Job Title: Academy Player Support Officer

Department: Academy

Reporting: Academy Player Support Manager

Location: Training Ground – Jersey Road

Salary: Competitive

Brentford FC is a bit different to other Premier League football clubs. We put our fans first, we are a true community club and while we are financially sustainable, we are not afraid to take calculated risks. We take huge pride in our environment and culture within the Club which focuses on development, inclusion and not being afraid to think differently.

Being progressive, humble and respectful while sticking together as one team across the Club guides how we work and the decisions we make each day.

We also firmly believe that a diverse workforce is a better workforce which will help us develop ideas, solve problems and ultimately grow Brentford FC.

We play in a brand-new stadium, 15 minutes from Heathrow in vibrant west London.

We will never forget where we have come from, but we are excited about the future that lies ahead.

Come join us.

Inclusion Statement

Brentford FC is an organisation which values and is passionate about diversity and inclusivity. We welcome and encourage applications from qualified candidates, including those from underrepresented groups – such as those from ethnically diverse backgrounds, women, those from the LGBTQ+ community and those with disabilities. Should you require any workplace accommodations (also known as ‘reasonable adjustments’), you will have the opportunity to let us know at the appropriate points in the hiring process.

Safeguarding Statement

Brentford FC is committed to equality, the safeguarding and welfare of all children and adults at risk. This responsibility is shared by all staff and volunteers at the club, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Staff will be required to undertake regular safeguarding training to enable and reinforce a proactive approach to safeguarding. This role requires the post holder to apply all relevant policies and uphold the club’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable people to ensure a safe environment for all. This includes the timely reporting of any safeguarding concern to the safeguarding team. We remind those barred from regulated activity that it is an offence to apply for such positions.

Please note that where appropriate for the role, you may be required to complete additional background checks such as Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and this will include any time living or working outside of the UK in the last 10 years. You can find out more about this athttps://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record

Please also note that a CV application will not be sufficient. Applications will not be considered where the application form has not been completed in full.

If the role you are applying for involves regulated activity and you have been shortlisted for a first stage interview, you will be asked to fill out a Declaration of Offences Form.

The Role of Academy Player Support Officer

The Player Support Officer will be an integral part of the multi-disciplinary team within the academy and support the delivery of the academy welfare strategy. The roles will have the opportunity to lead a robust, holistic player support programme that creates the best possible environment for our Youth Development and Foundation Phase players and their families. You will also work with Academy and Club staff to ensure that Brentford FC is carrying out its duty of care in the running of its Academy.

Main Accountabilities

Build and maintain excellent and communicative relationships with all players and parents by understanding each player's background, ascertaining and providing the appropriate support they need from the club
Help players and their families prepare for effective transitions throughout their academy journey. This will include inductions as well as exit plans for the Youth Development Phase
Support staff in various academy stakeholder meetings. This can include parent complaint procedures, school meetings and further pastoral meetings
Be an active member of multidisciplinary staff groups and contribute to player progress meetings as appropriate
Support the planning, implementation and review of the academy life skills programme for Players, Parents and Host Families
Effectively log, manage and record player interactions and issues
To lead and manage the Parent and Player voice initiatives disseminating information back to Senior Management
Engage with planning of tours and tournaments for the foundation and youth phase age groups
Liaise with the recruitment department regarding all trialist arrangements in the foundation and youth phases to ensure a high-quality player and parent experience
To deliver and co-ordinate personal development sessions with a focus on transitions, for players across all phases to enable them to become highly developed in a wide range of areas that will support their journey as a football player and independent young person
To work with the wider Player Support team to develop and implement comprehensive transition programme as players move from through the age groups or exit the Academy
To ensure that relevant processes are in place and continually reviewed to allow transitions to be managed and co-ordinated across all the phases
Work collaboratively within the Academy Wellbeing Team to provide proactive solutions and promote the academy safeguarding standards for children & young people and ensuring that club policies and procedures are adhered to at all times

Acting as first point of contact for issues and concerns raised by players and parents
To ensure that any concerns you observe, or are raised with you in your role, are shared with the Safeguarding Team through appropriate channels

Work alongside the Club’s safeguarding department to ensure best practice and Premier League standards are met
Support the wider Player Support team as and when required and reasonable, this may involve travel to alternate club locations
To support the club in line with audit requirements

Other duties and responsibilities as required by your line manager

General Club Accountabilities

To ensure compliance with all relevant Club policies, including health and safety policies and with specific reference to the data regulations
To ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, ethical, and social requirements
To ensure compliance with the Club’s Safeguarding Policy and processes
To ensure compliance with the Club’s Code of Conduct
To promote equity, diversity and inclusion at the Club, in line with our EDI strategy
To build and maintain good working relationships both internally and externally, maintaining a professional image at all times when representing Brentford FC
To keep confidential any information gained regarding the Club and its personnel

To maintain a flexible approach to work at all times

Ability to work flexibly on evenings and weekends as appropriate to meet players’ needs (including attending trips/tours)
Any other relevant tasks and duties as directed by your line manager

Key Internal Relationships

Academy Safeguarding
Academy Education
Academy Management Team
Academy Coaches

Person Specification - Essential Personal Characteristics

You will be a team player – this is critical for us. The Club comes first, and you will be prepared to work hard, with enthusiasm, alongside your colleagues
Previous experience of working with minors and with Safeguarding protocols
Excellent communication skills and a track record of building relationships
Strong organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
Ability to present and communicate complex information in a simple and compelling way
You will have a service mindset and will naturally want to go the extra mile to deliver outstanding results

Person Specification - Desirable Characteristics

Demonstratable experience of working with elite young athletes or educational environment
Hold or working towards qualifications in education, psychology or social work
Experience and understanding of working in culturally diverse communities
FA Safeguarding certificate
EFAiF certificate
Mental Health First Aid Certification

Closing date for applications: Monday 21 October 2024