Player Care Lead - Women's Academy

About the Role

Chelsea Football Club is seeking a committed Player Care Lead to join our Women's Academy based at the Cobham Training Ground. This full-time, permanent position focuses on fostering holistic growth for our young players by overseeing the Academy's Football Education Programme. The role involves helping players balance their sporting aspirations with their education, personal development, and life skills, ensuring comprehensive support throughout their Academy experience.

Primary Duties

• Develop and manage the Football Education Programme within the Women's Academy.
• Assist players in managing dual commitments between football and academics.
• Oversee the Academy's homestay programme, including relationship management and program growth strategy.
• Track and report on players' welfare, educational needs, and overall development.
• Support continuous professional development initiatives for Academy staff.
• Design engaging educational activities centered on life as a professional athlete.
• Collaborate across the Academy to standardize and share best practices and resources.
• Provide practical and welfare assistance to players and their families.
• Maintain contact and offer support to players during loan spells.
• Promote a safe, inclusive, and positive environment within the Academy.

Candidate Profile

• Proven experience in women's football or youth player development.
• Deep knowledge of player care, welfare, and comprehensive athlete development.
• Background in supporting youth education or development programmes.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for engaging players, families, and colleagues.
• Strong organizational abilities for handling multiple concurrent priorities.
• Innovative and proactive in creating educational and personal growth initiatives.
• Experience liaising with external partners such as educational institutions and support organizations.
• Dedication to safeguarding and player wellbeing.
• FA Safeguarding and First Aid certification or preparedness to acquire these qualifications.
• Postgraduate qualification or similar experience in a related discipline is preferred.

Club Expectations and Commitments

• Embody the club’s core values: Brave, Lead, Unity, and Edge (BLUE behaviours) in professional conduct.
• Adhere strictly to club policies including Health & Safety, Financial Authorization, Confidentiality, and GDPR compliance.
• Act as an advocate for diversity, inclusion, and equality while reporting discrimination appropriately.
• Maintain a safe environment protecting young people and vulnerable adults, reporting concerns to the Safeguarding Lead.
• Report any suspected misconduct promptly to HR.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Chelsea FC values diversity as a key asset and ensures fair recruitment regardless of age, disability, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, or pregnancy. Reasonable accommodations can be provided in the recruitment process upon request.

Safeguarding Requirements

The successful candidate will undergo a DBS background check and may be subject to further child protection screenings to guarantee the safety and welfare of all associated individuals at the Club.