Job Description

About the Team:

The Player Development Team at SAFC, are dedicated to shaping young talent both on and off the pitch!

Our core mission is to provide a comprehensive education and development framework that empowers youth players to grow into skilled athletes and responsible individuals.

The Opportunity:

Join us as a Part-Time Academy Accommodation Coordinator and play a crucial role in supporting the development and wellbeing of talented young players. Working 25 hours a week, you’ll oversee the daily operations of our Host Parent Programme, ensuring players live in safe, nurturing, and supportive environments. You’ll build strong relationships with host families, players, and their families, coordinating placements, conducting welfare checks, and providing ongoing support to promote personal and athletic growth.

This is an exciting opportunity to be at the heart of player welfare, working closely with the wider team to ensure high standards of care, safeguarding, and compliance. You’ll lead efforts to recruit, train, and develop host parents, organizing meetings and development sessions throughout the season. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact, enjoy relationship management, and thrive in a flexible, part-time role, this position offers a rewarding chance to help young athletes thrive both on and off the pitch.

What We Ask For:

We’re looking for someone with experience working with young people, families, or within welfare, safeguarding, education, or player care environments. You should be highly organised, detail-oriented, and confident in building positive relationships with a range of stakeholders. Strong communication skills, the ability to work independently, and effectively manage priorities are key. A good knowledge of Microsoft Office, along with a full UK driving licence and willingness to travel for home visits, is essential. A genuine commitment to safeguarding and the welfare of children and young people is a must.

Ideally, you’ll have experience in elite sport, football academies, education, or residential care, and a good understanding of Academy Player Care and safeguarding standards. Experience in coordinating accommodation or welfare programmes, plus relevant qualifications, will give you an edge. We’re looking for a compassionate, proactive, and discreet team player who is passionate about creating a positive, supportive environment for our young players and host families. If you thrive in a dynamic setting and want to make a real difference, this could be the perfect role for you.

An Enhanced DBS from Sunderland AFC is required.

Location and eligibility: This is a full-time, on-site role based at the Academy of Light. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK, as we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.