Academy Player Care Lead

To lead and manage player care provision across the Rochdale AFC Academy in line with EFL Youth Development Rules, and Club policies, ensuring a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for all Academy Players, staff and volunteers.

Lead and develop the Academy Player Care Programme across the U9–U18 age groups.

Design and deliver a comprehensive Life Skills and Player Wellbeing Programme.

Support players and families through key transition points, including scholarships, professional contracts and player release.

Act as the main point of contact for player care concerns involving Academy Players.

Manage and support safeguarding referrals, reporting procedures and case management processes where required.

Ensure safer recruitment procedures are followed across the Academy.

Work collaboratively with coaching, education, coaching and medical departments to support player wellbeing.

Oversee Academy accommodation requirements as and when they arise.

Develop player and parent voice, along with Academy Alumni programmes.

Maintain safeguarding records, risk assessments and compliance documentation.

Support Academy audits, compliance reviews and continuous improvement planning.

Attend Academy meetings, fixtures, tournaments and events as required.

Liaise with external agencies and governing bodies where appropriate.

Represent Rochdale AFC professionally and positively at all times.