Head of Education and Academy Player Care

**JOB DESCRIPTION**

**JOB TITLE**:Head of Education and Academy Player Care**
**DEPARTMENT**:Academy**
**REPORTS TO**:To be determined
**LOCATION**:Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground**
**HOURS**:Full-Time, Permanent (37.5 hrs)
**DATE**:January 2025**

**We are Wolves. Progressive, determined, bright, unified and humble. A pack that is hungry for**
**success. Wolves is one of the fastest growing professional football clubs in the UK, and also boasts**
**one of the richest histories in the beautiful game.**

Formed in 1877, Wolves was a founder member of the Football League, and was one of the country’s
most successful sides in the fifties and sixties. During a two decade spell the Black Country’s most
decorated side won three First Division titles and one of its four FA Cups.

Fast forward to 2020, where an incredible three seasons at Molineux has seen Wolves clinch the
Sky Bet Championship trophy with 99 points, followed by a seventh-place finish in the Premier
League, which included memorable wins over Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and
Arsenal. This season we have completed the double over the reigning champions, are in sixth place
in the league and are now through to the last 16 of the Europa League.

But at Wolves it is all about what we will do, not what we have done.

**We don’t simply look to the future, we seize it.**

**We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults**
**at risk. We expect all colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment. This means that the**
**safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk and to ensuring that Wolves is free from**
**discrimination and harassment.**

**Job purpose**

The Head of Education and Academy Player Care will be responsible for leading the educational and
holistic development of academy players, ensuring they receive the highest standard of education
and care off the field. The role will focus on player welfare, academic progress, personal
development, and life skills training, contributing to the all-around development of young
footballers to prepare them for life both in and out of football.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Develop and implement the academy’s education strategy, ensuring alignment with FA, Premier

League, and EFL regulations.
- Oversee academic progress for all players across different age groups, ensuring tailored education

plans are in place for each player.
V1 February 2020
- Collaborate with schools, colleges, and tutors to ensure each player receives the necessary

academic support.
- Track and report on academic performance, offering interventions where needed to maintain

balance between education and football.
- Organise educational workshops, seminars, and life skills programs focusing on areas such as

financial literacy, mental health, nutrition, and social media awareness.
- Ensure all academy players have access to high-quality pastoral care, supporting their mental,

emotional, and physical well-being.
- Be the first point of contact for welfare issues, including mental health support, safeguarding

concerns, and family-related matters.
- Work closely with the Academy Psychologist and Medical Team to ensure a holistic approach to

player care.
- Develop and implement individual care plans for players with specific needs, ensuring regular

check-ins with players and families.
- Design and deliver a comprehensive personal development program for players, focusing on

character building, resilience, leadership, and emotional intelligence.
- Organise personal development opportunities including community involvement, mentoring, and

team-building activities.
- Monitor and support players’ integration into the academy environment, assisting with any social

or emotional challenges.
- Support players transitioning between age groups or progressing from academy football to

professional football.
- Lead on the academy’s exit strategy for players who are not offered professional contracts,

providing guidance on education pathways, alternative careers, and mental health support.
- Build and maintain relationships with external partners, including further education institutions and

career advisors, to provide exit options for academy players.
- Lead and manage the Education and Player Care team, providing clear direction, support, and

development opportunities.
- Work closely with coaches, the Head of Coaching & Development, and the wider academy staff to

ensure a joined-up approach to player development.
- Attend and contribute to academy management meetings, providing updates on education and

welfare matters.
**____________________________________**
**General responsibilities**
- Compliance with Club policies
- Compliance with the Club’s health and safety procedures
- Compliance with the Club’s safeguarding policies
- To promote the Club’s values
- To work consistently to embed equality & diversity into the Club
- To undertake such other duties as may