Academy Sport Psychologist (U9-U12)

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.