Purpose of the Role
An exciting opportunity to lead the sport science aspect of Academia & Football's Elite Football Programme. The role includes overseeing strength and conditioning
(S&C) coaching, supporting player rehabilitation, and educating players and parents to ensure optimal player development and performance. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to ensure players receive a holistic support system in their athletic journey.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Management:
Line manage Work Placement, Physiotherapists, and Sports Psychologists, ensuring effective collaboration and delivery of services for the football programme.
Design and implement all aspects of Strength & Conditioning (S&C) for Elite Football Programme (EFP) students.
Develop and implement physical testing protocols to assess and monitor player
progress.
Ensure the Playermaker programme is running efficiently, providing players with cutting-edge wearable technology to monitor performance metrics.
Monitor and report on the workload of players, tracking both internal and external training loads.
Oversee the Individual Development Plans (IDP's) for all players, ensuring all
physical goals and assessments are documented and tracked.
Coaching & Player Development:
Provide relevant feedback for players and coaches, including detailed reports to
improve performance.
Design and deliver sports science educational programmes to enhance players'
understanding of fitness, nutrition, injury prevention, and mental toughness.
Manage and oversee the S&C facility, ensuring daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly
maintenance of all equipment to meet safety and performance standards.
Regularly update Risk Assessments and Standard Operating Procedures for the S&C facility to ensure a safe working environment.
Collaboration & Support:
Liaise with external physiotherapists and injured players to monitor rehabilitation
progress and ensure players return to full fitness as quickly and safely as possible.
Upload relevant material, such as training sessions and reports, to the Microsoft
virtual learning platform for easy access and reference by coaches, staff, and
players.
General Responsibilities
* Ensure the safeguarding and well-being of children by adhering to the School's
* Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.
* Maintain accurate records of training, absences, and leave requests.
* Display appropriate staff identification while on-site.
* Attend training and staff INSET sessions as required.
* Carry out any other duties as requested by the Head of Coaching and Director of
* Football.
Qualifications
Essential Qualifications & Experience
* Sports Science degree (Essential)
* Sports Science Masters (Desirable)
* UKSCA (UK Strength and Conditioning Association) certification (Desirable)
* Level 2 Coaching (Essential)
* FA First Aid Qualification (Essential)
* FA Safeguarding Certificate (Essential)
* Experience in a professional senior or academy football environment (Essential)
* Experience coaching at a high level across multiple age groups (Essential)
* Strong knowledge of modern coaching methods and player development (Essential)
* Desirable Qualifications & Experience
* FA Youth Awards (Desirable)
Desirable Qualifications & Experience
* FA Youth Awards (Desirable)
Knowledge & Skills
Passion for football, with the ability to inspire and motivate players. Expertise in innovative coaching strategies that promote fitness, injury prevention, and performance.
Strong ICT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital coaching tools.
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills to foster collaboration with players, parents, staff, and external partners.
Ability to create a stimulating learning environment that promotes both athletic and personal development.
Strong strategic and analytical thinking, with the ability to make data-driven decisions that enhance player performance and wellbeing.
A deep understanding of child protection and safeguarding responsibilities.
Personal Attributes
Positive and approachable, with a can-do attitude that fosters team morale and collaboration.
Highly organised, able to manage multiple projects and priorities with efficiency.
Resilient and adaptable, able to thrive in a fast-paced and challenging football environment.
Strong leadership skills, capable of motivating staff and players to achieve their full potential.
Committed to the ethos and vision of Academia & Football, aligning football with education and personal development.
Why Join Us?
This is more than just a coaching role—it's an opportunity to lead and shape a world-class Elite Football Programme. As the Head of Sport Science, you will play a pivotal role in the growth and success of the programme while providing innovative support to our players.
Drive growth and global reach for AF Global's brand.
Recruit and develop the next generation of elite footballers.
Be part of a forward-thinking, innovative football and education environment.
Access world-class facilities and coaching resources.
Enjoy exceptional benefits, including school holidays and additional income opportunities.
Ready to lead and inspire? Apply now and be part of something extraordinary
Access world-class facilities and coaching resources.
Enjoy exceptional benefits, including school holidays and additional income opportunities.
Ready to lead and inspire? Apply now and be part of something extraordinary