The Role The Lead Physiotherapist will oversee the day-to-day physiotherapy provision for the First Team, ensuring players receive the highest standard of medical care and performance support. Working collaboratively with coaching, sports science and medical staff, the successful candidate will contribute to maximising player availability and supporting performance outcomes throughout the season. The role requires flexibility, professionalism and the ability to operate effectively within the demands of professional football, including evenings, weekends and travel to fixtures. Key Responsibilities Medical & Physiotherapy Provision Lead the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of First Team players Deliver evidence-based physiotherapy and rehabilitation programmes Provide pitch-side medical cover for all First Team training sessions and fixtures Maintain comprehensive medical records and ensure compliance with CSP, HCPC, FA and EFL standards Assist with medical screenings, musculoskeletal profiling and monitoring processes Rehabilitation & Return to Play Design and implement individualised rehabilitation programmes Lead return-to-play planning in collaboration with performance and coaching staff Monitor injured players throughout rehabilitation to ensure safe and effective progression Deliver gym-based and pitch-based rehabilitation sessions Implement injury prevention strategies and recovery protocols Collaboration & Communication Work closely with coaching, sports science and medical departments within a multidisciplinary team environment Provide regular updates regarding player status, rehabilitation progress and availability Build effective relationships with external consultants and healthcare professionals where required Support a positive, professional and high-performance culture throughout the Club Professional Standards Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current research and best practice in sports medicine and physiotherapy Ensure all safeguarding, health & safety and governance procedures are adhered to Contribute to departmental development and continuous improvement initiatives Undertake additional duties as reasonably required by senior management About The Candidate Essential Criteria BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy or equivalent qualification Current HCPC registration Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) membership FA ATMMiF qualification (or willingness to obtain) Previous experience working within elite or professional sport Strong understanding of musculoskeletal injury management and rehabilitation Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends and travel Full UK driving license Desirable Criteria Previous experience within professional football or the EFL Postgraduate qualification in Sports Medicine, Rehabilitation or Strength & Conditioning Experience using athlete monitoring and performance management systems Experience leading or mentoring medical staff or interns Advanced rehabilitation and return-to-play programming experience About The Club The Club Newport County AFC is an ambitious and progressive football club competing in the English Football League. The Club is committed to creating a high-performance environment that supports player welfare, maximises availability and drives continual improvement across all departments. An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and highly motivated Lead Physiotherapist to join the Club’s First Team Medical & Performance Department. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering elite-level physiotherapy provision to the First Team squad, leading on injury prevention, assessment, rehabilitation and return-to-play processes within a multidisciplinary environment. This structure and scope reflect current professional football physiotherapy roles advertised across the EFL and elite performance environments. What We Offer Opportunity to work within a progressive professional football environment Collaborative and ambitious multidisciplinary performance team Continued professional development opportunities Club staff benefits and matchday access The opportunity to contribute to the Club’s long-term sporting objectives Safeguarding & Equality Newport County AFC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The Club is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. Club Policies: https://www.newport-county.co.uk/club/policies