Title: Academy Lead U9-14 Sport Scientist
Department: Academy Performance Support
Location: OUFC Training Ground, Horspath Road, Oxford, OX33 1RT
Reports to: Head of Academy Sports Science
Type of Role: Part-time (16 hours per week)
Hours of Work:
Monday: 14:00-20:30 (0.5 hour break)
Wednesday: 14:00-20:30 (0.5 hour break)
Friday: 16:30-20:30

Ahead of a planned transition to Category 2 Academy status: OUFC Boys EPPP Academy are looking to add to their excellent existing team of part-time staff with the addition of a new “Lead U9-14 Sport Scientist”.

Reporting directly to the Head of Academy Sport Science, prospective candidates will be joining Oxford United at an exciting time in the club’s history during a transition towards Category 2 status, which will operate out of a newly renovated Training Ground, plus ongoing development of a brand new stadium for the senior men’s and women’s teams, as well as competing in the second tier of Men’s football the EFL Championship.

The successful candidate will have a fierce commitment to clinical excellence and a willingness to work closely with the club’s athletic performance and coaching staff. Based at the club training ground, this exciting opportunity will see the successful candidate have day-to-day responsibility for the Sports Science provision to players within the U9-14’s age groups: leading the growth and maturation programme, providing individualised on-field athletic performance, testing, individual player benchmarking & warm-up provision, as well as exposure to the U15-U23’s and First Team, who operate out of the same site.

Oxford United Football Club is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to equality of opportunity within our own organisation, and to encourage a similar commitment from every other organisation we deal with.

Key Responsibilities:
Academy Sports Science programme:
- Lead Sports Science programme in U9-14’s.
- Lead on-field athletic testing in U9-14’s.
- Lead individualised on-field athletic development in U9-14’s.
- Benchmark U9-14’s in Gold, Silver & Bronze categories for on-field athleticism and support recruitment decisions with this data.
- Lead warm-up syllabus in U9-14’s with assistance from interns and part-time staff.
- Provide input on U9-14 prehab (incl. individual prehab programmes, group prehab syllabus, seasonal activation syllabus).

Growth & Maturation programme:
- Oversee anthropometric measurement of U9-14 Academy players.
- Produce and circulate in collaboration with Sports Science & Medical staff a 6-weekly report detailing required training modifications in U9-14 players experiencing PHV.
- Collaborate on seasonal review of Growth & Maturation programme.

Daily programme support:
- Collaborate with full-time staff during day-time admin time to plan evening programme delivery.
- Have all sessions (activation, warm-ups, gym, individual development) prepared ahead of scheduled start times.
- Ensure tidiness of Sports Science storage unit and kitchen area (incl. sourcing cleaning supplies as needed).

Essential Qualifications & Experience:
• BSc (hons) Sports Science
• Minimum 1-year full-time experience in an elite sporting environment.
• Competency to lead an elite-level Academy football growth and maturation programme.
• Outstanding communication and organisation skills.
• Competency to lead on-field individual Athletic Performance sessions, warm-ups and rehabilitation sessions.
• Competency in periodic anthropometric, on-field and off-field physical testing & analysis.
• Confident, self-motivated and able to work under pressure.
• Ability to work collaboratively with players, parents and staff.
• Outstanding clinical knowledge in Sports Science.
• Sound knowledge of Catapult GPS monitoring/reporting and MS Office packages.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience:
• 3-years full-time experience in an elite sporting environment.
• MSc Strength & Conditioning (or similar).
• A clear understanding of the Premier League’s Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP).
• Awareness of the Kitman Labs management software for Academy Audit process.
• A full drivers’ licence and access to your own vehicle.
• FA Safeguarding qualification.

Person Specification:
• Ability to work in a high pressured, elite performance environment.
• Ability to meet deadlines with high level of precision and reliability.
• Willingness to contribute to Academy running with a sense of adaptability and co-operation.
• High character individual who will represent the values of the club at all times.
• Willingness to work weekends and evenings as required by the role.
• Keen interest in evidence based, preparation and performance strategies in youth football.

Remuneration Package:
• £800-1000 (depending on experience) per month, July – May inclusive.
• Comprehensive internal and external CPD programme.
• Opportunity to receive tickets for OUFC home games.
• Use of fully equipped gym.
• Lunch provided on training days in training ground canteen.