Head of Education and Player Care

Job title: Head of Education and Player Care.
Responsible to: Academy Manager.

Bradford City AFC Academy is recruiting a Head of Education and Player Care. While the role is designed as a full-time position covering both specialisms, we value expertise and welcome applications tailored to either or both areas, as detailed below:
• Option A: Full-Time Role - Head of Education & Player Care (40 hours per week)
• Option B: Part-Time Specialist - Head of Education (20 hours per week)
• Option C: Part-Time Specialist - Player Care Lead (20 hours per week)

Working within our Category 3 Academy, you will build a positive, supportive environment where young players can thrive in their schoolwork, personal lives, and overall well-being alongside their football development across all age groups.

A candidate taking on the combined full-time role will oversee both areas below, while part-time specialists will focus on their chosen 20-hour role.

Education (20 Hours per Week)
• Plan, deliver, and track the Academy Education Programme in line with EFL and
League Football Education (LFE) guidelines.
• Oversee the delivery of the BTEC Sport qualification and apprenticeship framework for
U18 scholars.
• Maintain regular contact with local schools for younger players, monitoring attendance, academic progress, and day-release schedules.
• Accurately maintain all educational records on required academy tracking systems.
• Prepare players for life after football by facilitating career guidance and vocational training options.

Player Care (20 Hours per Week)
• Act as the primary point of contact for player care across all age groups, promoting emotional well-being, mental health awareness, and personal growth.
• Design and deliver engaging, age-appropriate Life Skills workshops covering topics such as online safety, financial literacy, health, and mental well-being.
• Guide young players and their families through critical Academy transitions, including induction, scholarship signing, and exit/release strategies.
• Work closely with the Academy Safeguarding Lead to maintain a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.
• Support players and families with transport and general welfare logistics as needed.

Other requirements:
• Positively represent the culture and values of the Academy in every interaction.
• Maintain professional boundaries at all times, adhere strictly to operational policies
• Undertake any other reasonable duties, as requested by your Line Manager.
• Work within and adhere to all Academy policies and procedures, maintaining a strong understanding of Bradford City AFC's culture and values.

Selection process
Recruitment for this post will be conducted in two stages:
• Stage One: Shortlisted candidates will attend an interview at Valley Parade.
• Stage Two: Candidates moving to Stage Two will be invited to the Academy to give a
short presentation on their chosen area (Education, Player Care, or both) and
complete a practical task.