1.     The Department

Our Boys Academy Department is proud to have achieved the prestigious Category One Academy status which reflects our commitment to delivering excellence across all areas of youth football including coaching, education, training, and facilities. We are dedicated to supporting and nurturing the next generation of elite footballers, as demonstrated in our memorable treble-winning 2024/25 season for our U18s as we topped the Under-18 Premier League Southern section table, the Under-18 Premier League national title and we lifted the prestigious FA Youth Cup.

As we continue to build upon this success, we are delighted to announce an exciting opportunity for a Sport Scientist to join our expanding team, working within the Professional Development Phase (PDP).  In this pivotal role, you will assist the Sport Science provision for our U21/18 squads within the Academy, playing a vital part in nurturing, encouraging, engaging and supporting the next generation of elite players.

2.     The Role

As the PDP Sport Scientist you will play a key supporting role in the delivery of the athletic development pathway for our PDP players. Under the guidance and support of the Lead Academy Sport Scientist and Senior Sport Scientist and the wider multi-disciplinary team (MDT) you will assist in the delivery of the athletic development pathway to our U21/18 squad players. Your expertise will help shape a cutting-edge, evidence-based approach to player health, availability, and physical development, working collaboratively within our multidisciplinary Academy Medical and Sport Science Department.

Based at our world-class training ground, you will assist with the delivery of engaging, age-appropriate athletic development and Individual Physical Development sessions. You will assist with physical testing, growth and maturation monitoring, and matchday preparation, as well as supporting rehabilitation programmes in collaboration with the Academy Medical team. Through a proactive and player-centric approach, you will assist with the delivery of comprehensive physical development programmes that cater to both group and individual needs. These programmes will empower our young players to harness their physical potential and excel in a high-performance environment, equipping them for the transition to the next phase of their development.

For further information about the Role, please see the Role Profile.

3.     The Person

To be considered for this role, you will need to hold the following qualifications:

·       BSc (Hons) in Sport Science (minimum 2:1)

·       MSc in Sport Science /Strength and Conditioning (or equivalent)

You will bring significant proven experience in assisting and delivering high-quality Athletic Development to elite youth athletes within a professional sporting environment.

You will have a thorough understanding of Sport Science principles, including strength and conditioning, growth and maturation, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and physical performance analysis and be able to apply these principles in both field and gym environments.

We are seeking a team player who thrives in a dynamic environment and has experience working collaboratively with Multi-Disciplinary Teams.

Ideally, you will have knowledge and understanding of the Elite Player Performance Plan (Category 1 Academy) and the unique demands of a Professional Development Phase environment.

You must also be available to work flexibly as this role will require you to work evenings and weekends, and you will need to hold a full UK driving license.