The University of Gloucestershire and Cheltenham Town Football Club Academy are looking to recruit a highly motivated individual to undertake a Master's by Research (MRES).
Cheltenham Town FC is purposefully driven by a focus on working together to make a positive difference. We are committed to taking a research-based approach to drive impact and change.
We are offering x1 fees funded MRES (Sport Science) from July 2025. The course is a 2-year option, with the taught element commencing in October 2025.
The primary research location will be at Cheltenham Town FC training ground (GL51 9RX)
This is a unique opportunity for an enthusiastic and high-achieving individual to undertake an MRES within a professional football team (Academy) whilst gaining applied experience within the areas of sport science support through a student placement.
The successful student for the sport science role will support the sport science and strength and conditioning practices at the club while concurrently conducting their research. The title of the research study will be negotiated during the interview/induction stage. This provides an exciting opportunity for the successful candidate to develop both their applied practice and applied research skills, while working in a professional football club.
How to apply
To apply, through i-recruit complete an application by 5pm Monday 23rd June 2025 at the latest. Please include details of the University course you wish to be considered for and provide details of how you meet the person specification above.
About The Candidate
Responsible to: Academy Manager & Academy Lead Sport Scientist
Build Relationships with:
Internal: Academy Manager, lead physiotherapist, nutritionist, lead sports therapist, lead Phase Coaches, Coaches (Part Time), Heads of department, First Team staff, Player Care Manager and Players.
External: Premier League clubs & Football League clubs, FA, Universities/colleges, FAYCD, and PFA.
Salary: Funded MSc
Job Description
Working Pattern and Workbase
12.5 hours in club responsibilities. Starting July 2025
* Flexible working arrangements/hours
* Required to work outside of normal office hours, at evenings and weekends, on bank holidays and public holidays.
* Required to work across different bases
Travel: Regular travel to fixtures and training in connection with performance of the duties detailed below.
Overall purpose of the job
To aid in the testing, planning, implementation, and monitoring of Sport Science services within the Academy, working with all ages from U9-U18’s. This position is intended to complement the study of MSc by Research in Sport Science.
Key Tasks & Responsibilities
* Assist with the delivery of gym and pitch-based strength and conditioning for U11-U18.
* Support the collection, analysis, and distribution of GPS training and matchday data.
* Assist with planning and programming for individuals in-line with the club’s athletic development model.
* Assist in the formulation and delivery of injury prevention programmes.
* Support the delivery of testing protocols and data collection/analysis.
* Plan and deliver training and matchday warm-ups for U15-U18 teams which develop field-based movement competencies.
* Provide regular reports at appropriate meetings associated with the Strength and Conditioning support (athlete programme design, athlete attendance and adherence, test and monitoring reports, programme overview, review and updates).
Person Specifications
Qualifications
* Undergraduate degree in Sport Science or relevant subject
* Meet minimum requirements for acceptance onto chosen University of Gloucestershire MSc course
* Be subject to a DBS check through CTFC upon acceptance of the role.
* Completion of FA and EFL safeguarding training upon acceptance of the role.
* Other qualifications which are recognised as beneficial to the role: Education qualification (eg. PGCE) / Coaching or Mentoring / Coach Education / Multi-Sports Qualifications / Futsal
* Valid UK driver’s licence.
Required Experience
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 1 of the following:
* Applicants should have a relevant undergraduate degree in sport science or a related discipline.
* Previous experience of attending sport science/strength and conditioning CPD programmes
ICT experience of PMA, Excel, word and any other software as required to carry out the duties required for the job.
Personal Qualities
* Work ethic, integrity, solutions, enjoyment, responsibility
Other Requirements
* Have a full, clean driving licence
* DBS clearance
Safeguarding
Person Specifications
Qualifications
* Undergraduate degree in Sport Science or relevant subject
* Meet minimum requirements for acceptance onto chosen University of Gloucestershire MSc course
* Be subject to a DBS check through CTFC upon acceptance of the role.
* Completion of FA and EFL safeguarding training upon acceptance of the role.
* Other qualifications which are recognised as beneficial to the role: Education qualification (eg. PGCE) / Coaching or Mentoring / Coach Education / Multi-Sports Qualifications / Futsal
* Valid UK driver’s licence.
Required Experience
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 1 of the following:
* Applicants should have a relevant undergraduate degree in sport science or a related discipline.
* Previous experience of attending sport science/strength and conditioning CPD programmes
ICT experience of PMA, Excel, word and any other software as required to carry out the duties required for the job.
Personal Qualities
* Work ethic, integrity, solutions, enjoyment, responsibility
Other Requirements
* Have a full, clean driving licence
* DBS clearance
Safeguarding
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. #J-18808-Ljbffr