Job Role
Working within the Academy Physical Development department, the employee will lead the athletic development to the U21 squad to optimise the potential of all players, including individualised programmes to develop athletic qualities and increase robustness, which are age appropriate and specific to the needs of the player.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Deliver and manage the physical development programme for the U21 PDP squad in line with the Academy’s Long Term Athletic Development curriculum.
• Work alongside the U21 Technical Coaches to implement appropriate periodisation to facilitate the development of robust, athletic and physically dominant players
• Assist with the management and collection of appropriate testing and screening tools to monitor and measure all Academy players physical qualities, including PL testing and FIP system
• Assist the Head of Academy Sports Science & Medicine to develop the athletic development programme in line with the Academy philosophy and vision, as well as the Premier League Youth Development rules and audit process
• Provide individualised physical performance provision to U21 squad (pitch and gym-based support), including rehabilitation (when required), injury prevention and recovery processes
• Maintain detailed records for the department of all actions in accordance with relevant legislation, policies, and procedures
• Develop methods to measure the impact of physical development within Academy performance model
• Provide feedback to the Head of Sports Science & Head of Academy Sports Science & Medicine on the U21 physical development programme.
• Liaise with 1st team physical performance staff to ensure clear communication and effective transition of players between professional squads
• Oversee the development and effective management of related facilities and equipment within the Academy
• Encourage an interdisciplinary approach of working within the Academy performance department that includes close links to all areas of the Club
• Support the education of all Academy player’s and parents in terms of physical development, including injury prevention, injury care, recovery, nutrition, and lifestyle away from the training ground
• Work together with universities to supervise, co-ordinate, assist and educate the Academy physical performance work placement students
• Participate in key topic research to provide clinically based evidence for current and new physical development practices
• Participate in internal and external professional development activities and demonstrate a commitment to undertake on-going formal education programmes
• Carry out any other reasonable management requests

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
Qualifications:
Essential
• Undergraduate degree in Sport Science, S&C or related subject
• Postgraduate degree in Sport Science, S&C or related subject
• Recognised certification in S&C related competence (e.g. NSCA, UKSCA, ASCA etc.)
• FA First Aid (EFAiF) Certificate
• CRB check undertaken

Desirable
• BASES Accreditation (currently working towards or achievable to submit within 6 months of employment)

Skills, Knowledge and Experience:
Essential
• A minimum of 3-5 years post qualification experience in the provision of physical development support to youth athletes in an elite sporting environment
• Established coaching and programming skills around all areas of physical development within youth football
• Knowledge on the profiling and screening of athletic qualities within youth football
• Experience of working in pressurised situations and to deadlines
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent written and IT skills
• Ability to adapt and change at short notice

Desirable
• A minimum of 2-3 years working full-time within professional football
• A minimum of 1 year experience of managing a small team (2-3 employees) of physical performance staff/Interns

Attitude/Behaviours
• Proactive mentality
• Thinks ahead with a “can do” attitude
• Generates innovative ideas
• Works well in a cognitively diverse performance department
• Loyal and committed
• Ability to adapt quickly