We are looking for a passionate Academy Sports Science Lead to manage the development and performance of academy players at Morecambe Football Club’s Academy, primarily responsible for the U18 age group within the Club's Academy. If you're excited about making a difference and contributing to the Club’s long-term success, this could be the perfect opportunity for you! The successful candidate will work closely with the Head of Academy Physiotherapy to design and implement a comprehensive monitoring system to track and manage each player's individual needs. This system will focus on reducing injury risk, optimizing health and wellbeing, and ensuring players are fully prepared for training and competition. The role-holder will collect and analyse pre-training physiological data at key intervals to assess individual player status Department: Sports Science/Physiotherapy, Academy Reports to: Academy Manager & Head of Academy Coaching Contract: Full-Time, Permanent Hours of work 37.5 hours per week, flexible in line with demands of the role. This role involves regular weekend and evening work, including unsociable hours, as required to meet the needs of the Academy fixtures. Remuneration: Subject to Qualifications, Skills and Experience Holiday Entitlement Holidays are normally taken during the football academy closure periods. Probationary Period Initial probationary period of 6 months Key Internal Relationships: Physiotherapy team and Academy management; Academy PDP, YDP and FDP Coaches; Academy Head of Education & DSO; General Manager; Head of Finance and HR & Senior Safeguarding Manager. Purpose of the role: Integral to the development of the Academy players, the role-holder will have significant experience working with young athletes, particularly within a professional sports environment and be driven to deliver the highest standards of care, support and guidance for our young players. Working in collaboration with all departments within Morecambe’s Academy, the core aim of the role is to influence, support and educate key stakeholders in the role of sport science in player development and contribute to meetings and player reviews for the U18 squad. Supporting the Academy Manager, Academy Head of Coaching and the Academy Professional Development Phase Coach for the provision and development of Academy players/age groups. Availability (and travelling) will be required for the role-holder to attend all games, including weekends and midweek fixtures, as applicable. Key Tasks & Responsibilities • To lead in Sports Science in support the Academy and Youth Development Programme at all levels. • To attend Academy training and games to provide Sports Science physical training for the Professional Development Phase (U18s) • To plan Sports Science training for the Academy Foundation and Youth Development Phases (U9s – U16s) • Lead the Strength & Conditioning programme with management and take accountability for design, planning and implementation of return-to-play, loading, nutrition, pre-season conditioning and rehabilitation processes • Provide GPS support and support coaching staff in football session planning and lead on the physiological training games programme, monitoring external/internal/psycho-social training load. • To cover training sessions and matches at the Academy’s principal training venue and other venues, as required • To provide Sports Science programmes to the players in the Academy • Execution and monitoring of physical-attribute testing procedures, data collection and analysis, including player reviews and relevant interventions. • To deliver fitness testing for the players in the Academy • To provide injury prevention and rehabilitation programmes and to provide nutritional support across the age ranges • To carry out daily monitoring and training load data collection, providing reports to the Academy Manager, coaching staff and players • To maintain up to date Sports Science records on the FOOTBALL INTELLIGENCE system • To attend relevant Academy staff meetings • To attend CPD and training events organised by the Club/FA/EFL and other courses relevant to the role • Able to work in a team environment and promote team culture. About The Candidate PERSON SPECIFICATION Essential Knowledge & Experience: BSc Sports Science strength and conditioning qualification, or equivalent Up to date Sports Science CPD qualifications Experience of delivering Sports Science development to groups of athletes and elite performers Experience in delivering fitness testing Good organisational and time management skills Good inter-personal skills, to deal effectively with coaches, players and parents Ability to liaise in a professional manner with players, coaches, academy management and other agencies Ability to produce clear and accurate written records and reports, as required Basic IT skills A flexible attitude to work, with the ability to work evenings, weekends, including match days. The right to live and work in the UK. Essential Personal Qualities & Skills: Interpersonal and consistent team performer, able to forge excellent working relationships Have a polite and courteous manner and a personable approach Offer solutions to problems, using initiative and common sense Ability to travel independently Good organisational and time management skills Good verbal and written skills; accuracy and attention to detail Ability to adapt quickly and be flexible in the face of change DBS, Safeguarding & EDI: To have due regard for safeguarding and child protection policies, including the welfare of children and young people. Complete the required mandatory Safeguarding training, as appropriate, each season. All employees are subject to DBS checks prior to any offer of employment To behave in an inclusive and respectful way, representing the positive EDI values of the club at all times and complete mandatory EDI training each season. Desirable: Full Driving Licence and use of own vehicle. Experience of working in Academy Football Experience with Football Intelligence About The Club Morecambe FC