Club News

Academy on the search for host families

An image of the tunnel area at The Hawthorns

Would you like to have a positive impact on the life of a young footballer, or two? Do you have a spare room and live in the WS1, WS5, B20, B21, B43 or B71 postcode areas?

If yes is your answer to these questions, then we have a great opportunity for you!

Albion are looking to grow and add to our host family network to support a number of our young players (aged 16 to 20) as they continue on their football development experience. Hosting a young player can be very rewarding, fun and provides a valuable extra income for you and your family.

We are looking for ‘long term’ hosts (July 2023 through to May 2024) but are also happy to discuss short term temporary accommodation offers as well.

What do West Bromwich Albion provide:

  • Regular monthly payments to you as a host, including payment if the player is away on club business or out on loan.
  • Transport for the young player to and from your home to training and matches.
  • 24/7 support for the young player or you in the event of an emergency.
  • Training for all host families, depending on their requirements.

What is required of you:

  • Provide a warm, welcoming, safe and young person friendly household environment for up to seven nights a week (shorter host periods per week can be agreed prior to hosting).
  • Provide high-quality, nutritional meals (generally breakfast and evening, with occasional lunches) and be a non-smoking household.
  • Support the young player by teaching them basic independent living and self-care skills such as washing clothes, cooking and cleaning up after themselves.
  • Undergo a comprehensive application and screening process, as laid out in our Safer Recruitment policy. This will include DBS checks (anyone living in the home aged 16 years or older), home visits and references.
  • Communicate with the Player Care and Safeguarding Teams at WBA and the family of the young player.
  • Adhere to any further and ongoing requirements of Host Families, as outlined in the application process, including home visits from our Player Care and Safeguarding Teams.

If you feel you are able to offer an Albion Academy player a suitable family environment, please contact safeguarding@wbafc.co.uk for an application form, or phone Andy Wheeler, Safeguarding Manager, on 07816 126120 for an informal conversation regarding Host Families.

Safeguarding Statement:

West Bromwich Albion FC is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and adults at risk and requires all employees to share this commitment and promote the welfare of these groups.

Applicants will be asked about any previous convictions, cautions, reprimands, including those that are considered ‘spent’ as defined by the Rehabilitation Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amended 2013). Appointment to this role is subject to a satisfactory DBS Check (with children’s barred list check) and references.

Equality Statement:

West Bromwich Albion FC is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.  Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age; disability; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion or belief; sex; and sexual orientation.