Professional Development Phase Physical Development CoachStoke City

Stoke City Football Club is seeking innovative and driven Professional Development Phase Physical Development Coaches to play a vital role in the physical development and performance of our players. These positions are designed for dedicated professionals with a passion for applying scientific principles to optimise athletic performance, injury rehabilitation and long term player development within the Professional Development Phase.

You will work within a multi-disciplinary team to plan and deliver evidence based conditioning and recovery programmes, utilising data driven insights to monitor player loads and inform coaching decisions. Your expertise will help foster a high performance environment that prepares our players for the physical demands of professional football.

This position is offered on a full time permanent basis. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a high degree of flexibility to cover evenings and weekends as required.

Main Responsibilities

• Leading the planning and delivery of evidence-based training, conditioning and recovery programmes for Academy players.
• Managing physical performance testing, screening and data analysis to track player development and injury rehabilitation.
• Monitoring player stress responses and training loads using GPS and heart rate analysis to optimise performance.
• Generating regular performance reports for the Head of Academy Sports Science to inform coaching decisions.
• Overseeing gym management and collaborating with nutritionists to ensure optimal resource availability.
• Contributing to talent identification processes and researching innovative sports science methods to enhance departmental support.
• Supporting a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion across the workforce.
• Adhering to business needs, including match day support and tournament organisation.

Key Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• Proven experience working within a professional football academy environment, including a strong understanding of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP).
• Advanced proficiency in performance analysis software, GPS tracking systems and data management tools.
• Strong understanding of Long-Term Athletic Development (LTAD) models, growth and maturation and injury prevention protocols.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific data into actionable insights for coaching staff and players.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor and influence positive behaviours within a multi-disciplinary team.
• High level of professional integrity, particularly regarding safeguarding, betting integrity and player confidentiality.
• Full clean UK driving licence is desirable.

This organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  Background checks and DBS checks at the appropriate level will be obtained prior to employment commencing.