Tom Dyson: Educator, Player Care Advocate, and Leader Bridging Education, Sport, Wellbeing & Technology
Tom Dyson is an experienced UK educator and operations leader whose professional journey sits at the intersection of education, youth sport, wellbeing, and emerging technology. Based in Slaithwaite, England, he has built a career grounded in safeguarding, pastoral care, and holistic development for young people. With over a decade of experience in education and local authority settings, alongside a growing leadership role in youth football, Tom Dyson represents a modern, responsible approach to player care and long-term outcomes for children and adolescents.
Tom Dyson’s Professional Overview
An Educator with a Holistic Vision
At the core of Tom Dyson’s career is a strong commitment to education and child wellbeing. He has worked full-time within the Kirklees Council education system since 2013, developing deep expertise in classroom teaching, safeguarding, curriculum development, and pastoral leadership. His work reflects a belief that education should support the whole child, not only academic achievement but also emotional resilience, safety, and personal growth.
Operations Lead at PLYAZ
In December 2025, Tom Dyson took on the role of Operations Lead at PLYAZ, a position he combines with his full-time teaching career. In this role, he supports the operational and strategic development of youth-focused football initiatives that prioritise education, wellbeing, and responsible development over short-term performance. His involvement at PLYAZ highlights his ability to bridge formal education with sport-based youth development systems.
Career Experience and Leadership Roles
Teaching Career within Kirklees Council
Tom Dyson has served as a teacher for over twelve years, working directly with children in structured learning environments. His responsibilities have included classroom management, lesson planning, monitoring pupil progress, and safeguarding children. He is recognised for his strong communication skills and his ability to build trust with pupils, parents, and colleagues.
Year 6 Leadership Responsibilities
Between September 2023 and August 2024, Tom Dyson held the position of Year 6 Leader. This role required additional responsibility for team coordination, pastoral oversight, and stakeholder engagement during a critical transition stage in pupils’ education. The experience further strengthened his leadership profile and understanding of child development at key educational milestones.
Governance and Stakeholder Engagement
Since September 2018, Tom Dyson has also served as a school governor. This role involves strategic oversight, accountability, and collaboration with senior leaders to ensure high standards of education, safeguarding, and wellbeing. His governance work demonstrates a long-term commitment to educational quality and institutional responsibility.
Assessment and Examination Expertise
Specialist Exam Marker
In addition to classroom teaching, Tom Dyson has contributed to national assessment processes through contract work with Capita. He has worked as both an exam marker and specialist exam marker, bringing professional judgement, consistency, and subject knowledge to formal assessment frameworks. This experience enhances his understanding of educational standards, accountability, and fairness within the UK system.
Early Career in Youth and Community Work
Lifeguarding and Youth Leadership
Before entering full-time teaching, Tom Dyson spent nearly a decade working with KAL Leisure Trust as a lifeguard, swimming instructor, and playscheme leader. This period of his career laid a strong foundation in child safety, responsibility, and working with young people in active environments.
He also gained international experience as a lifeguard and activity leader in Greece, further broadening his cultural awareness and adaptability when working with children and young people from diverse backgrounds.
Education and Academic Background
University Education
Tom Dyson completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Education with Qualified Teacher Status, specialising in primary education. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Youth Sport, graduating with a strong academic record. His academic pathway reflects a consistent focus on sport, physical development, and youth engagement.
Further Study in Sport and Psychology
Earlier qualifications include a BTEC in Sports and Exercise Science and A-level study in psychology. These disciplines underpin his professional approach, combining physical development with an understanding of mental wellbeing, motivation, and behaviour.
Safeguarding, Football, and Professional Certifications
Football Association and Safeguarding Training
Tom Dyson has undertaken extensive professional development through recognised football and education bodies. His certifications include safeguarding children, first aid in football, futsal introduction, and talent identification. These qualifications reinforce his credibility as a player care advocate and his commitment to safe, ethical youth sport environments.
Responsible Use of AI in Education
A notable aspect of Tom Dyson’s profile is his interest in the responsible use of artificial intelligence within education. He has completed formal training focused on safe and effective AI application, demonstrating forward-thinking awareness of how technology can support wellbeing, monitoring, and long-term outcomes for young people without compromising safeguarding standards.
Tom Dyson’s Approach to Player Care and Wellbeing
Bridging Education and Sport
Tom Dyson stands out for his ability to connect education systems with youth football development. Rather than treating sport as separate from learning, he promotes integrated models where wellbeing, education, and personal development are aligned.
Long-Term Outcomes for Young People
His work consistently emphasises long-term outcomes over short-term success. Whether in the classroom, governance, or football operations, Tom Dyson advocates for environments that protect children, nurture confidence, and support sustainable personal growth.
Conclusion
Tom Dyson is a dedicated educator, operations leader, and player care advocate whose career reflects depth, responsibility, and vision. Through his work in education, governance, youth sport, and safeguarding, he has developed a profile built on trust, expertise, and ethical practice. With a growing focus on wellbeing and technology, Tom Dyson continues to shape positive pathways for young people across education and sport in the United Kingdom.
