Academy Player Support PDP Lead

Reports to: Academy Head of Safeguarding
Location: Training Ground – Jersey Road
Department: Academy Player Support

The Club

Brentford FC is a bit different from other Premier League football clubs. We put our fans first, we are a true community club and while we are financially sustainable, we are not afraid to take calculated risks. We take huge pride in our environment and culture within the Club which focuses on development, inclusion and not being afraid to think differently.

Being progressive, humble and respectful while sticking together as one team across the Club guides how we work and the decisions we make each day.

We also firmly believe that a diverse workforce is a better workforce which will help us develop ideas, solve problems and ultimately grow Brentford FC.

We play in a new stadium, 15 minutes from Heathrow in vibrant west London.

We will never forget where we have come from, but we are excited about the future that lies ahead.

Job Overview

To provide best-in-class welfare support and social development initiatives to Academy players within the Professional Development Phase. To be a key point of contact for all players and their families regarding their welfare, the way they are being treated, or if they have concerns about other people’s welfare. You will be a fantastic collaborator to facilitate working with all Academy and Club staff to ensure that Brentford FC is carrying out its duty of care in the running of its Academy.

Key Responsibilities

• Work in line with the Academy Football schedule for this role, which includes evenings and weekends in line with the U18 and B Team schedule and will include travel with different teams across the Professional Development Phase.
• Act as the main day-to-day contact for parents of PDP Phase players and their inquiries, supporting communication and information sharing as needed across departments and stakeholders.
• Act as one of the first points of contact for Academy PDP players for non-medical emergencies, queries and logistical support if required.
• Support the safe delivery of events and Activities within the Professional Development Phase including monitoring and supporting any children involved in adult squads or matchdays.
• Support Player Development by being a core contributor to the Professional Development Phase Individual Development Plan process, leading on the delivery of elements to support Player’s Social Development and Social Excellence.
• Delivery of the Academy Life Skills Curriculum within the Professional Development Phase, mentoring and supporting colleagues working within other phases too, coordinating and working collaboratively with the expertise within the Academy to ensure this is effective.
• Assist identifying and coordinating Players within the Professional Development Phase for community, media and commercial appearances in conjunction with the relevant departments.
• Be responsible for the management and delivery of the Academy Transition Strategy across players’ journeys within the Professional Development Phase, including working with those from the U16 offered scholarships to ensure appropriate preparation for transition.
• Work collaboratively with the Recruitment Department and other departments as necessary to ensure positive trialists experiences within the Professional Development Phase.
• Be a direct support to and coordinate departments to ensure appropriate induction of players at their point of joining the Professional Development Phase.
• Lead on the support at the ending of players’ journeys with the Academy within the Professional Development Phase, ensuring coordination of the process and appropriate support to players as required.
• Ensure the delivery of the Academy Aftercare Support process and development of a network of support mechanisms within and outside the Football Industry to which players can be directed.
• Maintain a player and parent complaints procedure and in the event of a complaint being made, ensure that the complaints procedures are met and see the procedures through to the final decision.
• Encourage a culture with players, and those staff supporting them in the Professional Development Phase, of high expectations and standards, complimented by a high level of support to help players achieve that, to encourage the best development environment for players.
• Proven ability to develop trusting, professional relationships with adolescents, including a deep understanding of child and adolescent development, trauma-informed practice, and positive behaviour support strategies.
• Work collaboratively with and support, the Human Development Department, the Medical and Performance Department and the Academy Safeguarding Team, to deliver the Academy’s Mental and Emotional Wellbeing Strategy, including the coordination of logistics and personal development activities for injured players as part of their Rehabilitation Plans.
• Work with Players in the Professional Development Phase to ensure that they understand and can meaningfully contribute their views to their Individual Development Plans
• Work with the First Team Player Support Department and the Academy Operations Department to develop a network of contacts who can be upon as needed 24/7: estate agents, car suppliers, food providers, entertainment, travel companies.
• To promote and support a culture where Player voice and Parent voice is collected through different mechanisms, including the Player’s Forum and Parent’s Forums, supporting the needs of different Departments and ensuring feedback and views are appropriately considered and acted upon where suitable to do so.
• Mentor and support staff within the team working with other phases, promoting their development and good practice with the younger age groups.
• Experience working directly with families, understanding the importance of family voice and partnership in promoting player welfare and social development.