Private tutor – Manchester, England

Student

The student is a 14-year-old football prodigy who has been scouted for a five-year contract with a premier league club, starting in July 2025. Football is the boy’s singular focus and passion, and his training schedule reflects his dedication to the sport.  While football is his priority, the family recognises the importance of ensuring his academic development and overall personal growth alongside his athletic career.

The boy is intelligent and capable, showing particular aptitude in mathematics. However, he lacks foundational knowledge in broader subjects, such as world awareness and basic etymology. He is not drawn to reading or traditional forms of academic engagement and has little patience for extended study sessions.  His academic progress must be structured to fit seamlessly into his rigorous schedule, focusing on essential subjects that will equip him for life beyond football.

The student has a slightly obsessive personality which his parents view as a strength given that it fuels his dedication and discipline.  They also recognise the need to channel this trait constructively to ensure it remains a positive force in his life. For example, he finds it challenging to regulate his use of mobile phones and social media. Developing healthy boundaries in these areas is essential to support his mental health and ensure he remains focussed.

Maintaining a consistent, restorative sleep schedule is another priority for his development, and is critical for his physical recovery, cognitive function, and overall health.

The boy’s parents are keen for him to develop practical life skills, including financial literacy. They want him to understand key concepts such as budgeting, and money management.  They also want him to deepen his understanding of Irish history and heritage, fostering a sense of identity and connection to his roots, as well as developing an awareness of the privileges he has in life compared to others, encouraging humility, gratitude, and a wider perspective.

Additionally, his parents hope to explore activities to help him broaden his friendship group beyond football. This could involve engaging in hobbies or opportunities that allow him to connect with peers and develop relationships outside of the football environment. These interactions will enrich his personal life and provide him with a well-rounded support network as he pursues his chosen career.

The boy values fairness and consistency in his interactions. He responds negatively to dishonesty or broken promises, making it important to communicate openly and deliver on commitments. While he prefers downtime that is focused on rest or travel, his parents believe this time could be better used for enrichment and learning opportunities.

Role of the Tutor

The Tutor’s primary responsibility is to provide tailored academic support while acknowledging and respecting that football will always be the boy’s top priority. The Tutor must adapt to his rigorous training and match schedule, ensuring that academic commitments fit seamlessly around his football responsibilities. This needs a high degree of flexibility and understanding of the demands of a professional athlete’s lifestyle.

The boy is expected to complete six to eight GCSEs over the next three years. These will likely include the core subjects, as well as relevant courses like nutrition, human anatomy, and financial literacy. The Tutor will create a personal education plan that complements the boy’s schedule, balancing academic learning with the physical and mental demands of an elite athlete. Collaboration with external providers, such as Highgrove online school or bespoke educational platforms, may be necessary.

The Tutor will be a mentor and role model, helping the boy develop life skills and broader intellectual curiosity. This includes fostering a basic understanding of current events, encouraging critical thinking through accessible materials like the Financial Times or New Scientist, and introducing topics that align with the boy’s interests or future needs. The Tutor must engage him in discussions and activities that add value to his limited downtime, ensuring these moments are used productively without overwhelming him.

The Tutor will take on in loco parentis responsibilities, overseeing the boy’s routine and ensuring his well-being in all aspects of his life. This includes managing household tasks such as coordinating meals, assisting with laundry, and maintaining a structured and organised environment.

There will be times when training, matches, or travel must take precedence, and the Tutor must be prepared to adjust schedules and expectations accordingly. Encouraging the boy to engage with academic material requires patience, creativity, and a nuanced approach that respects his time and energy. Progress will come from adapting to his preferences and finding ways to integrate learning into his natural rhythm.

The Tutor must foster a relationship built on trust and mutual respect, helping him navigate the challenges of balancing his demanding schedule with the responsibilities of growing up. Encouragement, structure, and clear communication will be essential in ensuring he feels supported while maintaining his focus on football.

The ideal candidate will have a personal interest in sports or fitness, with a deep understanding of the nutritional, physical, and psychological needs of a high-performing athlete. They must be highly organised, proactive, and capable of managing a complex dynamic. The Tutor should be sensitive to the boy’s needs, both as a young professional and as a teenager still developing his identity outside of football. The Tutor’s role is to support his holistic growth, enabling him to thrive in his athletic pursuits while providing him with the tools and knowledge to prepare for life beyond football.

Hours and Holidays, Accommodation and Travel 

The Tutor/Housekeeper will typically average a 50-hour week, though the distribution of these hours will need to accommodate the boy’s training and personal schedule. The Tutor will be entitled to two consecutive days off per week, normally at weekends, but it is essential that he or she understands the need to be flexible regarding the Client’s commitments.

The Tutor will have a minimum of 9 weeks off per annum, to be taken at times agreed upon with the Client.

The Client will provide accommodation in the Bowden area. The Tutor will have their own private area in the house. A car will be provided for the Tutor’s use, ensuring mobility for travel between training grounds and other locations.

Miscellaneous

The successful candidate will offer more than the minimum requirements of this position and must have been raised in a socially appropriate background. The right candidate will be highly organised, unflappable, meticulous and patient. This role is all about helping to create a ‘bubble’ around the boy so that he can reach his full potential.

The Tutor must be a fit, healthy and a non-smoker – active and energetic. He or she should a keen sportsperson.

This role might be suitable for a tutoring couple, sharing the responsibilities.

For more information and instructions on how to apply, please visit: 

tijobs.net/593