About the Role
Lead, design, and quality-assure the Academy Education Programme, ensuring players receive personalized academic support aligned with the football program. Equip players with academic, vocational, and personal development foundations for life beyond their playing careers. Serve as the primary contact for education providers, managing relationships and schedules.
Responsibilities
- Create and sustain a safe, inclusive, and aspirational education environment meeting FA PGA Licence and safeguarding requirements.
- Collaborate within the multidisciplinary team to embed education in holistic player development.
- Ensure education continuity for players experiencing changes in their playing environment.
- Design and review the Education Programme in partnership with learning providers.
- Coordinate academic pathways (GCSE, A-levels, BTECs, etc.).
- Work with schools and colleges to align timetables with training/competition and arrange compensatory education.
- Monitor academic performance, including tracking attendance, reviewing attainment, and implementing early interventions.
- Ensure accurate documentation, reporting, and data management for academic records.
- Manage internal verification and quality assurance for directly delivered club education elements.
- Provide guidance to parents/carers on academic pathways and support.
- Attend MDT meetings and share education updates affecting performance, wellbeing, or availability.
- Liaise with coaches to manage training loads during academic pressure points.
- Support transition planning for players moving between programmes, age groups, or education stages.
- Collaborate with the Performance Wellbeing Lead to identify and support wider personal and learning development opportunities.
- Support education planning and communication for players involved in loan agreements, ADRs, or contract changes.
- Support players in developing confidence and independence in managing academic commitments.
- Coordinate and quality assure any club-based education delivery.
- Provide guidance, induction, and feedback to staff and partner tutors.
- Support audit, accreditation, and compliance processes linked to PGA education requirements.
- Model the club’s values, professionalism, and high educational standards.
- Act as the primary point of contact with all academic providers.
- Maintain strong communication channels regarding progress, concerns, and expectations.
- Support player transition into senior football, further education, higher education, apprenticeships, or employment pathways.
- Support players transitioning into and from national teams, balancing education with club and international commitments.
- Work closely with the Performance Wellbeing Lead to ensure holistic development alignment while maintaining distinct responsibilities.
- Maintain effective relationships with external clubs involved in loan arrangements or ADRs.
- Perform other duties as required by the line manager.
- Uphold and promote the Club’s policies and procedures, including Health and Safety, Safeguarding, and Equal Opportunities.
Requirements
- QTS or QTLS (with active SET membership for QTLS)
- FA Safeguarding Children qualification
- Emergency First Aid / FA IFAiF (or equivalent)
- Degree in Education, Sport, Social Sciences or a related field
- Coaching or mentoring qualifications that support MDT engagement
- Teaching, tutoring, mentoring or academic coaching experience
- Experience supporting young people through GCSE, Post-16 and FE/HE study pathways
- Experience working with external learning providers and navigating dual career pressures
- Must undergo a comprehensive background check, Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Skills
- Leadership
- Design
- Quality assurance
- Academic support
- Player development
- Communication
- Relationship management
- Scheduling
- Safeguarding
- Collaboration
- Mentoring
- Tutoring
- Data management
- Reporting
- Audit
- Accreditation
- Compliance
Location
- Academy Training Ground, BR3 1NZ
Work Type
- Full-time
Experience Level
- Experience supporting young people through GCSE, Post-16 and FE/HE study pathways
- Experience working with external learning providers and navigating dual career pressures
Education Level
- QTS or QTLS (with active SET membership for QTLS)
- FA Safeguarding Children qualification
- Emergency First Aid / FA IFAiF (or equivalent)
- Degree in Education, Sport, Social Sciences or a related field
Benefits
- Complimentary match day ticket
- Reward and Discount Scheme through our Tech Scheme and Simple Health app
- Health and Wellbeing benefit scheme
- 20% Discount in our Retail Stores
- Discounts in various gyms through GymFlex
- Volunteering Day - 1 Workday off to support a charity of your choice
- Travel Season Ticket loan
- Holiday allowance: 25 Days
About the Company
- Crystal Palace Football Club is a Premier League Football Club with over 160 years of history.
- The club operates across three sites: Selhurst Park Stadium, London office, and the Training Ground/Academy.
- We offer an excellent atmosphere and culture for fans and employees.
- We strive for excellence with high standards, professionalism, and a strong work ethic.
- We are committed to growth and diversification in both our on-pitch and off-pitch teams.
Equal Opportunity
- Equality, Diversity & Inclusion is spirited and continues to grow due to the working environment, which makes all staff feel appreciated and welcomed.
- Crystal Palace Football Club promotes employment opportunities that celebrate diversity.
- We are committed to attracting, recruiting, and retaining the most talented candidates.
- We ensure everyone has a real and equal opportunity to engage with the club.
- We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer.
- We guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role.
- If you require disability-related adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact DLO@cpfc.co.uk.
- Crystal Palace Football Club is committed to safeguarding and ensuring the welfare and protection of children and vulnerable people and expects all staff to share this commitment.
- The post holder will be required to undergo a comprehensive background check, Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
