Academy Physiotherapist / Sports Therapist / Sports RehabilitatorSheffield United

Sheffield United FC Academy has a proud history of developing players who have gone on to perform at the highest levels of the game. Supporting that tradition is an integrated Elite Performance Team focused on maximising the development of Academy players.

We are seeking a Physiotherapist to join this team, supporting players across the Pre-Academy, Foundation and Youth Development Phases. The successful candidate will contribute to the assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of players, provide pitch-side medical cover from U9s through to U16s, and work closely with the wider Academy medical and performance staff to support each player's physical development and return to play.

The role would suit a practitioner who is committed to evidence-based practice, has experience in musculoskeletal care and pitch-side environments, and is keen to contribute to the continued development of players within an Academy with a long-standing tradition of producing talent at the highest level.

Role Responsibilities:

• Work as part of an integrated and progressive Academy Elite Performance team including physiotherapists, sports therapists, sport rehabilitators, sport scientists and performance coaches to optimise player physical development, performance, and agility.
• Assist the foundation and youth development phase Physiotherapist/Sports Therapist in all medical/health related matters appertaining to all foundation and youth phase players.
• Take responsibility for the upkeep, maintenance, and security of medical records (both written and electronic) for all foundation and youth phase players.
• Providing pitch-side medical cover for Saturday and Sunday fixtures across pre-academy, foundation and youth phase age groups (U9s through to U16s).
• Assist the foundation and youth development phase Physiotherapist/Sports Therapist in the development, organisation, coordination, and provision of medical, cardiology, orthopaedic, psychological, ophthalmic, movement and postural screening programmes for all relevant players.
• Assist the Academy Doctor in medical and cardiology testing as required.
• Assist the Head Academy Physiotherapist in the development, organisation and delivery of 'in-service' training for academy staff.
• Take responsibility for the implementation of any health/medical and education related briefings to staff, players and parents.
• Attend any briefings, seminars, workshops or courses as required by the Club, Academy Manager (AM) or Lead Academy Physiotherapist and to feedback on information and/or skills from these to the Head Academy Physiotherapist, staff and other physiotherapists.
• Ensure that all medical, health and educational requirements are adhered to and to report to the Head Academy Physiotherapist on all these matters.
• Employ evidence-based practise during treatment aligned with objective return to play markers.
• Recording and maintaining accurate notes on the Kitman Labs.
• Partake in Continued Professional Development (CPD) of Sports Physiotherapy programme, including compulsory sports trauma teaching sessions.
• Work within the Standards and Competencies of a 'Sports Physiotherapist' as laid out in the departmental documentation 'International Federation of Sports Physiotherapy' (IFSPT).
• Undertake any additional work or duties as required and directed by the Head Academy Physiotherapist, Academy Manager or Club.

Club Wide Responsibilities:

• Adhere to all Sheffield United Football Club's Safeguarding Policies and Procedures to foster an environment which protects from harm those defined as children and adults at risk.
• Report any concerns of a Safeguarding nature to the relevant parties and remain fully compliant with any applicable Safeguarding checks and due diligence and recognise your responsibility to the Club's Safeguarding agenda.
• Report any concerns of discrimination to the relevant parties and promote a welcoming and inclusive club environment for all.
• Adhere to the Club's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies, supporting the Club to create an environment which is inclusive and all-encompassing.
• Carry out and actively participate in all training requests as directed by the Club, including mandatory health and safety training, emergency procedures, fire safety, manual handling, safeguarding, and role-specific safety instruction.
• Any other reasonable requests as directed by management.

Essential Criteria for the Role:

• BSc Physiotherapy or equivalent degree.
• Current registration with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) or Society of Sports Therapists (SST) (if undergoing on the Pre-registration Physiotherapy course)
• Current registration with the HCPC (Physiotherapy) or SST (Society of Sports Therapists, if undergoing on the Physiotherapy course) or BASRaT (British Association of Sport Rehabilitators and Trainers).
• Prior experience of pitch-side duties.
• Prior clinical experience in the musculoskeletal setting including the use of contemporary methods of injury management and functional rehabilitation as part of a return to play pathway.
• A successful offer of employment is contingent upon the completion of an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Desirable Criteria for the Role:

• Valid pitch-side qualification (ITMMiF or equivalent).
• Previous experience of working in youth football.
• Certificate of strapping/taping.
• Previous experience of using PMA/Kitman Labs.
• Strength and Conditioning Accreditation.

Expected Schedule:

• Monday: 16:00 - 20:30
• Thursday: 16:00 - 20:30
• Sundays: 3 Hours (Location dependant)

Interview Process:

• Stage 1 - Getting to know you and competency-based questions
• Stage 2 - Practical