Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:

Player Care Officer (U14 - U18s)

DEPARTMENT:

Legal & Safeguarding / Academy

REPORTS TO:

Safeguarding Senior Manager / Head of Safeguarding

DIRECT REPORTS:

None

LOCATION:

Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground

HOURS:

37.5

DATE:

January 2026

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 70 years and Wolves are back amongst football's elite, in the Premier League for an


eighth successive season; but now we compete as a sports and entertainment business across


multiple brand verticals. As a challenger club, Wolves dare to be different, which is why creating


world class propositions in esports, fashion and music are all part of our ambitious plans.




At Wolves, 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 post-holder is required to apply all relevant policies and uphold the Club's commitment to

safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk

_____________________________________________________________

Job purpose

The Player Care Officer will ensure that our players (U14 - U18) and their families are provided with


the best possible care, support and development so they can achieve their potential on and off the


pitch.


You will be working directly with the players, their families and the staff at the club in order to


ensure there is a joined-up approach to their health and wellbeing and that the right support is in


place.


You will lead the player care programme in the Youth phase whilst being an integral part of the team


striving to develop a best-in-class programme that allows all academy players to develop skills and


qualities in-keeping with Wolves philosophy and values.

_____________________________________________________________

Key responsibilities

Develop close professional relationships with U14 and U18 players and parents, becoming a
key point of contact and providing a highly responsive and holistic level of care



To support the induction process of new players (14 - 18), to ensure that their welcome and
registration into the Academy allows them the best possible opportunity to develop and


settle
To work with the Safeguarding team on supporting players and families when managing
safeguarding & well-being concerns
To work with the MDT to ensure that the players journey is tracked and documented
allowing for smooth transition between phases
To lead on the creation and implementation of individual learning plans for players To develop and manage a Life Skills Curriculum which allows our young people to be
prepared for life both inside and after elite football
To assist in delivering a Lifeskills plan that builds through the player journey. To work with the operations and wider pastoral team (safeguarding, education, medical,
psych) to ensure that all off field provision is synced and high quality
Develop and contribute to opportunities that aid the holistic development of our players. To attend and support matchday activity, tours and tournaments across the programme To coordinate the player parliament across the PDP linking in with the members from FDP
and YDP
To develop & coordinate a player's voice group across the Academy to ensure that our
young people have the opportunity to share feedback
Develop and create a communication stream to promote the value of player care in the
player journey
To develop a process of tracking the player journey to support development and in line with
EPPP requirements
To ensure all private fostering arrangements are in place for the host family provision
ensuring that all parties are supported
To be an integral member of the wellbeing forums To support the wider player care and wider academy operations team with any associated
duties as and when required
To work with the Education department to deliver bespoke education and lifestyle
programme and projects
To work with the Host Family Officer to ensure the host family programme is working
effectively and to advocate for the players in that accommodation
To work with U21 Player Care staff to assist in a good transition for any players playing
across age groups

_____________________________________________________________

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 of progressive, humble, determined, bright and unified


To work consistently to embed equality & diversity into the Club


To undertake such other duties as may be reasonably expected


To maintain professional conduct at all times

___________________________________________________________

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

The post holder will demonstrate a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion,


supporting the organisation's strategic aims to remove barriers and address inequality. You will play


an active role in promoting an inclusive, discrimination-free environment that ensures fair access to


opportunities and resources. This includes fostering a culture of dignity, respect, and belonging


where everyone is empowered to contribute, perform, and reach their full potential.

_____________________________________________________________

Safeguarding Statement

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults


at risk. We expect all those associated with WWFC to share this commitment. This means that the


post-holder is required to apply all relevant policies and uphold the Club's commitment to


safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk.

__________________________________________________________

Key relationships

Senior Safeguarding Manager - strategic objectives and development Head of Academy Operations - logistics & support Player Care Officers - liaise regularly to gain knowledge of the players needs and to co-

deliver against set objectives
Head of Education and Education Team Head of Safeguarding - supervision and support Professional, Youth and Foundation Phase Staff - liaise regularly to gain knowledge of the
player's needs
Host Family Officer - liaise with regularly for updates and planning Players, parents and host families

______________________________________________________

Scope of role

To be responsible for the full co-ordination of the Player Care Plan within the Youth Phase &


Scholarship phase of the Academy.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Job Title: Player Care Officer (U14 - U18s)

Knowledge: the level and breadth of knowledge to do the job e.g. understanding of a defined system,


method or procedure, legal or regulatory frameworks etc


Essential


An understanding of Safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk and wellbeing


considerations


Experience of working with children and/or young people


A positive, proactive attitude towards ensuring that programmes and projects implemented succeed


and are embedded


Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary setting


Experience of having honest and challenging conversations





Desirable


Knowledge in the emotional and wellbeing demands on elite athletes and safeguarding implications





Technical/work-based skills: skills specific to the job e.g. language competence, typing skills, coaching skills


etc


Essential


Proficient in use of word and excel


Competent in Outlook diary and email management


Willing to learn the use of programmes such as Monday.com and Microsoft Teams


Able to develop effective working relationships at all levels


Able to manage own time and tasks efficiently with a high attention to detail





Desirable


Knowledge & experience of a Category 1 academy programme/ Premier League Academy system


Fluent in a foreign language


General skills and attributes: more general characteristics e.g. flexibility, communication skills, team working


etc


Essential


Understanding of how to work safely with children, young people and vulnerable adults at risk to


uphold Safeguarding best practice


Understanding of how to work safely with children and/or vulnerable adults at risk and uphold


generally accepted practice when working with those participants


Promote, adhere to and implement the Club's EDI Policy and work consistently to embed EDI within


the club


Ability to multi-task and handle changes to plans and workload in a positive manner


Possess communication skills that are clear, engaging and responsive


Management of time, working to tight deadlines to ensure priorities are met


A proactive approach and the ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced, demanding role


Highly effective written and verbal communication skills.


Conscientious and motivated with high level of personal initiative


Approachable, personable and humble


Strong team player


Willing to self-evaluate and work towards continuous improvement.





Prepared to take on whatever work is required to support the team




Desirable


An understanding of the demands of young footballers / elite athletes.


Experience of advocating for young people.


Experience: proven record of experience in a particular field, profession or specialism.





Essential


Able to demonstrate success in a project management/implementation role


Desirable


Working with children and/or adults at risk


Able to demonstrate previous administrative success.


Budget management experience.


Qualifications: the level of educational, professional and/or occupational training required





Essential


Post-holder must hold or obtain at the earliest opportunity relevant safeguarding training (i.e. FA


Safeguarding Children Workshop)


Post-holder will be subject to a DBS check at the appropriate level and cleared by the Wolves Safer


Recruitment Group





Desirable


Clean driving license and own car


Mental Health First Aid qualification