Women’s First Team Physiotherapist / Sports TherapistCharlton 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 Physiotherapist / Sports Therapist

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Location: The Valley / Sparrows Lane Training Ground

Salary: £35,000 - £37,000 dependent on experience

Hours: Full time - matchdays inclusive

We are looking for a Women’s First Team 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.

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Job Purpose

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·         To deliver world-class physiotherapy provision within the Women’s First Team environment, supporting player availability, performance readiness and injury recovery.

·         To play a key role in the Sport Science and Medicine MDT, contributing to injury prevention, clinical diagnosis, rehabilitation and return to performance processes for elite footballers.

·         The role requires a proactive, flexible, adaptable and performance driven practitioner capable of operating in a high-pressure environment where decision-making directly influences player availability and team performance. This role will involve working collaboratively with colleagues across the club in a dynamic sporting environment where flexibility, teamwork and professionalism are essential.

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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·         Provide high level musculoskeletal assessment, diagnosis and clinical reasoning for First Team players;

·         Lead day-to-day injury management for assigned players within the squad;

·         Determine and action appropriate referral pathways where required

·         Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation in line with the HCPC and CSP standards

·         Deliver evidence-based treatment and interventions for acute and chronic injuries

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REHAB AND RETURN TO PERFORMANCE

·         Design implement and progress individualised rehabilitation programmes for injured players.

·         Integrate strength and conditioning, pitch based conditioning and technical elements into rehab planning

·         Use objective monitoring tools (e.g GPS, force plates, force frame, nordbord or equivalent systems to guide decision making.

·         Lead and coordinate RTT and RTP progression in collaboration with MDT staff

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INJURY PREVENTION & PERFORMANCE SUPPORT

·         Contribute to injury mitigation strategies across the First Team squad

·         Support the development and delivery of prehabilitation programmes

·         Conduct/participate in screening and physical profiling in collaboration with sports science and S&C

·         Provide daily readiness interventions (mobility, activations, recovery strategies)

·         Contribute towards load management decisions where necessary

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Pitch-side and Matchday Responsibility ​

·         Provide pitch-side emergency care during training and matches where applicable

·         Provide physiotherapy treatment and rehabilitation to injured players on match-days

·         Ensure appropriate medical equipment, pitch-side kit and emergency planning is in place 

·         Participate in emergency action planning and scenario rehearsals

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Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration

·         Support players through attendance of consultations, imaging appointments or any other appointment requested by the Head Physiotherapist;

·         Work closely with Head of Medical, Doctor, Sports Therapist, Sports Scientists, S&C, Nutritionist, Psychologist, Osteopath, podiatrist and all other performance staff.

·         Contribute to daily MDT meetings, providing clear updates on player status and progress.

·         Produce macroplans for injured players and collaborate with the Sports science team to ensure a smooth transition for the player between departments

·         Communicate effectively with coaching staff regarding availability, modification and RTT and RTP timelines

·         Support integrated decision making around training load, performance and availability

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PLAYER CARE & REPORTING

·         Build strong trusting relationships with First Team players

·         Provide clear, honest and evidence based communication regarding injury status and rehabilitation progress

·         Support player education around injury prevention, recovery and performance optimisation

·         Contribute to a culture of high accountability, professionalism and performance.

·         To be part of the off-season rota (with the other members of the medical team) for the professional playing squad to ensure continuity of treatment;

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DATA MONITORING & REPORTING

·         Maintain accurate and confidential medical records

·         Contribute to injury audit reporting, data tracking and any ongoing research projects

·         Use objective data to support clinical decision making and rehabilitation progression

·         Support continuous improvement through reflection and evidence based practice

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Professional development and Innovation

·         Maintain up to date knowledge of the latest Sports Medicine and Physiotherapy research

·         To attend and engage in both internal and external CPD learning opportunities to update skills and maintain HCPC Registration, with prior approval from the Head physiotherapist.  The course should be of a nature that will benefit both yourself and Charlton Athletic Football Club;

·         Contribute to innovation within the medical and performance department

·         Support in the mentoring of junior staff or interns where appropriate

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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.