Women’s First Team Lead PhysiotherapistCharlton Athletic

Charlton Athletic Women’s Football Club is more than a workplace. It is a club with deep roots in Southeast London, built on community, resilience and ambition.

Founded in 1905, Charlton has a proud history that includes an FA Cup triumph in 1947 and generations of supporters who see the club as part of their identity.

From our historic home at The Valley to our high-performance training ground at Sparrows Lane, every role at Charlton contributes to something bigger than a job – helping deliver elite performance on the pitch and unforgettable experiences for supporters.

We are proud to be a family club with ambition, where passionate and committed people can build meaningful careers in football.

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“Working at Charlton means you’re part of something bigger than yourself. On a matchday you feel the energy of the supporters and know the work you do matters.”
Simon Lenagan – Group Sporting Director

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Job Details

Job Title: Women’s First Team Lead Physiotherapist

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Location: The Valley / Sparrows Lane Training Ground

Salary: Up to £40,000 dependent on experience

Hours: Full time - matchdays inclusive

We are looking for a Women’s First Team Lead Physiotherapist / Sports Therapist to join our team and play an important role in supporting the club’s continued growth and success.

Working within a fast-paced professional football environment, you will contribute to delivering high standards across the club while helping create an environment where players, staff and supporters can thrive.
 

Job Purpose

·         To support the performance ambitions of the programme by leading and delivering best practice physiotherapy and professional care to players

·         To lead a best practice approach to mitigating injury risk

·         To ensure that optimal return to play strategies and delivery is in place to minimise time away from training and playing

·         Line manage FT and PT therapists, students and interns and support with all aspects of medical provision within the Academy age groups

·         To play a role in developing and sustaining a culture of high performance, safer working, and respectful behaviour

What We're Looking For

·         A team-first mindset and pride in contributing to collective success

·         The ability to perform and make sound decisions in a high-pressure sporting environment

·         Relentless attention to detail and commitment to elite standards

·         Accountability, professionalism and a willingness to go the extra mile

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

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Delivery:

·         Ensure players benefit from a high quality physiotherapy service which minimises injury incidence

·         Develop and lead the teams return to play strategies in collaboration with the Club Doctor and SS team

·         Ensure effective systems and processes are in place to aid the co-ordination of the multi-disciplinary team

·         Ensure there is an evidence-based approach, that is appropriately data informed

·         Identify trends in injury patterns, informing future practice

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Relationships and Team working:

·         Maintain strong relationships between coaching staff and physiotherapy, and between physiotherapy and other performance support functions (e.g., S&C), and wider teams (e.g., safeguarding)

·         Ensure a holistic approach to the treatment and prevention and treatment of injury exists at the club

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Physiotherapy provision

·         Consult with players to gather information about health and injury

·         Work with players in the assessment, diagnosis, and rehabilitation of all injuries

·         Discuss all potential referrals for radiology/specialist opinion with the Head of Medical

·         Devise and deliver individualised rehabilitation/ treatment plans

·         Provide pitch side first aid and support

·         Use developed clinical reasoning skills to review and evaluate patient progress and current condition

·         In conjunction with the team Doctor and Head of Performance lead on the assessment of new player signings

·         Liaise with Head of Performance to agree and report player readiness for training and matches

·         Deliver physical screening / movement screening throughout the season working with the performance department and team doctor

·         Provide staff with formal performance reviews (appraisals) and hold regular informal 1-1s

·         Encourage the medical team to network, attend conferences and develop their craft and understanding of best practice

·         To ensure the squad are supported by medical staff by arranging appropriate medical cover at all times throughout the season and off-season

·         To hold a weekly medical meeting with the PGA physiotherapist, focusing on reviewing SOAP notes, injury prognosis, treatment & rehabilitation. These meetings can be held in-person or online and should be documented and minuted.

·         To offer a second opinion on complex cases and if needed, collaborate with the Men’s Head of Medical on best management plans.

·         In delivering the above, ensure the latest clinical, scientific, and technical innovations for practice are incorporated into maintaining the highest level of care

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Data and evaluation

·         Collect and analyse data including injury and illness incidence & rate. Analyse and use insight to refine practice (e.g., injury prevention strategy)

·         Ensure medical records are up to date accurate and confidential; and meet the requirements of the football authorities (e.g., The FA & Pro League) and other regulations (e.g., GDPR, UKAD), and comply with the Health and Care Profession Council standards of documentation

·         Engage in the Professional League Injury and Illness surveillance project

·         Monitor practices and ensure they meet the criteria & standards set by the Care Quality Commission

·         Provide periodic (e.g., daily, weekly) injury reports to stakeholders (Head of Women’s Football, Head Coach / Manager, Head of Performance Support, Head of Medical)

·         Attend weekly injury update meetings/discussions with the Head of Medical

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Multi-disciplinary working

·         Contribute to strategies for prevention and reduction of injury

·         Manage the Women’s first team medical staff (Sports Therapist, Student, paramedics) to always ensure adequate provision and organisation

·         Ensure all players attending external consultations are supported by a member of the medical team

·         Work with complementary functions (e.g., S&C, safeguarding, performance wellbeing) to ensure a player-centric culture is in existence

·         Provide physiotherapy input to case management meetings, to optimise player performance and minimise time lost due to injury

·         Assist the Head of Medical in the recruitment process of any medical members of staff.

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Budget management

·         Monitor and discuss season by season budget with the Head of Medical

·         To assist with medical equipment stock orders

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Self-development

·         Attend CPD events and undertake CPD activities in line with identified development themes

·         Conduct and oversee research projects to underpin practice and service development

·         To attend, participate and contribute towards the regular in-service programme within the medical department. 

·         To keep up to date with relevant first aid qualifications (ATMMiF);

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MAIN JOB REQUIREMENTS AND PERSON SPECIFICATION

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Education/Qualifications/Training:

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For a Physiotherapist

·         Registered member of the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC).

·         Chartered Physiotherapist (CSP)

·         Have appropriate medical indemnity to treat/advise BWSL and BWC players

·         Full, up to date Advanced Emergency Aid qualification; this should be the Level 5 ATMMIF

·         Attend a yearly ATMMiF reaccreditation

·         UKAD Clean Sport Advisor

·         Safeguarding and Protecting Children / FA Safeguarding Children (acquired before starting role)

·         DBS Clearance / Enhanced FA CRC check (acquired before starting the role)

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Essential Experience / Qualifications

·         BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy or BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy / Sports Rehabilitation (E)

·         Physiotherapists - HCPC and CSP Membership (E)

·         Sports Therapists / Rehabilitators – Membership with the appropriate body (E)

·         Minimum 1-2 years’ experience in elite sport (E)

·         Demonstrable experience Assessing injuries and providing Musculoskeletal rehabilitation in athletes (E)

·         Experience using VALD technology (E)

·         ATMMiF pitch side trauma qualification (D)

·         Experience working with female athletes (D)

·         Further Qualifications (Sports Massage, Dry Needling) (D)

Skills & Attributes

·         Physiotherapy related clinical skills

·         Communication and relationship building

·         Leadership

·         Decision making under pressure

·         Interpersonal skills

·         Organisational and administrative skills

·         Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

·         A positive and professional approach

Experience working within elite sport is beneficial but not essential for many roles – what matters most is attitude, commitment and a willingness to contribute to the success of the club.

Why Join Charlton Athletic?

·         Work within a professional football environment

·         Contribute to a historic club with a proud identity

·         Be part of a collaborative and passionate team

·         Develop your career in elite sport

Safeguarding

Charlton Athletic Women’s Football Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

The successful applicant will be required to complete all relevant pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, satisfactory references, identity verification, and confirmation of their right to work in the UK, where applicable.

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Additional Information

·         This role may require evening and weekend working.

·         Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in the UK.

·         Charlton Athletic Women’s Football Club is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

·         Due to the volume of applications received, we reserve the right to close this vacancy before the advertised closing date. Early applications are therefore encouraged.

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