Doncaster Rovers Football Club Academy offers Sports Science work placement opportunities for the 2026–27 season. The successful candidate will gain hands‑on experience within an academy performance department, supporting the delivery of physical development and monitoring services across the academy pathway.
Working alongside the medical, sports science and coaching staff, the role will involve assisting in the delivery of gym and pitch‑based athletic development, monitoring training loads, and supporting the implementation of individual and group performance programmes.
This placement is aimed at students currently studying a Sport Science or related degree who are looking to develop practical, applied experience within an elite football environment. The placement is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and applied performance practice.
The role may require evening and weekend availability in line with the academy fixture and training schedule.
Key Responsibilities
* Assist in the delivery of gym‑based and pitch‑based athletic development sessions
* Support pre‑training preparation, including session setup and equipment management
* Assist with player monitoring processes, including wellness, RPE and GPS data collection
* Support real‑time and post‑session training load monitoring
* Assist with squad screening, fitness testing and data collection
* Support the implementation of individual strength and conditioning programmes
* Assist with the delivery of return to play and performance‑based rehabilitation sessions (in collaboration with medical staff)
* Contribute to data analysis and reporting processes
* Maintain high standards of organisation within gym and performance environments
* Contribute to a multi‑disciplinary approach, working alongside medical and coaching staff
* Engage with individual development plans (IDPs) where appropriate
* Keep up to date with current sports science research to support departmental development
* Support the wider Performance Department as required to ensure an effective and integrated programme
Person Specification
* Currently studying (or recently completed) a BSc in Sport Science, Strength & Conditioning or related field
* Ability to undertake a placement year / sandwich year (where applicable)
* Emergency First Aid qualification (or willingness to obtain)
* FA Safeguarding Children certificate (or willingness to obtain)
* Strong IT literacy (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
* Understanding of athlete monitoring tools (e.g. GPS, RPE) – desirable
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills
* Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Personal Qualities / Attributes
* Professional, reliable and committed
* Organised with good attention to detail
* Proactive and willing to learn
* Able to work in a fast‑paced environment
* Confident communicating with players, staff and parents
* Willingness to work evenings and weekends
* Positive team player
Applicants must hold a full driving licence. The successful candidate will have to complete an Enhanced DBS check before starting employment with the club.
Club Doncaster is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race, or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable.
Our Recruitment and Selection Policy, Code of Conduct, Diversity & Equality Policy, Equal Opportunities Policy and Right to Work in UK Policy are available to all applicants on request.
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