About the Opportunity
Exeter City Football Club is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic university student to join our Academy as a Sport Scientist intern. This placement offers a unique opportunity to apply academic knowledge in a practical setting with elite young football players, contributing to their athletic development and well-being.
Under the guidance of the Head of Academy Sport Science and Medicine and the Lead Academy Sport Scientist, you will work in a professional, multidisciplinary environment that aims to prepare young players for first-team football and beyond.
Role Responsibilities
• Athletic Development: Support the delivery of athletic development sessions for Foundation Phase (FDP) and Youth Development Phase (YDP) players, as well as U18 gym and pitch-based strength and conditioning (S&C) sessions.
• Integrated Sport Science: Assist with implementing a 6-strand model of Sport Science for players aged 9-18.
• Testing & Analysis: Conduct anthropometric and physical testing, analysing results to assess player progress.
• Stakeholder Education: Promote key concepts from the Elite Habits & Mindsets Programme.
• General Support: Provide pitch-side aid, rehabilitation support, and other responsibilities as needed.
• Personal Development: Continuously expand knowledge in sport science and medicine.
What We’re Looking For
Essential Criteria:
• Currently studying a degree in Strength & Conditioning (S&C) or Sport Science.
• A genuine passion for youth athletic development.
• Strong desire to pursue a career in youth sports science.
• Full, clean driving licence.
Desirable Criteria:
• Valid FA DBS check, BFAS certification, and Safeguarding Children Certificate (or willingness to obtain).
• ITMiFF or UEFA FDEP qualification.
• Experience working with youth athletes.
• Knowledge of growth, maturation, and related injuries.
Why Join Us?
• Gain hands-on experience in a professional football environment.
• Contribute to the development of elite young athletes.
• Work alongside a team of dedicated professionals committed to player development.
• Access opportunities for personal and professional growth through mentoring and learning initiatives.
Safeguarding Commitment
Exeter City Football Club prioritises the safeguarding, well-being, and safety of all participants. This role requires an enhanced DBS check (provided by us) and adherence to our Safeguarding Policy – training will be provided by us.
Job Description & Specific Role Requirements
Reporting To & Key Liaison with
• Head of Academy Sport Science and Medicine
• Lead Academy Sport Scientist
Purpose & Role function
• Support the running of all FDP and YDP athletic development sessions.
• Assist with U18 gym and pitch-based S&C sessions.
• Support the delivery of an integrated 6-strand model of Sport Science to Academy players aged 9-18years.
• Uphold and demonstrate the values, standards and behaviours expected by ECFC both inside & outside the Club.
Other Key relationships
• Academy Management Team
• Lead Academy Physiotherapist (U18)
• Lead Academy Physiotherapist (U9-U16)
• Lead PDP coach
• Lead U18s Coach
• Lead Phase Coaches
• Sport Science (PhD)
Role Summary
• Support the design and implementation of activities to optimise the health, athletic performance, and well-being of all Academy players.
• Assist with anthropometric and physical testing and analysis to support accurate assessments of player progress.
• Educate stakeholders on key concepts from the Elite Habits & Mindsets Programme.
• Provide support and cover for Sports Science and Medical staff in pitch-side emergency aid, rehabilitation services, and other critical responsibilities as needed.
• Continuously develop knowledge in sports science and medicine.
• Undertake any other reasonable and relevant tasks as assigned.
Safeguarding
• Attend seasonal safeguarding training as required by the Club.
• Adhere to all guidelines contained within the Club's Safeguarding Policy.
• Utilise the ‘MyConcern’ system to ‘recognise, respond, report and record’ any safeguarding incidents in a timely and detailed manner.
• Place player safety and welfare as a top priority at all times.
• Ensure all medical equipment is safe & stored securely.