Academy Psychologist

Join the Legacy and Future of West Ham United

Founded in 1895, West Ham United is a club that blends rich tradition with a forward-thinking approach, creating an exciting, ever-evolving football culture. Based in the heart of London, we proudly call the London Stadium home — a state-of-the-art venue with a capacity of 62,500, making it one of the largest in the country. We are also dedicated to providing the most affordable Premier League tickets in London, championing Accessible Family Football for all.

Our women's team, achieving professional status in 2018, has soared to new heights in the Women’s Super League and reached the prestigious FA Cup final. Meanwhile, our cutting-edge Academy, which opened in 2019, is nurturing future stars, producing first-team players like Declan Rice and Ben Johnson.

With ongoing improvements to the stadium, including the iconic Billy Bonds Stand, West Ham is constantly evolving, making sure our fans experience the best in matchday atmosphere and comfort. We are also incredibly proud to hold the Disability Confident Leader status, reflecting our dedication to inclusivity and accessibility.

As we continue to grow, so does our workforce. With a dedicated team of 300 core staff and 500 event and Foundation employees, West Ham United offers a truly unique working environment. We’re especially proud to have been awarded the Premier League’s Advanced Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Standard in 2023 — our second consecutive recognition — underlining our ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and dynamic workplace.

Join us and become part of a club that stands at the crossroads of history, ambition, and innovation. West Ham United is where passion, progress, and inclusivity come together to create something special.

Why Join Us?

Diversity & Inclusion: We believe a diverse team drives creativity and strengthens performance. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and identities to apply.

Health & Wellbeing: We are committed to protecting the physical and mental health of our staff, ensuring a balanced and supportive work environment.

Career Growth: As part of a premier football club, you will have opportunities to grow and innovate in an exciting and fast-paced environment.

If you’re ready to bring your passion for Psychology and football to one of the world’s most iconic clubs, apply now!

Location: Chadwell Heath / Rush Green

Contract Type: Full-Time (Includes evenings and weekends)

Salary: Competitive, based on experience

Application Deadline: Midday, Wednesday 30th July 2025

Interview Date: Week commencing Monday 4th August 2025

Apply at:

An exciting opportunity to join West Ham United's Category 1 Academy

We are seeking an ambitious and accredited Sport & Exercise Psychologist to join our experienced and forward-thinking Academy Science & Medicine team. Based across our Chadwell Heath and Rush Green sites, you will be at the forefront of player support, helping to shape the psychological development of our young athletes and enhance their performance and wellbeing.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead on the planning and delivery of psychological support across Academy age groups through individual sessions, group workshops, game day and training interventions.

Deliver services aligned to the Academy Psychology Framework, departmental protocols and Club values.

Provide psychology support to players, parents/carers, and Academy staff through education, 1-to-1s and workshops, contributing to the Academy CPD calendar.

Collaborate closely with Player Care, Safeguarding and Medical teams to ensure mental health screening and support is embedded across the PDP phase.

Manage and maintain player profiling systems and ensure full compliance with PGAAC audit expectations.

Attend monthly Psychology and Interdisciplinary meetings, contributing to the evolution of the psychology department strategy and key performance indicators (KPIs).

Be an active contributor to a player-centered culture, working collaboratively with the MDT to prioritise individual development.

Support ongoing research and implement evidence-based practice, working with external experts where appropriate.

Safeguarding Responsibilities:

Promote the safety and welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, reporting concerns immediately via the Club’s Safeguarding Team.

Use the Club’s Child Protection Online Management System (CPOMS) to record safeguarding issues within 24 hours or as directed.

Person Specification:

Essential:

BPS-accredited BSc (Hons) in Psychology or equivalent.

MSc in Applied Sport & Exercise Psychology (BPS-accredited or equivalent).

Currently on or completed the QSEP or SEPAR accreditation pathway.

HCPC accreditation (or able to obtain within 6 months).

Experience working with elite young athletes.

Understanding of adolescent brain development.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Proven MDT collaboration and time management abilities.

Desirable:

Experience working in a Football Academy or elite football environment.

Background working with senior as well as youth athletes.

Familiarity with platforms such as PMA, Kitman Labs or Football Intelligence Platform.

Deep understanding of the EPPP framework and Category 1 Academy requirements.

Benefits on offer (may vary based on contract type and location)

• 25 days annual leave plus your birthday off
• Pension and life insurance
• Healthcare cash scheme
• Travel season ticket loan
• Cycle to work scheme
• Priority access to apply for match tickets
• Discounted season tickets
• Staff discounts in the club store, café and our official partners products and services
• Discounted gym membership and onsite fitness room facilities
• Family friendly leave policies
• Company Social events

Safeguarding:

The successful candidate must demonstrate a commitment to the safety and welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk of harm across all stakeholders. Everyone, including third parties who work with the Club or the West Ham Foundation, is responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals. Successful candidates must undergo essential background checks before starting their employment, which may include screening of social media. The type of DBS check required will depend on the responsibilities of the position and may be basic, standard, or enhanced.

The successful candidate agrees to proactively identify and respond appropriately to any concerns, and follow the Club's Safeguarding reporting procedures to report allegations of abuse, poor practice, or anything that may impact the welfare of a child, young person, or adult at risk without delay, within 24 hours, or as otherwise directed by the Club’s or the West Ham Foundation Safeguarding Team.

EDI Statement:

The successful candidate must demonstrate a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, aligning with the organisation’s business and tactical approach to eliminating barriers and addressing inequity. You agree to actively contribute to creating a discrimination-free and inclusive environment, ensuring equitable access to opportunities and benefits, while fostering a culture of dignity and respect that enables everyone to perform and achieve their potential.

Candidates must demonstrate their capability and willingness to uphold best practices and procedures, promoting lasting positive change while eliminating biases and barriers to attracting, achieving, and supporting talent from all communities, regardless of background, circumstances, or protected characteristics.

Additional Information

This role is subject to enhanced DBS Disclosure and safer recruitment checks. West Ham United FC is committed to the physical and mental wellbeing of all employees.

To apply, please submit your application via our careers portal:

Deadline: Midday, Wednesday 30th July 2025

Interviews: Week commencing Monday 4th August 2025

Please note: Due to the high volume of applications expected, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.