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 and Reporting
* Department: Sports Science/Physiotherapy, Academy
* Reports to: Academy Manager & Head of Academy Coaching
* Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
* Hours: 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 and Benefits
* Subject to Qualifications, Skills and Experience
* Holiday Entitlement: Holidays are normally taken during the football academy closure periods
* Probationary Period: Initial probation of 6 months
Key Relationships
Physiotherapy team, Academy management, Coaches, Academy Head of Education & DSO, General Manager, Head of Finance and HR, Senior Safeguarding Manager
Purpose of the Role
To contribute significantly to the development of Academy players by providing expert sports science support, particularly for the U18 squad. The role involves working collaboratively across departments to support player development, health, and wellbeing, and to educate stakeholders on the role of sport science in player development.
Availability and travel will be required for attending all games, including weekends and midweek fixtures.
Key Tasks & Responsibilities
1. Lead sports science support for the Academy and Youth Development Programme.
2. Attend training sessions and matches to provide sports science support for the U18s.
3. Plan sports science training for U9s – U16s.
4. Lead the Strength & Conditioning programme, including design, planning, and implementation of return-to-play, loading, nutrition, pre-season conditioning, and rehabilitation.
5. Support coaching staff with GPS data and physiological training games, monitoring training load.
6. Cover training sessions and matches at various venues as required.
7. Deliver sports science programmes, conduct fitness testing, and monitor physical attributes.
8. Provide injury prevention and rehabilitation programmes, nutritional support, and daily training load reports.
9. Maintain sports science records on the FOOTBALLINTELLIGENCE system.
10. Participate in staff meetings and CPD events relevant to the role.
11. Promote a positive team environment and culture.
Candidate Profile
Qualifications: BSc in Sports Science or Strength and Conditioning qualification, with up-to-date CPD.
Experience: Delivering sports science support to athletes and elite performers, fitness testing, working with young athletes in a sports environment.
Skills: Organisation, communication, IT proficiency, flexibility, and ability to work evenings, weekends, and travel as needed.
Personal Qualities
Interpersonal skills, professionalism, problem-solving ability, adaptability, and a respectful, inclusive manner aligned with EDI values.
Additional Requirements
* Full UK driving licence and own vehicle.
* Experience working in Academy Football.
* Understanding of safeguarding policies; all employees must undergo DBS checks and mandatory safeguarding and EDI training annually.
#J-18808-Ljbffr