Job Title: Academy Head of Sports Science

Location: Poolfoot Farm Sport & Leisure Complex

Hours: Full Time inc evenings / weekends when required

Salary: Competitive

The successful applicant will have gained experience and extensive knowledge from working within elite sport.

MAIN ROLE

To lead the Sports Science provision for all Academy players, being the line manager for all Sports Science and Strength & Conditioning staff.

To provide support for the Elite Performance Team (1^st team) when required for training/ match days.

Main Responsibilities and Key Result Areas:

As a leader of the Sports Science Team, the post holder will be responsible for:

• To lead on the planning of all Sports Science and Strength & Conditioning (S&C) activity across all Academy age groups.


• Lead on the development of Sports Science and S&C staff, promoting a positive culture of professional and self-development.


• To attend all Academy Management Team meetings, providing departmental updates in line with KPI’s and positively contributing to the wider Academy.


• To manage the support systems used within the Academy, continually looking at improving knowledge and understanding of using data to improve performance.


• Oversee the use of data within the Sports Science department, ensuring real time data is used to support the planning of activity and player pathways, providing useful discussion to aid performance.


• To plan for Sports Science and S&C staff to work with appropriate age groups, relative to the age and stage experience of the staff with the appropriate group.


• To lead the Sports Science department in line with the club policy and EPPP guidelines.


• Contribute to the delivery of the development of the Sports Science activity, working across all age groups with a minimum of one x evening per week.


• Drive standards and progression of working across all areas of the Academy. Educate players on the why and reasoning behind physical exercise.


• Work in collaboration with the medical department for the treatment and rehabilitation of Academy players daily (U9-U21), with a particular focus on return to play and injury prevention.


• To lead on regular CPD and training relevant for the role to progress the Sports Science & Medical department.


• Regulation and management of the PMA for individual injuries and performance clock during rehabilitation, working alongside the Medical team to track.


• Provide a holistic approach when working with individuals’ teams on physical development and performance.


• To assist the Elite Performance Team with the First Team Squads on a daily basis, as and when required.


• To provide support for the Elite Performance Team (1^st team) when required for training/ match days.

QUALIFICATIONS

• MSc in Sports Science / Strength & Conditioning


• Have or working towards BASES


• UKSCA


• Experience of leading and delivering on full stage rehabilitation plans


• FA Safeguarding Children

Desirable 

• Experience of working in an Academy under EPPP rules


• BSc in Sports Science, S&C (or related field)


• Knowledge of elite level requirements


• IT literate with a knowledge of the PMA

Person Specification:

• Confident communicator with a can-do attitude


• Dynamic, enthusiastic, and ambitious individual


• Proactive decision maker who maintains high standards


• Committed to achieving the agreed objectives