Job Brief/ Academy Head of Sports Medicine

We are seeking a highly skilled and passionate Academy Head of Sports Medicine to lead the medical care and governance for our Academy players. This pivotal role involves ensuring the highest standards of injury prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation for young athletes, while fostering a culture of excellence and safety.

Role mandatory prerequisites:

·       Based in Al Shawamekh, Abu Dhabi, UAE

·       Full M.D. registration with a license to practice in Abu Dhabi (DOH)

Key Responsibilities:

·       Ensure all players undertake the correct medical assessments and screenings required by the club, and the national federation, including cardiac screening and concussion assessment.

·       Maintain a comprehensive medical records system.

·       Devise and maintain a medicines management programme appropriate for an elite sporting environment, including anti-doping regulations.

·       Instigate and maintain departmental skills of pitch side emergency care.

·       Work closely with the Head of Medicine for Al Jazira FC and formulate care pathways in line with those in place for the Senior Squad.

·       Arrange, support and deliver documented CPD activity within the department.

·       Provide pitch side cover for Al Jazira home and away matches, which may include travel for international competitions

·       Instigate an education programme for players and parents regarding anti-doping, performance nutrition, recovery, concussion, cardiac screening and general health matters.

·       Work closely with Medical, Rehabilitation and Sports Science staff in the assessment, diagnosis, and the devising of treatment plans for injuries.

·       Leading on the audit of injuries for Al Jazira Academy.

·       Create injury reports for Team and Academy management.

·       Set up and lead Emergency Medical Action Plans (EMAP’s) at all home venues/travelling/training ground for Al Jazira Academy as required.

·       Liaise and co-operate with various national teams’ medical staff regarding player status and availability as required

·       Develop a network of appropriate secondary care providers.

·       Attend in house MDT meetings to discuss player status and welfare.

·       Maintain excellent lines of communication with the Head of Academy & Head of Performance for the Al Jazira Academy

Essential Qualifications and skills:

·       Full M.D registration with licence to practice in U.A.E.in Abu Dhabi in particular (DOH)

·       Experience of care in the young sporting population (3-5 years)

·       Demonstrated advanced competency in clinical examination, functional assessment and medical management.

·       Experience working within a multi-disciplinary team in the delivery of medical services in the juvenile sporting environment.

·       In possession of PHICIS Level 2 (or preferably 3) certificate or equivalent.

·       Knowledge in concussion recognition and treatment.

·       Expertise in emergency care in a football environment

·       Safeguarding Understanding (DBS)

·       Safeguarding certification (level 3)-On line acceptable

·       Flexible schedule, with the ability to work evenings and weekends as required.

Desirable Attributes:

·       Post-graduate qualification in Sports Medicine or equivalent.

·       Experience of working in Sport

·       Demonstrate a growth mindset with a “can-do” attitude at all appropriate times

·       Experience of using data management systems to ensure the secure and efficient storage of monitoring and evaluation data.

·       Knowledge and experience of Middle Eastern culture

·       Knowledge in MSK Ultrasound

Key Relationships:

• Head of Academy Physical Performance
• Director of Medical Unit Al Jazira
• Academy Director
• Sporting Director
• Performance teams (Medical, Sports Science, Performance Analysis & Human Science)
• Coaching teams (Lead Cell coaches & Age group coaches)
• Operations team (Procurement, Legal, Finance, including Welfare & Education)
• External stakeholders (e.g. UAE FA, UAE Pro League, Partners, Hospitals and clinics, Department of Health)

Safeguarding Statement: Due to our safeguarding promise, all roles working with children will be subject to a local police check upon commencing employment. Staff are expected to uphold the responsibilities outlined in our policy and procedure.