Academy Psychology Lead

Lead the strategic delivery of psychology services to our Academy teams with a specific focus on the Boys Pathway (FP, YDP, PDP), Loans and Transition ensuring clarity of strategy and a consistent, complimentary approach for all Psychology services.

Working closely with the Academy Psychologist (U9s - U18s), you will manage the delivery of psychological support and development for all players, parents and staff across the Academy.

You will work closely with key staff within the Men's First Team & Academy programmes to ensure a support pathway is present for players transitioning into either first team environments or progression to other clubs / career pathways.

• Opportunity to access tickets for events at The City Ground.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Access to high street and gym discounts.
• Discount within our Club shop.
• Free on-site parking.

• Lead Psychologist with a focus in the development and support of Academy players throughout the pathway (FP, YDP and PDP).
• Specialist focus upon the development and performances of B Team players and staff through a range of support mechanisms including 1:1s and group sessions.
• Work closely with the Player Pathway Manager in supporting loan players and within the transition to the first team or progression to other professional clubs.
• Assist with any transitional periods for players such as onboarding of new signings and the progression support of current B Team players.
• Lead the development and implementation of B Team IDP's Mind Sections using Player Grading and observations to inform individual development plans.
• Management of Academy Psychologist (U9s – U18s) and oversee the delivery of the syllabus throughout the FP, YDP & PDP.
• Lead on an academy-wide transition strategy to help support the player journey through close MDT working and excellent departmental collaboration.
• Assist with the preparation of retain and release decisions for all academy players working closely with the Academy Player Care and Wellbeing Lead, and Academy Psychologist (U9s – U18s).
• Work collaboratively with the Academy Player Care & Wellbeing Lead in providing excellent after-care support and the development of an Academy Alumni programme.
• Actively contribute as a member of the Safeguarding, Welfare, Education and Psychology (SWEP) team.
• Contribute through both consultation and delivery of the Shared Space Mental Health Strategy & Action Plan to ensure e ective implementation in the academy.
• Lead the Mental Health Screening process for all PDP players.
• Support academy staff to continually enhance the working culture and promote an environment that supports positive mental health and wellbeing for young people.
• Lead on the delivery of the Academy strategy relating to the Psychology provision ensuring it is live, reviewed, communicated and that strategic pillars, objectives and performance indicators are monitored with appropriate intervention and action where required.
• Work closely with MDT staff to enhance the application of the psychological syllabus and skills through integration within the academy environment.
• Produce monthly, quarterly and annual report in line with the strategy for the Head of Academy and Academy Management Team.
• Responsible for leading academy audit preparation, annual reviews and ongoing compliance across Premier League, FA, UEFA and FIFA regulations within the Psychology area.
• In conjunction with the Academy Player Care & Wellbeing Lead and Assistant Academy Manager lead on an enhanced programme for staff development to support all members academy staff.
• Continued Academy-wide staff and team development through the implementation of Spotlight Profiling.
• Continual professional development through external club visits, best-practice sport experiences and maintaining relationships with International Sports Organisations.

• Postgraduate degree in Psychology or Sport Psychology
• Member of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• FA Safeguarding Children
• Experience of working in an elite sporting environment
• Experience of working in academy football
• Experience supporting athletes, coaches and multi-disciplinary teams
• Experience of supporting player transitions and long-term athlete development

• Mindflick Spotlight Accreditation
• Mental Health First Aid Qualification
• UK Anti-Doping Introduction to Clean Sport Certificate

We aim to create a culture which embraces and celebrates our…