help players succeed.
* Understanding of the needs of elite youth athletes and coaches in a high-performance environment.
* Ability to implement innovative ideas and influence athlete and coach support programmes.
* Able to communicate complex data in terms that are easily understood by a wide range of audiences, including players, coaches, parents, catering and wider staff team.
Benefits
* Annual Incentive Scheme to reward your dedication and hard work
* 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and an opportunity to purchase additional holiday days
* Electric Vehicle scheme via Octopus and cycle to work scheme
* Wellness Support with access to mental health resources, digital health checks, and nutritionists through Aviva Digicare+ Workplace
* Exclusive Discounts through our United Rewards platform, giving you access to exclusive deals from the club and partners
* Gym Facilities in our onsite locations and opportunities for regular social events and team-building activities
* Enhanced family Leave Benefits and policies
* Enhanced Career Development with access to professional learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning, and internal training programs
* A Supportive Work Environment that values diversity, equity and inclusion, and individual growth
Our Commitment to You
We believe that a diverse and inclusive environment makes us stronger. We are committed to building a team where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. Diversity, equity, and inclusion sit at the core of our recruitment strategy, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
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