PURPOSE AND SCOPE

• Position Type: Full time
• Location: Manchester. This role is predominantly operational and on the road, and supports a large network of clubs in the North West / Manchester region. This is a hybrid role and so regular attendance in the office will be required alongside remote/ home working.
• Salary: Competitive remuneration package plus generous benefits

As a PFA Youth Advisor you will assist in the growth of the PFA’s Youth Advisory Service. Formed following the introduction of the EPPP (Elite Player Performance Plan), the PFA Youth Advisory Service provides free, independent, confidential advice to (u9’s – u21’s) Academy Players, Trialists, Parents, Guardians, and Carers on any issues that they may be faced with during their time in the Academy system. The PFA Youth Advisory Service assists individuals with making better informed decisions and covers the following areas;

• Premier League & EFL Youth Development Rules & Regulations
• Academy Registration & Contractual Offers
• Football Association & FIFA Rules & Regulations
• Scholarship Offers
• Time & Distance Rules & Regulations
• Academy Inductions
• End of Season Procedure
• Requesting Release
• Player Development & Player Progression
• Coaching Programme
• Education Programme
• Compensation Rules & Regulations
• Player Welfare
• Intermediaries

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The role will provide support to the Head of Youth Advisory and other PFA departments where necessary. The responsibilities will include but are not limited to the following;

• Provide independent advice and guidance to academy players, parents and guardians.

• Respond to telephone and email enquiries in a timely and professional manner.

• Maintain accurate records of enquiries and support the Head of Youth Advisory with the management of data.

• Raise awareness of PFA Youth Advisory Service with designated clubs

• Raise awareness of PFA Safety Net with designated clubs

• Raise awareness of PFA Online Introduction Course with designated clubs

• Attend academy events to promote PFA Youth Advisory Service.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with academy staff (Academy Managers, Player Care, Head of Education, Head of Safeguarding)

• Arrange virtual / in person deliveries with parents and guardians at designated clubs.

• Arrange virtual deliveries with the parents and guardians at designated clubs of u16’s players that are soon to be the newest intake of PFA members

• Develop a robust knowledge on the Youth Development Rules and regulations and processes and procedures that apply within the academy system and football

• Attend regular internal meetings contributing ideas and initiatives for department improvements and growth

• Undertake appropriate CPD that correlates to the role of a Youth Advisor.

• Support and promote the exit, transition & progression work undertaken by the PFA.

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

Essential

• A passion for football and an understanding of the work of the PFA.
• Ability to form positive relationships at all levels and across stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and interpersonal skills.
• High level of integrity and confidentiality.
• Knowledge of the EPPP Academy system / rules and regulations.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and professionalism.
• Full UK driving license.

Desirable

• Experience of working in football or other sports.
• Personal experience of scholarship agreement / professional football.
• Previously held academy position / advisory role.
• Undergraduate degree in related field.

Additional spoken language skills.

The PFA is an equal opportunities employer. Our employment policies for recruitment ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender re-assignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Satisfactory documentary evidence of your eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with current legislative requirements will be requested.

As part of our commitment to ensuring a safe environment, you will need to complete an enhanced DBS check for this role.