Casual Academy Sport Psychologist (U9-U12) in Portsmouth

Job title	Academy Sport Psychologist (U9-U12)
Location	PFC Training Ground and any other venues as required
Hours of work	Casual (Must be available Wednesday evenings)
Department	Academy
Reports to	Lead Academy Psychologist
Session Rate	£41.50 per session

Role Summary

The Casual Academy Sport Psychologist will support the Lead Academy Psychologist in the coordination and delivery of the academy sport psychology programme, with a specific focus on U9–U12 delivery. The role will deliver the academy’s Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) framework across the Foundation Phase (FP) and early Youth Development Phase (YDP) through age-and-stage appropriate group delivery, player support, parent education and coach-facing input. The post holder will work under the supervision of the Lead Academy Sport Psychologist to ensure all delivery, note-taking, player support and case management aligns with the academy psychology framework, safeguarding expectations and professional standards. The Lead Academy Sport Psychologist will oversee U9-U12 provision, support note review and case oversight, and retain delivery responsibility for the U13-U18 programme.

Key Responsibilities:

Programme delivery and player support

Deliver the academy’s sport psychology provision for U9–U12 players, under the guidance and oversight of the Lead Academy Psychologist.

Deliver the academy’s ACT framework, ensuring content is age-and-stage specific and aligned to player needs.
If deemed appropriate, provide one-to-one psychological support for selected U9–U12 players, ensuring support is evidence-based, appropriately recorded and aligned with the academy sport psychology framework.
Liaise with FP and early YDP coaches to support the application of psychological principles within training and match-day environments.

ACT framework, workshops and education

Plan and deliver age-and-stage appropriate group sessions for U9–U12 players, using classroom-based and pitch-based activities where appropriate.
Design and deliver parent education workshops in line with the academy sport psychology programme across the FP and early YDP.
Ensure ACT framework delivery is adapted to the developmental needs of players within the FP and early YDP.

Collaboration, compliance and professional development

Work collaboratively with other support disciplines, including player care, physiotherapy and strength and conditioning, as and when required.
Where required, contribute relevant U9–U12 transition information or shared notes to support continuity, while recognising that direct U13–U18 delivery remains the responsibility of the Lead Academy Sport Psychologist.
Ensure safeguarding, health and safety, and equal opportunity procedures and practices are adhered to at all times.
Engage in continued professional development in line with sport psychology training route requirements.
Maintain accurate case notes, reports, and departmental records.

The duties and responsibilities outlined above are not exhaustive and may be subject to change in line with the needs of the department. The post holder may also be required to undertake other tasks appropriate to the role as reasonably requested by management.

Essential Qualifications and Skills

The appointed Sport Psychologist must have an MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology, HCPC registration or evidence of being on a recognised route with regular supervision, and BPS or CASES accreditation (or currently undertaking relevant route).
FA Safeguarding Certificate
Excellent communication, presentation, and team working skills.
Experience working with children and adolescents in a sporting environment.

General information

We promote an equal, diverse, and inclusive workplace and we are committed to providing the best experience for our colleagues.As a business we aim to be as representative of as many sections of society as possible, and for each colleague to feel respected and able to give of their best every day. We ensure that we treat people the right way, promote respect and believe that making the most of our differences is the key to the success of our business.

We take a robust approach to modern slavery and human trafficking and our organisation is absolutely committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking in our corporate activities, and to ensuring that our supply chains are free from slavery and human trafficking.

Safeguarding
Portsmouth Football Club is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We are committed to ensuring that any club related activity will be in a safe environment where children, young people and adults at risk are protected from harm or abuse whilst under our care.

We acknowledge that every child, young person, or adult at risk who plays or participates in football should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from poor practice and abuse. Portsmouth Football Club recognises that this is the responsibility of every adult involved in our club.

We must always respect the dignity and spirit of all people, including children, young people and adults at risk. Treat everyone fairly, encourage a supportive and positive environment to promote healthy competition, skill development, fun and achievement. Avoid contact or conduct that may be interpreted or defined as inappropriate.

Health and Safety Statement

Portsmouth Football Club is committed to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all employees, contractors, visitors, and others who may be affected by our operations.

As part of this commitment, you are expected to take reasonable care for your own health and safety, as well as that of others. You must comply with the company’s health and safety policies, procedures, and any legal requirements relevant to your role. Together, we aim to maintain a safe and supportive environment that promotes the welfare and security of everyone involved in our activities.

Data Protection

The Club process all personal data collected during the recruitment process in accordance with complies with Data Protection Act (2018) and GDPR. Data collected as part of the recruitment process is held securely and accessed by, and disclosed to, individuals only for the purposes of managing the recruitment exercise effectively. All data that is deemed unnecessary will be disposed off at the end of recruitment process in line with our GDPR procedure.

Casual Academy Sport Psychologist (U9-U12)

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