Academy Education Officer - AWFC

The role

We are seeking an Academy Education Officer to take the lead on shaping, delivering, and quality-checking the education programme for the AWFC Academy across the PGA and club-funded academy. The position is focused on making sure every player receives tailored academic support that fits their individual needs. You will work alongside the Player Care Lead and coordinate with players, parents or guardians, and education providers.

The role also carries responsibility as the PGA’s strategic lead and main liaison for all education partners. A key part of the job is ensuring communication stays clear and that there is a strong system in place to monitor progress.

Who we are

We are one of the most recognised football clubs in the world, with a long history and a strong record of success. We are also deeply committed to our local community and offer many different career paths behind the scenes. Our purpose is to contribute to a winning team, culture, and community. We do this by being brave in how we pursue progress, supporting our community and one another, and always choosing to do the right thing, even when no one is watching.

Safeguarding commitment

We are dedicated to keeping children, young people, and vulnerable adults safe and included in our environment. Successful applicants must complete an enhanced DBS check along with any other required background screening before starting work.

Day-to-day responsibilities

• Lead the academy education plan across the AWFC Academy PGA and club-funded programme, including effective delivery of the Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) and ongoing development, review, and improvement of the long-term education strategy.
• Ensure players receive the right academic guidance and support to stay on track with their education commitments.
• Develop and maintain individual learner plans for all PGA players, with clear targets and regular progress reviews involving the right stakeholders.
• Work closely with schools, colleges, and NGB education staff to maintain strong relationships that help players balance school and football responsibilities.
• Track, document, and review academic progress, performance, and behaviour regularly, and put early support measures in place where extra help is needed.
• Work in partnership with the Safeguarding team to help deliver the safeguarding approach for the PGA and club-funded academy, while complying with child protection requirements and keeping player welfare central.
• Hold regular meetings with players and their parents or guardians to offer guidance, updates, and advice.
• Support players as they move on from the programme by helping them plan next steps such as higher education, employment, or scholarship opportunities.

What we are looking for

• Experience of working with and mentoring young people in an education environment, plus a solid understanding of school systems and secondary and further education qualifications and courses.
• A degree-level education, along with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS).
• Knowledge of the standards expected of players at AWFC and an understanding of the women’s talent pathway in England.
• Current FA Safeguarding Children certification and current Introduction to First Aid in Football (IFAiF) certification, plus awareness of child protection matters.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team and motivate others.
• Strong communication skills with the confidence to build excellent relationships with players and parents or guardians, while adapting communication style where needed.
• Excellent organisation and time management abilities.
• A motivated, committed, and enthusiastic approach with genuine passion for the game.

Position of trust

This is a position of trust with regular, direct contact with children or vulnerable adults. You must uphold high standards of conduct to help prevent abuse, including sexual, physical, or emotional harm. The role also requires you to stay up to date with Club and FA safeguarding training and education.

Why choose us

At Arsenal, we aim to create a workplace where everyone feels trusted and included, and we are proud of our values and employee offering. As part of our team, you will receive the following benefits:

• An engaging reward and recognition programme.
• A generous holiday entitlement that increases with length of service.
• Access to strong internal learning and development opportunities.
• A flexible hybrid working approach.
• Priority access to request match tickets.
• A competitive health and wellbeing benefits package.
• A leading employee assistance programme.
• Discounts with selected partners.
• The opportunity to support our ED&I strategy through one of our employee networks.

Arsenal for everyone

Arsenal for Everyone reflects the club’s commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion so that everyone connected to the club feels part of the Arsenal family. The club believes that diversity of background, skills, and experience helps drive success on and off the pitch.

Disability confident leader

The club is a Disability Confident Leader and welcomes applications from people with disabilities and long-term health conditions. Candidates who need disability-related adjustments during recruitment should indicate this in their application. If you meet the Equality Act 2010 definition of a disabled person, you may be eligible to request an interview through the Disability Confident Scheme by noting this in your form. Any health or disability information provided will not be used in hiring decisions.

Additional information

Application closing date: Friday 17 July 2026. The club may close the vacancy earlier if there is a high number of applications, so early submission is encouraged. Application updates will be sent by email, so applicants should check spam and junk folders regularly.

Reminder

Good luck.