Job Description

Join the Legacy and Future of West Ham United

Founded in 1895, West Ham United is a club that blends rich tradition with a forward-thinking approach, creating an exciting, ever-evolving football culture. Based in the heart of London, we proudly call the London Stadium home -- a state-of-the-art venue with a capacity of 62,500, making it one of the largest in the country. We are also dedicated to providing the most affordable Premier League tickets in London, championing Accessible Family Football for all.



Our women's team, achieving professional status in 2018, has soared to new heights in the Women's Super League and reached the prestigious FA Cup final. Meanwhile, our cutting-edge Academy, which opened in 2019, is nurturing future stars, producing first-team players like Declan Rice and Ben Johnson.



With ongoing improvements to the stadium, including the iconic Billy Bonds Stand, West Ham is constantly evolving, making sure our fans experience the best in matchday atmosphere and comfort. We are also incredibly proud to hold the Disability Confident Leader status, reflecting our dedication to inclusivity and accessibility.



As we continue to grow, so does our workforce. With a dedicated team of 300 core staff and 500 event and Foundation employees, West Ham United offers a truly unique working environment. We're especially proud to have been awarded the Premier League's Advanced Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Standard in 2023 -- our second consecutive recognition -- underlining our ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and dynamic workplace.



Join us and become part of a club that stands at the crossroads of history, ambition, and innovation. West Ham United is where passion, progress, and inclusivity come together to create something special.

Why Join Us?

Diversity & Inclusion:

We believe a diverse team drives creativity and strengthens performance. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and identities to apply.

Health & Wellbeing:

We are committed to protecting the physical and mental health of our staff, ensuring a balanced and supportive work environment.

Career Growth:

As part of a premier football club, you will have opportunities to grow and innovate in an exciting and fast-paced environment.


If you're ready to bring your passion for Player Care and football to one of the world's most iconic clubs,

apply now!

Position:

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Job Title: Academy Player Care Officer

Department: Academy Education & Player Care

Reports To: Academy Player Care Manager

Location: Chadwell Heath/Rush Green (with travel as required)

Hours: Part Time 20 hours Per Week (Including evenings and weekends)

Role Overview

West Ham United FC is seeking a dedicated Academy Player Care Officer to join our dynamic Education & Player Care team. This role is key to supporting the holistic development and welfare of all Academy players, ensuring they receive comprehensive care throughout their journey at the club. The role will involve close collaboration with players, families, coaches, and multidisciplinary staff, aiming to create a supportive, inclusive, and development-focused environment.

Key Responsibilities

Deliver and support the player care strategy across all phases of the academy.


Act as a consistent point of contact for academy players and their families, providing day-to-day support and guidance.


Support the induction of new players, ensuring a smooth and welcoming transition into the academy.


Assist in the design and delivery of a developmental life skills curriculum tailored to players' needs.


Support the implementation and monitoring of Individual Learning Plans (ILPs).


Lead and/or assist with player workshops across topics such as wellbeing, resilience, and personal development.


Coordinate and support UK and international tours and tournaments as part of a multidisciplinary team.


Assist with exit and transition processes, ensuring players leaving the academy are supported.


Gather, assess and report on feedback from players and parents to continuously improve the player experience.


Support the operational delivery of home matches, training sessions, and academy events at multiple venues.


Ensure safeguarding standards are upheld, acting as a point of contact and reporting any concerns in line with club policy.


Oversee and manage safe arrival and departure procedures, including attendance registers and welfare checks.


Provide player care support during evenings and weekends as part of a rota system.

Requirements:

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Person Specification

Essential Skills and Attributes:


Experience supporting the wellbeing and development of young people.


Commitment to safeguarding and promoting player welfare.


Ability to maintain professional boundaries and model high standards of conduct.


Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a diverse range of individuals.


Collaborative approach to working as part of a multidisciplinary team.


Organised, proactive, and dependable, particularly in evening and weekend environments.


Strong IT skills and ability to maintain accurate records.

Desirable Experience and Qualifications:

Previous experience working in Player Care or a similar welfare-focused role.


Working knowledge of safeguarding, equality, inclusion, and anti-discrimination best practices.


Experience with transition support for young athletes.


A diverse skillset gained from varied career or voluntary experiences.

Other information:

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Benefits on offer

(may vary based on contract type and location)



25 days annual leave plus your birthday off Pension and life insurance Healthcare cash scheme Travel season ticket loan Cycle to work scheme Priority access to apply for match tickets Discounted season tickets Staff discounts in the club store, cafe and our official partners products and services Discounted gym membership and onsite fitness room facilities Family friendly leave policies Company Social events

Safeguarding:

The successful candidate must demonstrate a commitment to the safety and welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk of harm across all stakeholders. Everyone, including third parties who work with the Club or the West Ham Foundation, is responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals. Successful candidates must undergo essential background checks before starting their employment, which may include screening of social media. The type of DBS check required will depend on the responsibilities of the position and may be basic, standard, or enhanced.



The successful candidate agrees to proactively identify and respond appropriately to any concerns, and follow the Club's Safeguarding reporting procedures to report allegations of abuse, poor practice, or anything that may impact the welfare of a child, young person, or adult at risk without delay, within 24 hours, or as otherwise directed by the Club's or the West Ham Foundation Safeguarding Team.

EDI Statement

The successful candidate must demonstrate a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, aligning with the organisation's business and tactical approach to eliminating barriers and addressing inequity. You agree to actively contribute to creating a discrimination-free and inclusive environment, ensuring equitable access to opportunities and benefits, while fostering a culture of dignity and respect that enables everyone to perform and achieve their potential.



Candidates must demonstrate their capability and willingness to uphold best practices and procedures, promoting lasting positive change while eliminating biases and barriers to attracting, achieving, and supporting talent from all communities, regardless of background, circumstances, or protected characteristics.

Applications:

To apply, please submit your application via our careers portal: https://www.careers.whufc.com


Deadline: 5pm Friday 15th August 2025



Please note: Due to the high volume of applications expected, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.