First Team Performance Coach

JOB PURPOSE

To support the physical performance, rehabilitation and conditioning of First Team players, assisting in the planning and delivery of end-stage rehabilitation programmes and on-pitch performance activities to ensure all players are prepared and available for training and competition.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the planning and delivery of end-stage rehabilitation programmes for injured First Team players, ensuring a seamless transition from rehabilitation to full training and return to competition.
• Work closely with the medical, performance and coaching staff to design, implement and monitor return-to-play strategies, ensuring players meet agreed physical performance criteria before progressing through each stage of rehabilitation.
• Assist in the planning and delivery of all on-pitch physical performance activities, including pre-training preparation, warm-ups, individual development sessions, conditioning drills and support of team training sessions.
• Support the delivery of individual player development programmes, ensuring physical performance interventions are aligned with the technical, tactical and positional demands of First Team football.
• Liaise closely with the First Team Strength & Conditioning Coach to plan and deliver pre-training activation protocols, post-training strength programmes and individualised physical preparation strategies.
• Assist in the implementation and monitoring of player performance and workload management systems, ensuring accurate collection and interpretation of physical performance data.
• Assist with the performance delivery of the First Team squad (including pre-training preparation, regeneration and recovery, rehabilitation, individual conditioning) as well as non-squad players’ additional loading on matchdays, to maintain the fitness of all First Team players.

MAIN JOB REQUIREMENTS AND PERSON SPECIFICATION

Education/Qualifications/Training:

• BSc (Hons) in Sport Science, Strength & Conditioning, or a related discipline
• UKSCA accreditation (or working towards) desirable; BASES accreditation an advantage

Specific Experience:

• Experience working within a professional football or elite sport environment in a performance or conditioning capacity
• Demonstrable experience of delivering end-stage rehabilitation and return-to-play programmes for elite athletes
• Experience in the use of GPS/athlete tracking systems and performance monitoring software
• Experience of working collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary performance team including medical, coaching and sports science staff
• Knowledge of workload management principles and periodisation in a professional football context
• Valid FA DBS check (or willingness to obtain prior to commencement)

Abilities/Skills/Knowledge:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with players, coaches and medical staff
• High level of organisation and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple players and programmes simultaneously
• Resilient, proactive and able to perform effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
• Excellent knowledge of physical performance testing, conditioning methodologies and injury prevention strategies
• Ability to interpret and apply physical performance data to inform player preparation and rehabilitation decisions
• Committed to the development and success of the First Team, and to representing the Club with professionalism and integrity at all times

Additional Information:

• This is a Full-Time role requiring flexibility to work evenings, weekends and matchdays as required
• Applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK