Lead Psychologist (Boys Academy)

Working as a Lead Psychologist you will deliver and support the management of a Football Performance Psychology programme for our Boys Academy, specifically with a focus on the U21 squad and players transitioning across squads within the Professional Development Phase. You will ensure that all players have individual programmes based on psychological profiling, observations and discussions for players and staff and work alongside the Head of Technical and Player Development to provide psychological support to players on the elite player pathway. Working closely with the Head of Coach Development, you will devise and lead on the Psychology Coach Development programme for the U9-21 coaches including the delivery of Continued Professional Development (CPD) sessions, training support and the creation of educational resources. You will also lead the delivery of all-staff CPD sessions and multidisciplinary team (MDT) workshops. You will work closely with the MDT including the Academy Medical and Sport Science Team playing a vital role to in supporting rehabilitation programmes and management of injured players and the Player Care Team developing and implementing a Psychology programme for the parents in the Academy.

To continue to deliver our ambitious plans for nurturing, encouraging and developing talent at this level, we have an exciting opportunity for a self-motivated and proactive individual to join our Boys Academy Performance Psychology Team., We are seeking a professional and experienced Psychologist; you will need to hold the following:

• BSc in Psychology or equivalent
• MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology or equivalent
• British Psychological Society (BPS) accreditation pr Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (CASES) accreditation
• Registered with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC)
You must have demonstrable experience of working in a Category 1 Academy and have strong knowledge of the Elite Player Performance Plan (expectations of a Category 1 Academy), ideally with experience in delivering a psychology coach development programme. Utilising excellent communication skills which are clear, accurate and engaging, you must have the ability to build rapport and strong professional relationships with a wide range of stakeholders whilst maintaining high professional standards and confidentially at all times. Given the nature of this role, you will be able to work flexibly including evenings, weekends and matchdays as and when required.

Our Boys Academy Department is proud to have achieved the prestigious Category One Academy status which reflects our commitment to delivering excellence across all areas of youth football including coaching, education, training, and facilities. We are dedicated to supporting and nurturing the next generation of elite footballers, as demonstrated in our memorable treble-winning 2024/25 season for our U18s as we topped the Under-18 Premier League Southern section table, the Under-18 Premier League national title and we lifted the prestigious FA Youth Cup., There has never been a better time to join Aston Villa Football Club. Our drive to succeed is visible on the global stage, we are building a family ethos and culture to be proud of, and realising our ambitious plans for the expansion and improvement of our world-class facilities. If you are already excited by this challenge and want to play your part in our historic Club, then you'll be pleased to hear about our amazing staff benefits you'll receive whilst working for us! See our Staff Benefits booklet to find out more., Aston Villa Football Club celebrates the diversity of its Club and embrace equal opportunities for all.