Academy Head of Education

Short description

This individual will ensure that the Academy players’ educational requirements are met to the highest possible standards. They will create a positive learning environment that will provide a beneficial experience for each player through a holistic, player-centered approach to their education. 

Job Advert Reference: AFCB0028

Title: Academy Head of Education

Location: Various (Canford Magna Training Complex, Canford Park Arena, Vitality Stadium, Brockenhurst College)

Contract: Full Time, 35 hours per week (Monday-Sunday)

ABOUT AFC BOURNEMOUTH

Entering an exciting new chapter in our long and storied history, we are proud to retain a focus on family and community. Delivering that engagement with our loyal supporters is a passionate and integrated backroom staff, working closely together to provide a positive and lasting experience for all at Vitality Stadium.

Since our takeover by chairman Bill Foley, in a partnership including Hollywood actor Michael B. Jordan, the club has seen significant investment committed towards sustaining Premier League status, highlighted by the construction of a state-of-the-art training facility and the arrival of promising young talent from top clubs around Europe. These developments also bring a great opportunity to further improve our women’s team and youth setup overall.

In the Academy, there is a continued focus to become a Category Two academy, and this appointment will play a key role in that. This is a really exciting time to join the Academy, as we move on to the next stage and continue to support the 1st Team.

Academy Values:

• Players First: holding individual player development as the main intention behind decisions made as a coach and wider professional.
• Togetherness: working in a prosocial manner as part of a wider team – willing to contribute beyond own interests.
• Integrity: carrying out academy and club values in an open and honest manner.
• Accountability: willing to take responsibility for actions in a manner which allows learning, growth and reflection.

We are looking to recruit a Head of Education to be a part of a forward-think team, responsible for providing leadership and management of the academy’s education department in pursuit of maximising the academic performance of all academy players.

You will play a key role in organising the delivery of the education programme across all age groups, with a focus on the Under 18’s & Development Squad. In addition you will ensure scholars are appropriately supported in respect of the Sports Excellence Professional (SEP) and support the delivery of a comprehensive Life Skills & Personal Development Programme.

You will play an active part from a wellbeing perspective, support the transition of players arriving and departing, working closely with the Head of Player Care. The successful candidate will enjoy working as part of a team, be enthusiastic, hardworking and be flexible to the requirements of the position and business.

This individual will ensure that the Academy players’ educational requirements are met to the highest possible standards. They will create a positive learning environment that will provide a beneficial experience for each player through a holistic, player-centered approach to their education. 

• Leading the education delivery of full-time players education provision for U18 age group.
• Liaison with the education providers in order to organise and oversee the scholarship programme.
• Working with the CPC to ensure scholars achieve the Sporting Excellence Professional (SEP).
• Liaising and organising relevant courses to enhance the education programme such as UEFA B; Laws of the Game; YMCA Gym Instructor; Languages etc.
• Progress reporting of academic achievement in scholarship programme via MDMs and Academy reviews; liaise and update progress of scholars through Premier League reviews.
• To hold Parent/Player meetings to review progress in Education.
• To support the player care team for players that are not offered contracts including additional learning, UCAS applications, scholarships.
• To provide an Education provision for Development Squad, working with players to enhance Education/Career pathway both during and after football journey.
• One to ones with U18 and Development Squad players; recording and monitoring their progress and reacting to any issues accordingly, reporting any concerns to the Head of Player Care.
• Overall responsibility of the Day Release programme, working closely with Academy Education Administrator who will supervise the Hybrid programme.
• Working with key staff to ensure all communication with schools is updated when players sign/release.
• Working with key staff in relation to organising and maintaining reviews and correspondence from school for all players within the Football Academy.
• To assist with the production of policy documents of the Academy alongside the Academy
• Manager.
• Responsible for all documentation relevant to Academy players education.
• Attend induction meetings for students and parents/guardians to explain the role of Head of Education.
• Pro-actively promote and raise safeguarding awareness.
• Attend regular meetings with club staff as directed by the Academy Manager.
• Attending training courses as directed by the FA, Premier League and the Academy Manager.

Generic Responsibilities

• As a member of staff to ensure in all matters, you follow and actively promote the club’s mental health policies and practices to ensure an open, non-judgmental and inclusive environment for everyone engaged with the club.
• As a member of staff to ensure that you to adhere to the club’s safeguarding policies and procedures and are committed to our safeguarding values, creating a safe and positive environment for all those who interact with the club.
• Obligation to adhere to the club’s health and safety policy and procedures.
• As a member of staff to ensure in all matters you follow and actively promote the club’s equality policies and practices to ensure a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment for everyone engaged with the club.

The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time; or the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands.

QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Qualified Teaching Status (QTS)
• Experience of working with young people within an educational setting.
• Experience of building and maintaining strong working relationships, both internally and externally.
• Full UK driving license or ability to travel to various locations due to the demands of the role.
• Understanding of the club’s commitment to EDI and Safeguarding.
• This role will have regular contact with children, and it is therefore required by law to have a DBS.

• The Club’s values are at the core of its staff behaviour and how they approach everything they do, therefore we are looking for someone is honest, inclusive, kind, hardworking and loyal.
• Ability to communicate with a variety of audiences (coaches, players, analysis department, multi-disciplinary team, wider academy staff)
• Ability to work to strict deadlines.
• Willingness to learn and develop.
• Strong work ethic.
• Full UK driving license (desirable).

STAFF BENEFITS

In return for your hard work and commitment to us, you will receive a competitive reward package which will include, but is not limited to:

• Free onsite parking.
• Season ticket and allocation of complimentary/purchased tickets.
• Subsidised lunches and complimentary healthy snacks throughout the day.
• Discounts at the club Superstore.
• Contribution towards eye tests and glasses.
• Discounts and benefits from partners and local businesses.
• Club pension & Life Assurance Scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) by Health Assured.
• Paid parental leave (bank of five days per year).
• Club events or other social events throughout the year.
• Paid volunteer opportunities (2 days per year).
• Paid day’s leave on your birthday.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for the vacancy please click the ‘apply’ button below by midnight Friday 21 June 2024.

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AFC Bournemouth is an equal opportunities employer and ensures staff and volunteers are able to achieve their full potential.

We take pride in our approach to diversity and inclusion and embrace the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of our society. We take our responsibility seriously, to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit regardless of sex, gender identity, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.

We actively encourage applications from women, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from ethnically diverse communities.

For further information on accessibility within the stadium please click here.

AFC Bournemouth is committed to protecting all children, young persons, and adults at risk in its care or attending its premises and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment.

For all positions where a DBS check is required, an offer of employment will be subject to receipt of satisfactory disclosure at the appropriate level.

Any and all potential agreements, relationships or commitments that could be considered a conflict of interest should be disclosed upon application to this vacancy by emailing obs@afcb.co.uk"> jobs@afcb.co.uk. You will also be asked whether you have any conflicts to disclose upon receipt of your application.

Satisfactory references will be required for all positions, your eligibility to work with the club will be subject to receiving appropriate referencing.

We strive to create a positive and safe environment and ensure all who interact with the club feel safe, protected, and heard.

AFC Bournemouth can exercise their right to perform external searches and to confirm information provided by candidates. It does not retain any data during this process.