Academy Performance Therapist

• To ensure high standards of medical support / services, predominately to FP/YDP.
• Assess, treat, and rehabilitate any injuries/conditions that Academy players may present with, in line with the RTP department philosophy, including load management strategies.
• Follow the ‘one club’ philosophy of the medical department; involve the Academy Performance Team and the First Team Performance Staff in the management of all players; support all medical staff as required.
• Provide specific medical input for training sessions and matches.
• Lead on regular MSK screening for the FP/YDP age groups, and implement individual programmes based on results. Assist PDP screening processes when required.
• To provide high quality therapy input to improve ‘fit’ players and minimise their time lost due to injury; contribute to strategies for the reduction of injury and improved academy availability (IDP).
• To produce Medical notes / injury data within 24 hours of medical input.
• Provide annual injury audits for the Foundation and Youth Development phase.
• To lead with both the trialists & pre-signing medical of academy players (primarily FP/YDP phase) in liaison with the wider Performance Team.
• Liaise with external healthcare professionals, as and when required under the guidance of the Lead Academy Performance Physiotherapist, to better treat and assess Academy player’s situations or needs.
• To accompany Academy players, and ensure appropriate travel arrangements are made, to medical consultations when required as directed by the Lead Academy Performance Physiotherapist.
• Ensure all long term RTP use the club planner, and full decks are completed and presented to the MDT for YDP players injuries.
• To undertake personal CPD as appropriate to meet the demands of the role, as well as provide effective reflective feedback sessions to the wider MDT.
• Lead in the management of casual academy therapists; to assist in their development and education, providing regular training on medical/trauma scenarios.
• Assist in the education of all academy players, parents and coaches in terms of emergency first aid, injury prevention, injury care, post-match recovery, and drug awareness.
• Lead on the delivery CPR/Defib Training to all part time staff in the YDP/FP & assist in the delivery to academy players.
• Monitor and maintain cleanliness of clinical workspaces & ensure maintenance / care of medical / therapy equipment.
• Play a key role in the development and delivery of the growth and maturation process in the academy (FP/YDP) and implement Individual programs as well as activity / load modifications based on data coupled with clinical symptoms.
• Work closely with the Coaching Staff and Performance staff to ensure appropriate physical development of Academy players; attend Phase meetings to report / discuss current medical situation and player availability; attend case study meetings.
• To have or develop an impeccable knowledge of safeguarding best practice to include a deep understanding of safeguarding children’s regulations, including legislation & governing body rules.
• To ensure that any safeguarding or welfare concerns are reporting efficiently.
• To comply with all company policies/procedures and adhere to all company regulations regarding policies, procedures, health, safety, and security.

• Advanced DBS Check
• Current FA Safeguarding Certificate
• Undergraduate degree in Physiotherapy or Sports Therapy
• FA Level 5 ATMMiF qualification

• Postgraduate qualification within sport and exercise medicine or a related field of study
• Current CSP/HCPC membership

• Ability to assess injury
• Experience of planning and delivering treatment & rehabilitation of sports injuries
• Interest in paediatrics
• Good understanding of growth & maturation and its implications on the development of athletes
• Previous experience of working with elite level youth athletes and treating sporting injuries desirable
• Experience of working in a professional football club environment desirable
• Experience of working in a team environment
• IT skills to include a very high level of competence using Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent overall level of numeracy and literacy

• A professional ‘can do’ attitude with strong organisational and administrative skills
• A genuine team player
• Flexibility to work with children and young adults
• Empathy with young people and their challenges

• A hardworking and enthusiastic individual
• Takes responsibility for ensuring a high quality of work
• Demonstrates enthusiasm and is personally committed to achieving agreed objectives
• Is receptive to feedback about own behaviour, strengths and areas for improvement
• Displays a high level of confidentiality
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Loyal and committed
• A willingness to learn

 Safeguarding

Queens Park Rangers Football Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. We are committed to safer recruitment throughout the Club. An enhanced DBS check is a requirement of the role.

As a small and tight knit team Queens Park Rangers Football Club recognises the need for personal development and team spirit to enable the Club to achieve its objectives. This job description is intended as a guide to the main responsibilities and is not intended to restrict any individual in the performance of other duties as required by the Company.  

This job description is intended as a guide to the main responsibilities and is not intended to restrict any individual in the performance of other duties as required by the Company.