At Leeds United, we know that success on the pitch starts with strength behind the scenes.

The Academy Doctor is responsible for the medical care, clinical governance, and health management of academy players, ensuring safe participation, effective injury management, and long-term player wellbeing. The role supports the development of young athletes by providing expert medical advice and working closely with multidisciplinary staff to optimise health, performance, and safeguarding.

What You’ll Be Doing

You will oversee the health and medical care of academy players, ensuring safe training, effective injury management, and supporting their overall development and wellbeing in collaboration with the wider staff team.

Key Responsibilities:

Clinical Care & Injury Management

• Assist in diagnosis and management of acute and chronic injuries, in academy players
• Provide medical assessments for training and match participation, including trial players.
• Lead return-to-play decisions for general medical issues and concussion in collaboration with physiotherapists and coaches
• Diagnose and manage acute medical issues in academy players, including urgent out of hours queries.

Medical Governance & Safeguarding

• Ensure compliance with football medical standards and safeguarding policies
• Maintain accurate and confidential medical records
• Act as a key point of contact for player health, welfare, and safeguarding concerns
• Uphold medicines management policy within the academy
• Prepare Emergency Action plan for all training and home match venues for under 18 and 21’s.

Matchday & Training Support

• Provide medical cover at academy matches and training sessions
• Manage on-field emergencies and coordinate with emergency services if required
• Multidisciplinary Collaboration
• Work closely with:
  • Physiotherapists
  • Sports scientists
  • Academy coaches
  • Nutritionists and psychologists
• Contribute to integrated player development plans
• Prevention & Education
• Develop and deliver injury prevention strategies
• Lead on inhouse CPD and emergency scenario practice for Academy medical staff
• Educate players and staff on:
  • Health and wellbeing
  • Management of illness
  • Anti-doping
  • Communication & Stakeholder Management
• Liaise with parents/guardians regarding player health
• Provide clear medical advice to coaching staff
• Escalate complex cases to specialist consultants when required

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone proactive, personable, and who thrives in a busy environment. You’ll be a key point of contact, so building trust, staying organised, and maintaining confidentiality are all essential.

Qualifications & Training

• Medical degree (MBBS or equivalent)
• Full GMC registration
• FA Advanced Trauma Medical Management in Football (ATMMiF), or equivalent
• Postgraduate qualification in Sports Medicine

You’ll have:

• Minimum 5 years qualified as a doctor (desirable)
• Experience working in elite sport
• Experience working in an elite football academy setting (desirable) Proficiency in Musculoskeletal ultrasound, or looking to commence qualification within 12 months (desirable)
• Strong clinical assessment and decision-making skills
• Knowledge of youth athlete development and safeguarding
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work in a high-performance, multidisciplinary environment
• High level of professionalism, confidentiality, and integrity