Academy Lead Physiotherapist (U9-16)
Application Deadline: 6 March 2026
Department: Academy - Performance & Medicine
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: AFC Bournemouth Performance Centre, Wimborne
Reporting To: Senior Academy Physiotherapist, Academy Head of Performance & Medicine
Description
AFC Bournemouth's Academy are now looking for a talented Physiotherapist to become an integrated member of the AFC Bournemouth Academy Performance & Medical team, providing evidence-based advice, treatment, and medical assistance to players in the Foundation and Youth Development Phases, but predominantly with the Under 9s to Under 16s.
Academy Values:
* Players First: every player valued. Every decision made with care.
* Togetherness: working as part of a wider team and willing to contribute beyond own interests.
* Integrity: carrying out academy and club values in an open and honest manner.
* Accountability: willing to take responsibility for actions, allowing for learning, growth and reflection.
Key Responsibilities
* To provide appropriate medical support to all U9-16 players in the Academy, primarily focusing on the U13 to U16 age groups.
* To have a close working relationship with other Academy and First team medical staff when expertise is required for complex injury management.
* To work within a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) and liaise effectively with lead coaches, Performance Coaches and other MDT staff regarding player availability, injury status and rehabilitation plans.
* Ensure all Academy training nights, injury clinics & matches are adequately covered medically.
* Perform pre-season medical testing as deemed appropriate for the FP and YDP groups and provide subsequent injury risk reduction programmes for Academy players.
* Assist in the organization of cardiac screening for all players in compliance with the FA/PL.
* Be a point of contact for parents/guardians of Academy players regarding any medical queries.
* To ensure all YDP medical records and documentation is kept up to date on PMA in conjunction with EPPP requirements.
* To assist in undertaking injury audits for all FP and YDP players ensuring information is kept in-line with EPPP guidelines, and feedback findings to MDT.
* Accompany Academy players to medical appointments when required.
* Assist with the medical support for the U18's and U21's when required.
* Contribute to the Elite Performance CPD programme by participating in the monthly CPD's and joining in with weekly medical team discussions regarding long term injured players.
* To carry out any other tasks directed by your line manager.
* As a member of staff to ensure in all matters, you follow and actively promote the club's mental health policies and practices to ensure an open, non-judgmental and inclusive environment for everyone engaged with the club.
* As a member of staff to ensure that you to adhere to the club's safeguarding policies and procedures and are committed to our safeguarding values, creating a safe and positive environment for all those who interact with the club.
* Responsibility to comply with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and all related Company policies, taking reasonable care for their own safety and that of others, reporting hazards or incidents, following safe systems of work, and co-operating with all training and emergency procedures.
* Obligation to adhere to the club's health and safety policy and procedures.
* As a member of staff to ensure in all matters you follow and actively promote the club's equality policies and practices to ensure a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment for everyone engaged with the club.
The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time; or the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Essential
* BSc (Hons) Degree in Physiotherapy
* A member of the CSP and HCPC
* Up to date ATMMiF (Advanced Trauma Medical Management in Football) qualification
* A good understanding of long-term athletic development and its implications for the multi-disciplinary approach across the Elite Player Performance Pathway (EPPP).
* Experience of working with elite developing athletes
* Evidence of Continued Professional Development (CPD) Portfolio
* Up to date FA Safeguarding Children certificate
* Prior to commencement, an Enhanced DBS will be required
Desirable
* MSc in a MSK/Rehabilitation or sport related field.
* Dry Needling/Acupuncture Qualification
Benefits
* Free onsite parking.
* Season ticket and allocation of complimentary/purchased tickets.
* Subsidised lunches and complimentary healthy snacks throughout the day.
* Discounts at the club Superstore.
* Access to Health Cash Plan with Simplyhealth.
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Contribution towards eye tests and glasses.
* Discounts and benefits from partners and local businesses.
* Club pension & Life Assurance Scheme.
* Paid parental leave (bank of five days per year).
* Club events or other social events throughout the year run by our club social team.
* Paid volunteer opportunities (2 days per year).
* Paid day's leave on your birthday.