What is the role?
The role is responsible for overseeing the athletic development of U9-U16 players, supporting the Schoolboys Athletic Development team in delivering a programme that is tailored to the individual needs of each player. The aim is to make a meaningful impact on the wider academy by contributing to long-term athletic development strategies. A key part of the role involves upholding the department’s innovative practices, particularly in its understanding of growth and maturation, and ensuring these are applied effectively throughout the programme. The successful candidate will also play a vital role in contributing to a sports science department that is recognised as a centre of excellence in player development and cutting-edge medical and scientific research.

What will you be doing?

You will build upon and develop the long-term athletic development plan, helping to shape and influence the department’s strategy and physical framework, ensuring best practices in all areas of youth athletic development. You will deliver a comprehensive athletic development programme to specific age groups within the U9-U16 academy, as well as plan and evaluate the on- and off-pitch sessions. Additionally, you will help players understand their physical development and adopt professional behaviours and habits.

Cross-phase collaboration within the department is key, particularly in managing player transitions and sharing expertise as needed. You’ll support the alignment of delivery across the Schoolboys Athletic Development staff, ensuring practices are consistent with departmental plans and physical frameworks.

You’ll work closely with academy staff to promote an interdisciplinary approach that enhances player development. Daily and long-term collaboration with technical coaches will support training practices and athletic development within the schoolboys squads. A close partnership with the academy medical team will be essential to designing injury prevention programmes and assisting with rehabilitation plans and session delivery.

Knowledge sharing is also a vital component, helping to upskill staff across departments in relevant aspects of youth athletic development. Supported by the Academy Performance Manager and the Performance Support Research Group, you will drive performance projects focused on youth physical development and talent retention.

A critical aspect of the role involves comprehensive data collection and analysis to monitor and guide player development. This includes training and match monitoring, performance testing, and anthropometric assessments. You will ensure accurate record-keeping using relevant data management platforms and contribute player development insights at meetings and to key stakeholders. Lastly, you will be expected to uphold and promote high-performance standards among staff, players, and within the academy environment.

Is this you? 

You are confident in working as part of a multidisciplinary team and have successfully delivered and developed sports science services within elite youth sport settings. You possess a strong enthusiasm and curiosity for youth athletic development and have the ability to engage and inspire young players effectively.

Essential Skills & Experience

• A qualification at degree level (or equivalent) in sports science or a related discipline. 
• A qualification at Masters level in sports science or a related discipline. (Desirable) 
• UKSCA & BASES accreditation or ability to attain within agreed timeframe. 
• Demonstrable enthusiasm and curiosity in youth athletic development, with an ability to engage and inspire youth players. 
• Knowledge and experience of impacting player development working within long term athletic development programmes. 
• Extensive knowledge of paediatric exercise science and relevant contemporary issues. 
• Experience of successfully integrating into established multidisciplinary teams. 
• Experience of coordinating, delivering, and developing sports science services within elite youth sports. 

How this benefits you… 

If you are successful, you can look forward to a healthy benefits package; 

• Access to x2 free match tickets for every home league game
• Access to our staff Health & Wellbeing initiatives (Mental & Physical Health).
• Discounted Southampton Football Club merchandise.
• 25 days holiday per year excluding bank holidays plus your birthday off each year.
• Contributory Pension Scheme.
• Worldwide Travel Insurance for you and your family.
• Learning & Development opportunities - supporting you to develop your potential and achieve in your career.
• Free onsite parking.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Collaborative & inclusive working culture.