The Oxford United Academy are currently seeking host family providers, couples or singles, to support our elite young players who need to live away from home to undertake their football training at our club. Players may range from 15 to 21.
Host families would be required to provide homely accommodation throughout the season. Players would require their own double bedroom. Access to public transport and local amenities is desirable.
Our placements vary from short-term one-night stays to longer term 5-7 nights a week. We are recruiting for families who can offer either or both types of placements.
Host families would be required to guide our young players by teaching them basic independent living skills, such as washing, cooking, cleaning after themselves alongside self-care skills (for example, how to book medical appointments). Young players are also paid a ‘wage’ so may also require guidance on saving and budgeting, especially for items such as mobile phone bills or car insurance. The host family will be required to provide meals (dependent upon the Academy schedule) in line with the basic nutrition guide provided by the Academy.
Hosts are encouraged to include young players in family life as much as the player feels comfortable. Both hosts and young players are given guidelines explaining what is expected of each of them. All our host families are regularly visited and inspected by us. Training is provided and annually refreshed.
Additionally, they formally undertake to protect and care for the young players in their charge.
ACADEMY HOST FAMILY PROVIDERS
Term: Self Employed
Location: Within 20-minute drive from Oxford United FC Training Ground, Horspath Road, OX33 1RT.
Salary: Dependent on number of players and nights per week
Application closing date: Ongoing
Oxford United Football Club is committed to equal opportunities as well as safeguarding, promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Any applicant wishing to be considered as a host family will need to demonstrate they are able to share this commitment.
As part of this commitment, host families are required to attend Safeguard Training every three years, which is delivered by the Football Association/Football League. Hosts family members and any other persons over the age of 16 who reside at the address, are legally required to complete enhanced DBS checks, subscribe to the DBS Update Service on an annual basis and to authorise the club to obtain a medical report from their GP. Fees for checks will be reimbursed.
If you are interested, please submit a CV, covering letter and relevant documents to Gareth Hamer: ghamer@oufc.co.uk
If you require further information prior to applying please contact Gareth Hamer, Head of Academy Recruitment on ghamer@oufc.co.uk
OUFC is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sectors of the community.