Morecambe FC Seek Host Families for Academy Players
An opportunity has arisen at Morecambe Football Club’s Academy to offer host accommodation to the Club's young footballers (16-18 year old) for the upcoming 2023/24 season.
We rely on our network of excellent host families to help us to care for our academy players during the season, providing young players with a safe and comfortable ‘home from home’. We are looking for additional families within the area to add to our host family network. This is an opportunity for you to make a difference and work with the Shrimps Academy. As part of the Shrimps family you will have access to match tickets for first team and youth cup fixtures, along with other events that are hosted at the Mazuma Stadium.
From time to time some apprenticeship players need to stay with host families allowing them to follow their dream of becoming a professional footballer. Host families are crucial in assisting young players on that journey, as they need to stay with host families to take the opportunity of full-time employment at the Football Club.
We are looking for local households interested in hosting academy players living away from home. So whether it’s just a few days or a full season, please get in touch if you can accommodate one of our young players; we would love to hear from you.
Accommodation will generally be required from a Sunday evening until Saturday morning during the football season, with a break over Christmas and from the middle of May - throughout June. Some players might require 7 night accommodation, so please let us know if that is something you can offer.
Location Requirements & Family Suitability
● We are looking for households in the local area, preferably within a 3-mile radius of Morecambe and Lancaster College. A home slightly further afield with good transport links to the college is equally desired.
● Experience of bringing up children or looking after teenagers.
● The players will require their own room, although a room share would be considered if more than one player can be housed, and they must be provided with breakfast and an evening meal which meets the nutritional demands of a professional athlete.
● A family that supports our young people by teaching them basic independent living and self-care skills such as washing, cooking and cleaning up after themselves.
Payment
Payments are made weekly. 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.
Safeguarding
You will be required to undertake regular safeguarding training and attend a safeguarding induction to enable and reinforce a proactive approach to safeguarding. This includes the timely reporting of any safeguarding concern to the safeguarding team.
As part of the recruitment process the Club would complete several visits to determine the suitability of location and to ensure that the home meets the requirements for hosting a young player with the Football Club.
This role will have regular contact with children, and it is therefore required by law to have a DBS Enhanced Criminal Record Check with children’s barred list check for all house occupants aged 18 or older. This will be funded by the football club.
If you feel that you fit the criteria above and are interested in finding out more information or applying to be considered for this paid role, please contact Joe Shaw: academysafeguarding@mfc-academy.com