Academy Lead Sports Scientist

Location

The County Ground with the abilities to travel to other training facilities

Academy Director & Head of Football Development, Academy Head of Player Development, Academy Head of Coaching

37.5 hours per week

Responsible for overseeing the physical and athletic development of young athletes in an academy setting, including designing and implementing strength & conditioning programmes, collaborating with the multidisciplinary team, and monitoring player progress. The Lead Sport Scientist will have responsibility for the day-to-day PDP sport science delivery aswell leading physical programs across the schoolboy age groups.

• Undertake self-development to ensure knowledge in relation to all aspects of physiotherapy is up-to-date and forward-thinking.

• Develop and implement innovative strength and conditioning programs tailored to the specific needs of young athletes
• Update physical individual learning plans

• Using data analysis and other methods to track player progress and identify areas for improvement (GPS and data capturing/analysis)
• Completion and reporting of anthropometric assessment and physiological fitness testing across the season for U9-U18 squads

• Prepare young players for the demands of senior football

• Foster a high-performance environment that supports the physical, mental and emotional well-being of young athletes
• Contribute to the delivery of the SEP apprenticeship programme

• Ensure the Academy EFL Youth Development Rules are satisfied and documented on the club’s audit tool
• Record all data and update KML iP in line with the EFL Youth Development Rules and Academy Performance Plan
• Manage placement students, studentships and casual staff within the Academy Sports Science dept
• Attend, lead and contribute to organised meetings

• Working closely with coaches, nutritionists, medical staff and other professionals to ensure a holistic approach to player development.

• Ensure all activities are conducted safely and in accordance with the relevant regulations and best practices.

Such other duties as may be appropriate to achieve the objectives of the post and to assist the Academy Director.

• BSc (Hons) in Sport Science or similar (essential)
• Hold, be working towards accreditation or willingness to complete the UK Strength and Conditioning Association (or equivalent workshops run by an equivalent body)
• Hold a current Basic First Aid for Sport Qualification (EFAiF) (essential)

Experience of working in at least 1 of the following roles:

• A football club
• A sports club
• University

Knowledge and/or experience of at least 2 of the following:

• Capturing physical testing data
• Designing physical curriculum and programming
• Working with young elite athletes
• Working as a member of multi-disciplinary team

ICT experience of FiP, Sports code/hudl, excel, word and any other software as required to carry out the duties required for the job

• Have a flexible attitude to work
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
• Have a polite and courteous manner
• Be organised and have good time management skills
• The ability to meet stringent deadlines
• Be able to adapt to different and changing situations
• Have the drive and enthusiasm to set high standards and achieve company objectives
• Have a personable approach

To have due regard for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to follow the child protection procedures adopted by the FA and the club.