ACADEMY PLAYER CARE OFFICER: WEST HAM UNITED FC
About the job
Job Title: Academy Player Care Officer
Organisation: West Ham United FC
Department: Academy Education & Player Care
Location: Chadwell Heath / Rush Green (with travel as required)
Contract Type: Part-time (20 hours per week, including evenings and weekends)
Application Deadline: 5pm, Friday 15 August 2025
ROLE OVERVIEW:
The Academy Player Care Officer will support the Education & Player Care department in delivering a player-first environment, prioritising welfare, development, and safeguarding. The role will involve day-to-day player support, life skills delivery, and the operational coordination of key events and activities at both Chadwell Heath and Rush Green sites.
Key Responsibilities:
Deliver the club’s player care strategy across all academy phases.
Act as a trusted point of contact for players and their families.
Support new player inductions and transitions.
Assist in designing and delivering the life skills curriculum.
Contribute to the development and monitoring of Individual Learning Plans (ILPs).
Lead or support workshops on wellbeing, resilience, and personal growth.
Coordinate logistics and support during UK and international tournaments.
Provide transitional and exit support for players leaving the academy.
Gather and report player and parent feedback to improve care delivery.
Support academy events, training, and matchdays at various venues.
Ensure safeguarding compliance and act as a point of contact for welfare concerns.
Manage safe arrival/departure procedures, including attendance and welfare checks.
Work evenings and weekends on a rota basis.
WHAT THEY’RE LOOKING FOR:
EssEssential Skills & Attributes
Experience supporting young people’s welfare and development.
Strong commitment to safeguarding and player welfare.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries and role model positive behaviours.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Collaborative approach and team-oriented mindset.
Organised, proactive, and dependable under pressure.
Confident IT user with accurate record-keeping skills.
Desirable Qualifications & Experience
Previous experience in Player Care or a youth welfare role.
Understanding of safeguarding, EDI, and anti-discrimination principles.
Experience supporting young athletes with transitions or exits.
Lived or professional experience from diverse or voluntary backgrounds.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Part-time, 20 hours per week
Evening and weekend work required
Travel to various club sites and events
Must use initiative and work independently as required
BENEFITS
25 days annual leave (pro rata) + birthday off
Pension & life insurance
Healthcare cash scheme
Travel season ticket loan
Cycle to work scheme
Match ticket access
Discounted season tickets
Staff discounts (store, café, partners)
Gym membership and on-site facilities
Family-friendly leave policies
Company social events
How to Apply:
📝 Submit your application via the careers portal: careers.whufc.com
📅 Deadline: 5pm Friday 15th August 2025
📌 Please note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted due to expected application volume.