Education & Player Care Officer

Department: Academy
Location: Poolfoot Farm Training Complex
Reports To: Academy Manager
Working Hours: Flexible, Academy Manager. Evening and weekend work will be expected.

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Length: Permanent

Role Overview

Fleetwood Town Football Club is seeking an enthusiastic, caring and highly organised Education & Player Care Officer to support the educational, personal and holistic development of players within our Category 2 Academy.

The successful candidate will take primary responsibility for the education and pastoral support of Academy players operating within the Part-Time Training Model, while contributing to the wider Player Care provision across the Academy.

You will join a forward-thinking Category 2 Academy with a strong track record of developing players who progress through the football pyramid and into Fleetwood Town’s First Team. The role will be based primarily at the Club’s £10 million Poolfoot Farm Training Complex.

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience working with children and young people within education, sport, youth development, player care or a related environment.
• A strong understanding of the educational and pastoral needs of young people.
• Experience of providing pastoral, welfare or personal development support to children or young people.
• Ability to build strong and appropriate professional relationships with young people.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with players, parents, schools and colleagues.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills with the ability to manage multiple areas of responsibility.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
• An understanding of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities when working with children and young people.
• A commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and creating a positive environment for all Academy players.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong IT skills and the ability to maintain accurate records.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends where required.
• Full driving licence and access to transport.

Desirable

• Experience working within a professional football Academy or elite sporting environment
• Experience working within education, teaching, pastoral support or student services.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP)
• Experience of delivering Life Skills, personal development or wellbeing programmes.
• Experience supporting young people through periods of transition.
• Experience working directly with schools and education providers.
• Relevant qualification in education, teaching, youth work, counselling, psychology, sport, player care or a related discipline.
• Mental health or wellbeing qualification.
• Experience of coordinating player, student or parent voice initiatives.

Education

• Act as the primary point of contact for education matters relating to Academy players operating within the Part-Time Training Model.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with schools, parents and other relevant education stakeholders.
• Coordinate the collection and monitoring of school reports for part-time Academy players, identifying areas where additional support or intervention may be required.
• Monitor players' educational progress and work collaboratively with players, parents and schools to address any concerns.
• Support players in maintaining an appropriate balance between their football and educational commitments.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date education records in accordance with Academy requirements.
• Work collaboratively with Academy staff to ensure educational information contributes appropriately to each player's overall development and review process.
• Promote the importance of education and encourage players to maximise their potential both within and beyond football.

Player Care & Personal Development

• Lead the delivery and ongoing development of the Life Skills programme for part-time Academy players and parents, ensuring provision is appropriate to players' age and stage of development.
• Support the delivery and review of Player Care plans across the Academy.
• Build strong, trusting and professional relationships with Academy players, ensuring they have appropriate opportunities to discuss their experiences, challenges and development.
• Provide appropriate pastoral support to players and where required, signpost individuals to relevant internal or external specialist support.
• Support players in developing the personal skills, behaviours and characteristics required to thrive both within football and wider life.
• Contribute to the Academy's approach to mental, emotional and wellbeing support, helping to increase awareness and understanding amongst players, parents and staff.
• Work closely with the Academy's multidisciplinary team to ensure a holistic and player-centred approach to development.
• Champion equality, diversity and inclusion, helping to create an environment in which every Academy player feels valued and supported.

Player Transition

• Lead and coordinate transition support for players operating within the Part-Time Training Model.
• Ensure players joining the Academy receive an appropriate induction and are supported effectively during their transition into Academy football.
• Act as a welcoming and consistent point of contact for new players and their parents/carers.
• Work collaboratively with relevant Academy staff to support players transitioning between age groups and phases.
• Ensure players leaving the Academy receive appropriate care, guidance and support to help them transition into the next stage of their football, education or personal journey.
• Maintain appropriate transition records and ensure relevant information is effectively handed over where required.
• Develop and maintain relationships with relevant external organisations that may support players during transition.

Player & Parent Engagement

• Develop positive and professional relationships with Academy parents and carers.
• Work with the Head of Education & Player Care to coordinate the Player and Parent Councils, ensuring both groups have regular opportunities to provide feedback and contribute ideas regarding the Academy programme.
• Ensure feedback from players and parents is appropriately recorded, communicated and considered within Academy development planning.
• Support parent education and engagement activities across the Academy.
• Provide players and parents with clear information and guidance relating to education, player care and personal development.
• Attend Academy tours, trips and events where required, supporting players and building positive relationships with players, parents and staff.

Safeguarding

• Act as a Safeguarding Champion, promoting and embedding safeguarding best practice across the Academy.
• Place the welfare, wellbeing and best interests of Academy players at the centre of all practice and decision-making.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries when working with children and young people.
• Ensure the capture, storage, use and sharing of player footage and information is undertaken appropriately and in accordance with Club policies.
• Identify and report safeguarding concerns in accordance with the Club's safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Comply with all Club policies relating to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety and professional conduct.

Other Duties

• Carry out any other duties as directed by the Academy Manager and Head Education & Player Care

Fleetwood Town Football Club is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults. We expect all staff, volunteers, and applicants to share this commitment and uphold the highest standards of professional behaviour. The post is subject to relevant DBS checks as part of our safer recruitment process.

Closing Date: 25^th September 2026
Interview Date: W/C 5^th October 2026

Start Date: TBC