We are looking for local households interested in hosting Academy players living away from home.

Whether it’s just one night or a full season, please get in touch if you can accommodate one (or more) of our young players - we would love to hear from you.

We have recently restarted our Academy journey and we have young players following their dream of becoming a professional footballer. Host families are crucial in assisting young players on that journey.

Roles and responsibilities

You will:

Provide a homely and friendly environment for our young people

Support our young people by teaching them basic independent living and self-care skills such as washing, cooking and cleaning up after themselves

Provide meals in line with our nutritional guidance

Be based locally, with access to public and local amenities and good transport links to the training ground

Report any welfare concerns to the safeguarding team should they occur

Include our young people in family life as much as they feel comfortable with

We will:

Regularly visit and observe the placement throughout the season

Provide advice, guidance and support to host families, young people and their parents to ensure everyone is aware of what is expected of them

Distance and travel

We are looking for households in the local area, close to our Jersey Road training ground in Osterley.

Payment

Payments are made monthly. We recognise the commitment of every household in providing a warm and safe and caring environment and in return will offer full support and guidance at all times. Please note, this role does not constitute an employment relationship.

Safeguarding

All members of the household, aged 16 years and above, will be required to apply for an online enhanced DBS check. This will be paid for by the Club. 

Please note, players will only be placed with host families subject to satisfactory clearance. All hosts are also asked to provide evidence of a valid Gas Safety Certificate and Electrical Safety Certificate (EICR).

We are committed to equality, the safeguarding and welfare of all children and adults at risk. This responsibility is shared by all at the Club; safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

You will be required to undertake regular safeguarding training to enable and reinforce a proactive approach to safeguarding.

This role requires the post holder to apply all relevant policies and uphold the club’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable people to ensure a safe environment for all. This includes the timely reporting of any safeguarding concern to the safeguarding team.

As part of the recruitment process, we will need to conduct a number of home visits to determine the suitability and ensure the environment meets the requirements for hosting young players within the Academy.

Next steps

For more information or to submit an application, please email: [email protected]