Senior Academy PhysiotherapistportVale
Description
Reporting to: Head of Academy Medical
Contract Type: Full-Time Permanent (37.5 Hours)
Locations: Vale Park, AFC Norton, Keele University, Staffordshire University, Alsager
Key Responsibilities
- Lead medical decision making within the Academy with input from Academy Doctor, Head of Academy Medical and Head of First Team Medical.
- Provide medical cover across the Academy (U9–U18), including training sessions and fixtures.
- Lead on-pitch rehabilitation sessions.
- Undertake injury assessments and oversee injury management, rehabilitation and return-to-play processes within the Professional Development Phase and wider Academy programme.
- Produce and maintain accurate medical records in accordance with professional standards.
- Deliver injury prevention, pre-activation, and gym- and pitch-based rehabilitation programmes.
- Lead Fundamental Movement Screening, Musculoskeletal Screening and SCAT testing.
- Work closely with the Head of Academy Medical to provide regular injury updates and communicate effectively with players, parents and Academy staff throughout the injury management and rehabilitation process.
- Collaborate with the Head of Academy Medical to develop and deliver CPD to the coaching, medical and wider staff team.
- Collaborate with the wider multidisciplinary team to support the holistic development and wellbeing of Academy players.
- Contribute to the ongoing development of Academy medical processes and best practice.
About The Candidate
Essential:
- Degree in Physiotherapy.
- Current HCPC registration / CSP membership.
- FA Level 4 Immediate Trauma Medical Management in Football (ITMMiF) qualification.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to build positive relationships with players, parents and colleagues.
- Ability to work collaboratively within both the medical department and wider
- multidisciplinary team.
- Ability to work effectively within a fast-paced, professional sporting environment.
- Flexible approach to meet the demands of elite Academy football.
- Valid FA Safeguarding Children certificate.
- Willingness to undergo Enhanced DBS.
Desirable:
- Experience working within professional football or an Academy environment.
- MSc in Physiotherapy.
- FA Level 5 Advanced Trauma Medical Management in Football (ATMMiF) qualification.
- Experience delivering pitch-side medical cover.
- Experience managing musculoskeletal injuries and rehabilitation programmes within youth sport.
This job description sets out current duties of the post that may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the post or the level of responsibility.
It is necessary to undertake any training relevant to the post, including ongoing CPD training, be trustworthy and adhere to codes of conduct, ethics and confidentiality.
About The Club
Safeguarding Statement
Port Vale Football Club is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and adults at risk and require all employees to share this commitment and promote the welfare of these groups.
Applicants will be asked about any previous convictions, cautions, reprimands, including those that are considered ‘spent’ as defined by the Rehabilitation Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amended 2013). Appointment to this role is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS Check (with children’s barred list check) and references.
Health and Safety
Your core Health and Safety responsibilities are as follows:
Lead by example always being diligent and observant.
Ensure safety & risk are considered within all projects alongside the Head of Academy Education, Safeguarding Lead & Player Care Officer and any other necessary staff.
Ensure a safe and respectable learning environment for all players and staff to maximise their holistic development.
Skills
- Leadership
- Physiotherapy



