Academy Player Support Lead (PDP)

Job Title: Academy Player Support Lead (PDP)

Department: Academy Player Support

Reporting: Head of Academy Safeguarding

Location: Training Ground – Jersey Road

Salary: Competitive

Brentford FC is a bit different to 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 brand-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.

Come join us.

Inclusion Statement

Brentford FC is an organisation which values and is passionate about diversity and inclusivity. We welcome and encourage applications from qualified candidates, including those from underrepresented groups – such as those from ethnically diverse backgrounds, women, those from the LGBTQ+ community and those with disabilities. Should you require any workplace accommodations (also known as ‘reasonable adjustments’), you will have the opportunity to let us know at appropriate points in the hiring process.

Safeguarding Statement

Brentford FC is committed to equality, the safeguarding and welfare of all children and adults at risk. This responsibility is shared by all staff and volunteers at the club, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Staff will be required to undertake regular safeguarding training to enable and reinforce a proactive approach to safeguarding. This role requires the post holder to apply all relevant policies and uphold the club’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable people to ensure a safe environment for all. This includes the timely reporting of any safeguarding concern to the safeguarding team. We remind those barred from regulated activity that it is an offence to apply for such positions.

Please note that where appropriate for the role, you may be required to complete additional background checks such as Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and this will include any time living or working outside of the UK in the last 10 years. You can find out more about this athttps://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record

Please also note that a CV application will not be sufficient. Applications will not be considered where the application form has not been completed in full.

If the role you are applying for involves regulated activity and you have been shortlisted for a first stage interview, you will be asked to fill out a Declaration of Offences Form.

The Role of Academy Player Support Lead (PDP)

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.

Main Accountabilities

• Work in line with the Academy Football schedule for this role, which includes evenings and weekends in line with the U18 and B Team fixture schedule and will include travel with different teams across the Professional Development Phase.
• 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.
• Work with Players in the Professional Development Phase to ensure that they understand and can meaningfully contribute their views to their Individual Development Plans.
• Act as the main day-to-day contact for Academy parents and their enquiries, supporting communication and information sharing as needed across departments and stakeholders.
• Act as one of the first points of contact for Academy 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.
• To proactively share any wellbeing, welfare or safeguarding concern with the Safeguarding Team. You will then work collaboratively with the Safeguarding Team and any other internal or external stakeholders needed to ensure the safety and wellbeing of players within the Academy.
• Work collaboratively with and support the Human Development Department, the Medical and Sports Science 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.
• Promote an environment where behaviour of young people is understood as communication and a culture of having high expectations whilst providing high support to players, in conjunction with other departments within the Professional Development Phase.
• 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.
• Lead on the delivery of player-led Football and Life Profiles through ROUTES for consideration internally and as a tool for future consideration by external stakeholders, capturing football competencies and transferable skills for adult life.
• Assist in 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 who are offered scholarships to ensure appropriate preparation for transition.
• Work collaboratively with the Recruitment Department and other departments as necessary to ensure positive trialist experiences within the Professional Development Phase.
• Be a direct support and coordinate departments to ensure appropriate induction of players at their point of joining the Professional Development Phase.
• Lead on support at the conclusion of players’ journeys within the Academy Professional Development Phase, ensuring coordination of processes 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.
• Be the Academy lead on the delivery of the Academy Player Alumni programme with the Club’s Former Player Association and lead on the coordination of the Academy Staff Alumni project.
• Maintain a good understanding of different faiths and religions and local communities to provide credible support to players wishing to practice their faith, ensuring such is considered in planning and provision for Academy activities in the Professional Development Phase.
• Work with the First Team Player Support Department and the Academy Operations Department to develop a network of contacts who can be called upon as needed 24/7 (for example: estate agents, car suppliers, food providers, entertainment, travel companies).
• Maintain a player and parent complaints procedure and in the event of a complaint being made, ensure that the complaints procedure is followed through to the final decision.
• 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.

General Club Accountabilities

• To ensure compliance with all relevant Club policies, including health and safety policies and with specific reference to the data regulations.
• To ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, ethical, and social requirements.
• To ensure compliance with the Club’s Safeguarding Policy and processes.
• To ensure compliance with the Club’s Code of Conduct.
• To actively embed equity, diversity and inclusion into the operations and strategy of your team, in line with our EDI strategy
• To build and maintain good working relationships both internally and externally, maintaining a professional image at all times when representing Brentford FC
• To keep confidential any information gained regarding the Club and its personnel.
• To maintain a flexible approach to work at all times.
• Any other relevant tasks and duties as directed by your line manager

Key Internal Relationships

• Academy Safeguarding Department
• Academy Operations Department
• Academy Medical & Sports Science Department
• Academy Recruitment Department
• Academy Education Department
• Academy Leadership Team
• Academy PDP Coaches
• First Team Player Support Department

Person Specification - Essential Personal Characteristics

• Substantial experience working in a safeguarding, pastoral or player care role within a professional football academy or similar high-performance youth environment (e.g. elite sport, education, social care, or youth justice).
• 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.
• Demonstrable knowledge of statutory safeguarding frameworks, including Working Together to Safeguard Children, Keeping Children Safe in Education, and the FA’s Safeguarding Children policies and procedures.
• Track record of identifying, responding to, and escalating safeguarding concerns appropriately, with sound judgement and confidentiality.
• Experience working directly with families, understanding the importance of family voice and partnership in promoting player welfare and social development.
• Ability to plan, deliver and evaluate life skills programmes or player support curricula that develop players’ social competence, resilience and readiness for adult life.
• Highly effective collaborator, with experience working as part of multi-disciplinary teams (e.g. coaches, psychologists, medics, education and safeguarding leads) to support holistic player development.
• Strong communicator, both written and verbal, with the ability to deliver presentations and manage sensitive conversations with players, parents, and staff.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills, including maintaining player welfare records and tracking interventions.
• Committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, with a clear understanding of how to provide culturally competent support to young people from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Flexible and reliable, with the ability to work evenings, weekends, and travel as required to fulfil the demands of the role.

Person Specification - Desirable Characteristics

• A relevant qualification in youth work, social work, psychology, sport development, education, or a related field.
• FA Safeguarding Children qualification
• First Aid for Sport (EFAiF) or equivalent emergency first aid qualification.
• Mental Health First Aid or equivalent qualification in emotional wellbeing.
• Experience coordinating or contributing to aftercare and transition support for players released from professional academies.
• Experience supporting young people living away from home, including those in host families or boarding/residential environments.
• Understanding of Premier League EPPP and Academy standards relating to player care, welfare, and development.
• Experience working with diverse communities, including understanding of different faith and cultural practices and how these intersect with youth welfare.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 3 August 2025