TEAM: Academy

LINE MANAGER: Lead PDP Sport Scientist

HOURS OF WORK: Full Time

LOCATION: Robins High Performance Centre, BS8 3TN

The work placement opportunity is part of a forward-thinking collaboration between the Academy at Bristol City Football Club and a current undergraduate/postgraduate student looking to gain experience in an elite environment. The student will be based at Bristol City Academy, Robins High Performance Centre in Bristol (BS8 3TN). The placement will be supervised by Henry Szmydt (Lead PDP Sports Scientist).

The key role of the placement student is to assist the department with Sports Science/Strength & Conditioning support within the Academy.

The position will commence last week in June 2024 and end in May 2025.

Key Responsibilities

Assist in the management of Sports Science/Strength & Conditioning programmes and delivery for all academy players.

Ensuring the Academy Sports Science/Strength & Conditioning services are consistently operating at best-practice standards.

To assist all Sports Science testing, data collection and analysis within the Academy including:

Data collection and analysis of player anthropometric assessments.
Monitoring of player data for peak height velocity and maturation assessments.
Collection and analysis of daily condition monitors (wellness) and appropriate interventions where necessary.
Execution of physical attribute testing procedures, data collation and analysis, including player reviews and relevant intervention prescriptions.
Implementing the physiological training games programme, monitoring external, internal and psychosocial training load through the use of GPS, heart rate and session RPE data collection.

Working closely with the Head of Sports Science and Lead Strength & Conditioning Coach in the design and implementation of all athletic development programmes.

Assist in the organisation of movement screening alongside all Sports Science and Medical staff in the Academy.

Assisting the Lead Sports Scientist, Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach and Senior Academy Physiotherapist in the design, planning and implementation of return-to-play, pre-habilitation, rehabilitation and strength & conditioning programmes.

Player, parent, and coach education regarding nutrition, hydration and recovery.

Maintain continued professional development pathways where possible.

Support department staff in maintaining sports science/strength & conditioning equipment and consumables.

Conduct regular research into areas of contemporary sport and exercise science and determine relevant applications, utilizing your University research project assignments where possible.

Maintaining professional standards of the Sports Science department at all times.

Supporting the Head of Sports Science in relevant departmental duties.

Person Specification

The Academy would welcome applications from individuals who have the following qualifications, interests or experiences:

Predicted/completed first or upper second class (or equivalent) degree in a relevant subject area (e.g. Sport & Exercise Science / Strength and Conditioning).
The applicant should be able to demonstrate an interest in and have some experience in football.
High levels of IT skill particularly in the use of excel (or relevant data analysis software), word processing and presentation software.
Ability to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
Knowledge and understanding of working with young players.
Available evenings and weekends.
Ability to travel independently.
Ability to work in a team environment.