Academy Player Care Officer

Application Deadline: 18 October 2026
Department: Academy - Player Care
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: AFC Bournemouth Performance Centre, Wimborne
Reporting To: Academy Head of Player Care

Description

This role will be highly player-facing, building positive relationships and ensuring players are supported, challenged and given a voice throughout their Academy journey. We want this individual to lead the personal development of our U9–U14 players, creating and delivering meaningful opportunities that develop them as people beyond football.

The Academy has been driving towards excellence over the years and since achieving Category One, this is a really exciting time to join us, as we move on to the next stage, and continue to support the First Team.

Academy Values

• Players First: Every player valued. Every decision made with care.
• Togetherness: Working as part of a wider team and willing to contribute beyond own interests.
• Integrity: Carrying out academy and club values in an open and honest manner.
• Accountability: Willing to take responsibility for actions, allowing for learning, growth and reflection.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and develop relationships within the U9-U14 players to be a part of the player development journey. Manage each relationship individually to connect and maximise each individual's potential.
• Liaise with the Coaching, Performance, Medical, Analysis, Education and Psychology departments to give support to the players alongside sessions and games.
• Develop and deliver a Player Care & Life Skills programme for U9-U14 players, including workshops and enrichment activities for players, as well as parents.
• Lead and host workshops throughout the season, using internal providers or covering and leading topics that enhance the player journey.
• Manage the U9-U14 player induction process for trialists and new players. Support with the transitions throughout the U9-U14 age groups, both internally and externally.
• Ensure the transition processes are completed and appropriate after-care support is provided for players across the FP and YDP.
• Retain a long-term record and contact with released players to ensure that players are tracked, information is logged and whereabouts is provided.
• Connect with families to build strong relationships and better understand each player, so we can provide the right support throughout their Academy journey.
• Organise and facilitate the player & parent voice meetings, documenting points raised by players, feeding back to relevant staff, and ensuring actions are addressed.
• Be occasionally present at training or matches across the U9-U14 age groups, providing parents with a familiar point of contact for any questions, worries or concerns.
• Contribute to the Develop Better People newsletter, highlighting the Academy’s holistic approach.
• Working with key staff to organise and communicate to parents annual reviews. Support players during review periods, offering support and guidance where needed.
• Use the My Concern platform to record concerns and ensure clear actions are identified and followed up.
• Be part of the Shared Space, supporting players who may be struggling with their mental wellbeing.
• Be a Safeguarding Champion
  • Safeguarding champions are responsible for advocating and raising awareness of Safeguarding throughout their department.
  • Provide support to colleagues, players and parents for any safeguarding concerns or issues, ensuring these are signposted to the Safeguarding Team.
  • Support in maintaining accurate, up to date and confidential reports in relation to safeguarding and welfare concerns onto My Concern case management platform.
  • Attend safeguarding champion meetings, providing valuable/considered feedback to the Head of Safeguarding on the safeguarding strategy, relevant campaigns, issues or activities.