The Department

Our Boys Academy is a Premier League Category One environment, built on delivering consistent, high-performance support across every stage of the player pathway. Operating at the intersection of development and elite performance, our Sport Science and Medicine Department plays a critical role in preparing players for the demands of First Team football.

Working closely with the Loans and Emerging Talent and First Team multi-disciplinary team’s (MDT), we ensure players progress with the robustness, availability, and performance capacity required to succeed at the highest level.

The Role

This is a senior role within the Academy performance structure, where you will lead the Physical Performance provision for the U21s squad and directly influence the development of players progressing towards First Team Football.

The Opportunity

• Lead the U21s Physical Performance provision at one of the Premier League’s most ambitious clubs within a Category One Academy
• Travel and lead on the physical preparations for the UEFA Youth League and Premier League 2 fixtures
• Maximise player health, robustness, and availability
• Develop, mentor and challenge players/staff to consistently raise standards across the pathway

Your Impact

• Integrate physical performance into the heart of tactical and technical training, working hand-in-hand with coaches to make every session count
• Turn data into decisions — using GPS, VALD, wellness monitoring, and Power BI to keep every player performing and available
• Build the next generation of First Team footballers, designing impactful gym and pitch programmes that develop physically elite, robust athletes ready for the top level

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

The Person

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

• BSc (Hons) Sport Science (minimum 2:1)
• MSc in Sport Science / Strength and Conditioning (or equivalent)
• British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) accreditation (or in progress)
• UK Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA) accreditation or equivalent (or in progress)

You will already be operating within an elite, full-time performance environment, with experience delivering physical performance support to high-level athletes—ideally within the Professional Development Phase.

Your approach will be collaborative and evidence informed. You will demonstrate the ability to work effectively within and contribute to a MDT, communicating complex physical performance data in a clear and impactful way to coaches, players, and wider performance staff. Experience and confidence in utilising technologies such as GPS, VALD, wellness monitoring platforms, and Power BI to drive decision-making would be highly valued.

You will thrive in a high-performing MDT, building strong relationships and influencing across disciplines to ensure the player remains central, with stakeholders consistently aligned and informed.

While not essential, experience within a Category One Academy (EPPP), First Team environments, and mentoring practitioners would be advantageous.

Why join us?

There has never been a better time to join Aston Villa Football Club. Our drive to succeed is visible on the global stage, we are building a family ethos and culture to be proud of and realising our ambitious plans for the expansion and improvement of our world-class facilities. If you are already excited by this challenge and want to play your part in our historic Club, then you’ll be pleased to hear about our amazing staff benefits you’ll receive whilst working for us! See our Staff Benefits booklet to find out more.

As part of your application, please ensure you upload your CV and Cover Letter

For further information, the Role Profile and to apply please go to www.avfc.co.uk/careers

Right to Close Vacancy Posting Early

The Club reserves the right to close any advertised vacancies earlier than the advertised closing date if sufficient applications have been received.

Equality Statement

Aston Villa Football Club celebrates diversity and embraces equal opportunities for all.

We welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, race, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, sex and religion or belief.

Safeguarding Statement  

Aston Villa Football Club is fully committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk across our Foundation. As such, we adhere to Safer Recruitment processes and for some roles a satisfactory enhanced disclosure via the Disclosure & Barring Service may be required prior to starting in a role at the Foundation. For more information, please see Aston Villa Football Club | The official club website | AVFC – Safeguarding