Leyton Orient FC and Leyton Orient Trust Work Experience Policy Season 2026-27
Leyton Orient Football Club and Leyton Orient Trust recognise that professional football is an exciting and vibrant industry that requires talented and skilled people at all levels and is therefore committed to supporting young people to learn and gain an insight into a wide range of career opportunities available. Through our work experience and employability programmes, we aim to improve life chances, develop employability skills and provide meaningful opportunities for young people to explore potential careers in sport, coaching, football operations and community engagement. This policy outlines the opportunities available, the application process and the expectations of all participants.
Purpose and Vision
The purpose of the Leyton Orient Work Experience Programme is to:
• Introduce young people to the football and sports industry
• Provide practical insight into a variety of job roles across the Club and Trust
• Support employability, confidence, and personal development
• Enhance career awareness and aspirations
• Contribute to the wider community commitment of improving life chances for young people
Point of Contact
• All work experience and placement opportunities are coordinated by Pallavi Patel, Employability Manager at Leyton Orient Trust.
• Applications and enquiries regarding work experience, placements, internships and apprenticeships should be submitted via email to: w.experience@leytonorient.com
Opportunities Offered
Work Experience
• Available to young people aged 14 – 16 (Year 10 and Year 11 students)
• This work experience will be delivered through Leyton Orient Trust only
• Placements will be for up to two weeks maximum and students will be able to gain experience across the Trust but mainly with the primary schools’ team, with occasional opportunities within the youth engagement team, Health and Well Being Team and central organisation support.
• Placements will take place Monday – Friday, anytime between 09:00 – 17:00 and due to capacity are limited.
Work Placements
• Available to young people aged 16 – 18 (Year 12 and Year 13 students)
• Work placements will be delivered through both the Club (excluding Men’s First Team) and the Trust, allowing young people to gain an in depth understanding of how both organisations operate. Experience will be gained in a number of different thematic areas (availability dependent)
• The duration of these placements will be based on the required hours by each young person.
• Placements will take place Monday – Saturday, anytime between 09:00 – 17:00. Depending on activities available, there may be a requirement to stay past 17:00. Examples could be during an evening match, where opportunities to shadow staff are available.
Internships
• Available to young people aged 18+ (Higher Education students)
• Internships could be based either within the club or the trust and are subject to availability.
• The duration of each internship will be based on agreed placement hours between the club/trust and university.
• All internships are delivered in partnership with University of East London.
Apprenticeships
• Available to young people aged 18 – 24
• Apprenticeships could be based either within the Club or the Trust and will be subject to organisational needs and recruitment cycles.
Areas of Experience
Opportunities may include, but are not limited to:
• Primary schools coaching
• Community and sports development
• Administration and operations
• Finance
• Matchday and event support
• Media and marketing
• Employability and education programmes
Placement Timeline
Work experience will be offered in June / July of each year and will be based within the Trust only. Work placements will be offered during the school holidays below and will be based within both the club and the trust:
• October half term
• February half term
• Easter holidays
• Summer holidays
Please note: There will be no club placements between May and July of each year. Internships and apprenticeships will take place as and when there is availability.
Application and Selection Process
All applicants are required to complete the following process
• Submit an expression of interest via email. All enquiries and expressions of interest should be sent to: w.experience@leytonorient.com
• Complete an application form
• Attend an interview, where appropriate
• Provide references if requested
• Successful applicants will receive confirmation of placement details, expectations and any required documentation before the placement begins.
• It should be noted that due to capacity issues only applications from students who are currently part of Trust programmes or have a link with the Club will be considered.
Safeguarding
Organisation Expectations
• Leyton Orient FC and Leyton Orient Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
• All placements will operate in line with the club and trust safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Young people will be provided with appropriate supervision throughout the work experience / work placement. Only staff who are DBS checked, will be involved in any delivery and supervision and all staff are expected to uphold safeguarding responsibilities at all times.
Participant Expectations
• Follow all safeguarding guidance
• Behave respectfully and professionally
• Report any concerns to an appropriate member of staff / Safeguarding Lead / employability manager
Equality and Inclusion
• Leyton Orient FC and Leyton Orient Trust are committed to creating inclusive opportunities for all young people regardless of background, disability, gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation.
• Applications are welcomed from all members of the community, and reasonable adjustments will be considered where required.
Review - This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with organisational objectives and safeguarding requirements.
• Policy Date: May 2026
• Policy Review Date: May 2027