Manchester (MAN 0125)

The student is a 14-year-old football prodigy who has been identified as a rising star in the sport. Currently training in the Midlands, he has been scouted for a five-year contract with a premier league club, starting in July 2025. Football is his singular focus and passion, and his training schedule reflects his dedication to the sport. He spends a significant portion of his week on the pitch or in training facilities, leaving limited time for other activities. While football is his priority, the family recognises the importance of ensuring the student's academic development and overall personal growth alongside his athletic career.

Academically, he is intelligent and capable, showing particular aptitude in mathematics. However, he lacks foundational knowledge in broader subjects, such as world awareness and basic etymology, due to the heavy demands of his football commitments. He is not naturally 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 young man has a slightly obsessive personality, which is reflected in his deep passion and commitment to football. His parents view this as a strength, as it fuels his dedication and discipline, but they also recognise the need to channel this trait constructively to ensure it remains a positive force in his life. For instance, he finds it challenging to regulate his use of mobile phones and social media, which can sometimes become overwhelming or distracting. Developing healthy boundaries in these areas is essential to support his mental well-being and ensure his focus remains on his goals.

Sleep is another priority for the young man's development. As both an individual and a high-performing athlete, maintaining a consistent and restorative sleep schedule is critical for his physical recovery, cognitive function, and overall health.

His parents are particularly keen on him developing practical life skills, including financial literacy. They want him to understand key concepts such as budgeting, and the management of money, which they see as critical for his future independence. In addition to academic support, they hope to see him gain an awareness of current events and broader intellectual curiosity.

In addition to his athletic pursuits, the young man's parents are keen for him to deepen his understanding of Irish history and heritage, fostering a sense of identity and connection to his roots. They also want him to develop an awareness of the privileges he has in life compared to others, encouraging humility, gratitude, and a broader perspective.

The student enjoys playing golf, which his parents support as a valuable pastime outside of football. Golf provides a relaxing yet focused outlet that complements his athletic lifestyle, offering balance and enjoyment. They see this as an important activity that should continue to be part of his life.

Given that the young man's intensive football schedule can sometimes limit his social interactions, his parents hope to explore additional activities to help him broaden his friendship group. 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 not only enrich his personal life but also provide him with a well-rounded support network as he continues to pursue his football career.

The student's personality is straightforward, and he 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 utilised for enrichment and learning opportunities.

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

The student is expected to complete six to eight GCSEs over the next three years. These will probably include the core subjects such as maths, English, and a science, as well as practical and relevant courses like nutrition, human anatomy, and financial literacy. The Tutor will need to create an individualized educational plan that complements the student's intense schedule, balancing academic learning with his physical and mental demands as an elite athlete. Collaboration with external providers, such as Highgrove (an online school) or bespoke educational platforms, may be necessary to achieve this.

Beyond academics, the Tutor will act as a mentor and role model, helping the young man 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 student'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 also take on in loco parentis responsibilities while in Manchester, overseeing the young man's daily routine and ensuring his well-being in all aspects of his life. This includes managing household tasks when necessary, such as coordinating meals, assisting with laundry, and maintaining a structured and organised environment.

Given the student's focus on football, the Tutor must recognise that academics are always secondary. 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 student to engage with academic material requires patience, creativity, and a nuanced approach that respects his limited time and energy. Progress will come from adapting to his preferences and finding ways to integrate learning into his natural rhythm.

The young man is a straightforward individual who values honesty, fairness, and consistency. 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 the student 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 young man's needs, both as a young professional and as a teenager still developing his identity outside of football. Ultimately, 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.

The Tutor/Housekeeper will typically average a 50-hour week, though the exact distribution of these hours will need to accommodate the student'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 a rented or purchased property in the Bowden area. The Tutor will have his own private area in the house, likely attic, basement, or attached residence. A car will be provided for the Tutor’s use, ensuring mobility for travel between training grounds and other locations.

The successful candidate will be able to 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 young man 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 be a keen sportsperson.

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