Academy Physical Development Coach

Summary of the role

We currently have an opportunity for an Academy Physical Development Coach to join our Academy team based at our training ground at Thorp Arch, Wetherby. The Academy Physical Development Coach responsible for leading the delivery of the Academy Physical Development Programme to ensure a first-class player experience for players across the 9-16 age groups of the academy and assisting with the delivery of the Academy Physical Development Programme for players in the professional development phase.

Key Responsibilites

• Deliver the academy physical development programme for players in age groups Under 9 to Under 16 age groups
• Work closely with the Academy Physiotherapy Department on rehabilitation, injury prevention and load management.
• Oversee the implementation of each Under 9 to Under 16 players individual development plan
• Deliver physical development programmes to the Under 9 to Under 16 age group
• Will be required to accompany selected teams on match days – predominantly U15 and U16 age groups
• Complete all training and game physical monitoring and evaluations for the U15 and U16 age groups
• Objectively measure U9 to U16 players physical development through the delivery of a systematic programme of data collection, interpretation and analysis across key physical performance indicators
• Deliver physical testing and screening to meet EPPP requirements GPS data, anthropometrics, physical testing, medical screening
• Support recruitment activity by delivering a programme of physical testing for trialist players
• Utilise the iP and ensure that all necessary physical assessment data is recorded and maintained
• Work closely with the Education department to on the planning and implementation of the performance lifestyle programme.
• Liaise with staff from other departments on the development of each player as part of the 6-12 weekly interdisciplinary review process
• Contribute to the Academy internal CPD programme and engage in all external CPD as required by your role and your professional licence maintenance

Operational Functions

• Working autonomously to an agreed level and in the best interests of the Academy
• Forging positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders to benefit the Academy
• Being visible to all internal and external stakeholders and supporting key staff when liaising with parents at critical moments
• Championing all Club and Academy policy through ensuring best practice in areas such as safeguarding, health and safety and equality, diversity and inclusion throughout the coaching department
• Living the values of the Club and championing our culture to help deliver the Academy performance plan and ultimately the vision of the Academy and the Club

Personal Developments

• Championing innovative and emerging best practice through accessing internal and external sources of expertise to help contribute to ongoing personal development and the overall Academy programme
• Engaging in the Academy staff development programme and attending all CPD events
• Participating in all external CPD to ensure compliance with PL, EFL and NGB standards

Experience, Qualifications and Skills

Essential Qualifications

• Undergraduate level education in Strength and Conditioning or Sport Science
• FA Safeguarding children certificate
• DBS check with children’s barred list check
• UK Driving License

Desirable Experience:

• Postgraduate level education in Strength and Conditioning or Sport Science
• BASES Accreditation (or working towards accreditation)
• UKSCA Accreditation (or working towards accreditation)

Essential Experience:

• A minimum of 2 years experience coaching youth athletes
  
• Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team to support player development
  

Desirable Experience:

• Experience of working in a football Academy
  

Knowledge Requirements:

• Understands the current Academy system and professional football culture and landscape
  
• Possesses an applied knowledge of EPPP standards and working practices
• Understands how a long-term, holistic development programme is structured
• Understands the function of each facet in a multi-disciplinary team in an Academy
• Possesses a demonstrable knowledge of health and safety policy and best practice
• Possesses a demonstrable knowledge of safeguarding policy and best practice
• Possesses a strong awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion

Skills Requirements:

• Creates positive learning environments
• Plans and delivers challenging, age appropriate activities
• Identifies and responds to the needs of the players by adapting their coaching practice accordingly
• Uses accurate and age appropriate physical content
• Communicates using a variety of methods and using an age appropriate vocabulary Able to justify and reflect on their coaching practice and beliefs
  
• Builds positive relationships with the players, staff and all stakeholders
• Demonstrates outstanding listening, verbal and written communication skills
• Competent with modern technologies that support the performance of their duties
• Competent user of the Intelligence Platform (iP)
  

Personal Traits

• Inspires others and is a positive role model
  
• Is personable and able to connect and build relationships with others easily
• Demands high standards and has an attention to detail
• Shares the vision and values of the Academy and is motivated to achieve its objectives
  
• Aligns with the Academy playing and coaching philosophy
• Takes a long-term view of player development and align with the Academy approach to winning
• Possesses a passion for talent development and are motivated to work with young players
  
• Able to work in a high-profile environment with regular media coverage and public interest
• Is responsible and acts in the best interests of the Academy
• Is open minded, innovative and willing to explore new ideas/concepts
• Enjoys facing challenges and have the resilience and resourcefulness to see complex tasks through
• Is proactive and able to identify and mitigate risks
• Is a collaborator and relishes the opportunity to work alongside others to overcome challenges and achieve goals
• Willing to share their knowledge experience as part of a community of practice
• Able to work with players, staff and other stakeholders of varying ages, experience, backgrounds and cultures
  
• Committed to personal development and continuous improvement
• Possesses a strong work ethic and are motivated to be the best they can be
• Able to promote the positive image of the Academy and the Club

How to Apply

Please click “Apply Now” to begin your application.