Performance Psychologist

Application Deadline: 22 May 2026

Department: First Team - Performance & Medicine

Location: AFC Bournemouth Performance Centre, Wimborne

Description

We are seeking an experienced and applied Psychologist to contribute to the delivery of psychological services within the Men’s First Team, alongside leading and delivering key aspects of the Academy psychology provision.
The role provides a unique chance to work across both senior and development environments, supporting players within the Professional Development Phase (PDP) and contributing to their transition into the First Team.

Working as part of an integrated multidisciplinary team, you will support the development of a psychologically informed performance environment that enhances individual and team performance, promotes wellbeing, and prepares athletes to meet the demands of elite football.

The role contributes to the development of integrated mental performance and wellbeing frameworks across the club. Therefore, the role integrates psychological principles into performance environments, focusing on prevention, education, and support, while contributing to a holistic and sustainable athlete development model.

The role will report to the Director of Medical & Performance and is operationally managed by the First Team Head of Medical & Performance. The role works in close collaboration with the Academy Head of Medical & Performance to ensure consistent psychological support and development across the player pathway, and aligns with external psychological consultants and clinical services where appropriate.

Key Responsibilities

First Team Contribution

Contribute to the delivery of psychological support within the Men’s First Team environment
Support players through individual and group interventions aligned to performance and wellbeing needs

Collaborate with medical and performance staff to support psychological readiness within return-to-play processes

Academy Psychology Provision

Lead and coordinate the delivery of the Academy psychology programme, working collaboratively with relevant staff across all phases
Deliver targeted psychological support within the Professional Development Phase (PDP), supporting players in preparation for senior football
Contribute to the delivery of psychology provision across the wider Academy pathway, in collaboration with other practitioners where appropriate
Support key transition points within the player pathway, particularly progression from Academy to First Team

Integration & Collaboration

Work as an embedded member of the multidisciplinary team across both First Team and Academy environments
Contribute to interdisciplinary discussions and player management processes
Support the ongoing development of a psychologically informed culture across the club

Education & Development

Deliver education sessions to players and staff on mental performance, wellbeing and personal development
Support the development of staff capability in embedding psychological principles within coaching and performance environments

General

As a member of staff to ensure in all matters, you follow and actively promote the club’s mental health policies and practices to ensure an open, non-judgmental and inclusive environment for everyone engaged with the club.
As a member of staff to ensure that you to adhere to the club’s safeguarding policies and procedures and are committed to our safeguarding values, creating a safe and positive environment for all those who interact with the club.
Obligation to adhere to the club’s health and safety policy and procedures.
Responsibility to comply with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and all related Company policies, taking reasonable care for their own safety and that of others, reporting hazards or incidents, following safe systems of work, and co-operating with all training and emergency procedures.

As a member of staff to ensure in all matters you follow and actively promote the club’s equality policies and practices to ensure a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment for everyone engaged with the club.

The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time; or the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Essential

Postgraduate qualification (MSc or equivalent) in Sport and Exercise Psychology or related discipline
HCPC registered Practitioner Psychologist, or near completion of BPS Stage 2/ CASES SEPAR training routes (evidence required upon request)
Proven experience of delivering applied psychology support within elite or high-performance sport
Demonstrable experience working directly with elite athletes
Experience of working effectively within a multidisciplinary team
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and influence across a range of stakeholders

Desirable

Experience working within professional football and/or a Category 1 Academy environment
Understanding of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP)
Ability to communicate in an additional language (e.g. French, Spanish or Portuguese)

Benefits

Free onsite parking.
Season ticket and allocation of complimentary/purchased tickets (subject to availability).
Subsidised lunches and complimentary healthy snacks throughout the day.
Discounts at the club Superstore.
Access to Health Cash Plan with Simplyhealth.
Employee Assistance Programme.
Contribution towards eye tests and glasses.
Discounts and benefits from partners and local businesses.
Club pension & Life Assurance Scheme.
Paid parental leave (bank of five days per year).
Club events or other social events throughout the year run by our club social team.
Paid volunteer opportunities (2 days per year).
Paid day’s leave on your birthday.

UK Visa Sponsorship Analytics