Academy Psychologist

RESPONSIBLE TO Academy Manager (Direct), Head of Sport Science & Medicine

SALARY Competitive

CONTRACT Full-time, 40 hours a week

WORK FLEXIBILITY The position will involve working irregular hours; evenings, weekends and bank holidays

Purpose of Role

To be responsible for supporting the psychological development of Academy players across all age groups (Foundation Phase, Youth Development Phase & Professional Development Phase), in line with Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) requirements. The role involves delivering individual and group psychological support, contributing to player development and working closely with players, parents and the wider multi-disciplinary team (MDT) to embed psychological principles throughout the Academy programme.

• Player Support & Development
  • Deliver individual and group psychology sessions to support the players’ mental skills development.
  • Contribute to players’ Individual Development Plans (IDPs), setting and reviewing psychological development targets alongside coaching staff, where necessary.
  • Provide one-to-one support for players experiencing performance difficulties, injury‑related psychological challenges, or personal/wellbeing concerns, referring to external mental health services where appropriate.
• Coach & Staff Support
  • Work alongside coaching staff to embed psychological principles into the coaching curriculum and matchday environment.
  • Deliver workshops to coaches to upskill them in their ability to embed psychological principles into training and matchday environments.
  • Support staff where relevant to help build a positive psychologically informed academy culture.
• Multi‑disciplinary Collaboration
  • Work as part of the academy MDT, attending player review meetings and contributing to Player Development meetings.
  • Liaise with medical and sports science staff regarding players undergoing injury rehabilitation, providing psychological support to aid recovery and return to play.
  • Collaborate with education and player care to support players’ holistic development, including school performance and personal development.
• Parent & Family Engagement
  • Deliver educational sessions and resources for parents/guardians on supporting their child’s psychological development within the academy environment.
  • Act as a point of contact for parents regarding psychological wellbeing concerns, working within appropriate confidentiality and safeguarding boundaries.
  • Design, deliver and evaluate age‑appropriate psychology curricula across all academy phases, ensuring alignment with EPPP standards and audit requirements.
  • Maintain accurate, confidential records of player support sessions in line with HCPC standards, GDPR, and club data protection policies.
  • Contribute to EPPP audits and quality assurance processes relating to psychological provision.
• Safeguarding & Professional Practice
  • Promote and safeguard the welfare of all children and young people in line with the club’s safeguarding policies and procedures.
  • Operate within the British Psychological Society (BPS) and HCPC codes of conduct, ethics, and professional standards at all times.
  • Report any safeguarding issues in a timely manner on the club’s CPOMS system.
• Continuous Professional Development
  • Maintain HCPC registration and engage in ongoing CPD in line with professional body requirements.
  • Stay current with research and developments in sport and exercise psychology, youth development and safeguarding best practice.

• Knowledge, Skills & Experience
  • Qualified Sport and Exercise Psychologist, registered as a Practitioner Psychologist on the HCPC Register of Health and Care Professionals.
  • Degree in Psychology, Sport Psychology or equivalent.
  • Experience delivering psychological support within an elite sport, youth development, or academy environment.
  • Strong understanding of EPPP standards relating to psychological provision and player welfare.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build strong trusted relationships with players, parents, coaches and the wider MDT.
  • Sound understanding of safeguarding practice and confidentiality requirements when working with children and young people.
• Desirable
  • Ma…