Nottingham Forest
Academy Psychologist (U9's - U18's)
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Academy Psychologist (U9's - U18's)
Sport Psychology Lead – Academy Phase (Full Time)
Location: The Nigel Doughty Academy, Nottingham, NG2 7SR Contract: Full Time, 42 hours per week Closing Date: 17th July 2026
Salary: Please state your expectations within your application
About the Role
You will lead the implementation of the Psychology programme across the Foundation Phase, Youth Development Phase, and Under 18s. Work collaboratively within the psychological department and multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs) to cultivate a supportive yet challenging environment for players’ development through psychological insights and innovation.
Supporting key stakeholders—including players, parents, and staff—requires expertise in tailoring development strategies that enhance performance, wellbeing, and resilience.
The perks of the job:
- Access to tickets for events at The City Ground
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Discounts on high street shopping and gym memberships
- Store discounts at the club shop
- Free on-site parking
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
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Delivery and Leadership:
- Lead the periodised psychological syllabus, ensuring its integration into the Foundation Phase, Youth Development Phase, and Under 18s’ development.
- Organise parental/guardian workshops to educate on psychological support principles and relevant topics.
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Coaching and Staff Development:
- Train Academy staff on practical applications of the psychological syllabus within their disciplines, providing interventions and feedback.
- Provide staff with guidance to help create a high-performing, supportive culture for players.
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Player Development:
- Develop and implement Individual Development Plans (IDPs) based on performance observations and player grading, tailored for each phase.
- Identify innovative opportunities to enhance players’ skill development, resilience, and character.
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Cognitive Testing & Research:
- Drive the use of a cognitive testing platform to monitor player progress, ensuring insights inform applied practice.
- Collaborate with the SportWisdom Extended Programme (SWEP) team to assist in case management and resolving player concerns.
- Contribute to monthly progress reports to inform higher-level Academy Strategy.
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Transition & Wellbeing Support:
- Work closely with the Academy & Women’s Lead Psychologist and Academy Player Care and Wellbeing Lead to facilitate smooth player transitions across age groups.
- Manage dynamic workloads while maintaining confidentiality, professional distance, and adherence to ethical guidelines.
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Mental Health Initiatives:
- Support implementation of the Academy Mental Health Strategy and Action Plan.
- Promote positive mental health and wellbeing within the working culture.
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Other Contributions:
- Deliver Spotlight profiling and team development initiatives.
- Pioneer best practices within the Psychological Department through Continuing Professional Development (CPD), external research, and club visits.
What We Are Looking For
Essential Criteria:
- Postgraduate degree in Sport Psychology (or related field).
- Registration with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) or participation in an approved pathways/training program (e.g., BPS, CASES).
- Valid FA International Safeguarding Children certification.
- Significant experience in elite sports (including Academy football).
- Strong grounding in negative health while thriving holistically (NHWTH) principles.
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Desirable:
- Mental Health First Aid Certification.
Our Commitments
"Forest for Everyone"
We foster a culture of inclusivity and diversity, valuing all contributions towards a positive, judgement-free environment where careers thrive. This includes advocating for equality, anti-discrimination, and safeguarding.
Equal Opportunities & Diversity
Nottingham Forest Football Club is an equal-opportunities employer. Applications are welcome from everyone regardless of:
- Gender, sexuality, gender identity, race, religion, age, ability, marital status.
We encourage applicants to provide diversity data during the application process to monitor our progress and remain transparent about our commitments.
Disability Confident Committed Employer
We recognize the value of disability-inclusive employment and comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 2010. Adjustments to the recruitment process can be made upon request—let us know in your application.
- If you classify as disabled within the legal terms, you may be eligible to enter the interview process via our Disability Action Scheme.
Safeguarding
As an Figured priority, the Club requires all relevant candidates to undergo a DBS check or clear FA Enhanced Check prior to any employment offer.
- Disclosure of convictions, cautions or reprimands will be considered on an individual basis.
- Any failure to meet safeguarding standards could result in an withdrawal of a job offer.
No further inferences required. confidence managed with integrity.
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