SAFC Women's U21 Physical Performance Coach

About the Team:

Welcome to the Women’s Football Team at SAFC, where passion, talent, and determination come together to create a powerhouse in women's football! 

Our team is committed to fostering a supportive environment that empowers female athletes to showcase their skills and reach their full potential.

We prioritise player development through tailored training programs that focus on technical skills, tactical understanding, and physical fitness. 

The Women’s Football Team benefits from strong collaboration with our Coaching and Analysis teams, ensuring that our strategies and training sessions are informed by the latest insights and best practices. 

The Opportunity:

Sunderland AFC is seeking to hire a Women’s U21 Physical Performance Coach for the SAFC Women’s Football team. This individual will lead the strength and conditioning program for the Women's Pro Game Academy playing squad.

Reporting to the PGA Academy Manager, you will collaborate with the performance and medical teams and contribute to the ongoing development and implementation of Sunderland AFC Women's Long-Term Plan.

Actively engage in continuing professional development and collaborate with the Head of Performance and Medical to maintain an up-to-date personal development plan. You are expected to provide support to the Women's First Team as needed.

Contribute to the PGA blueprint and curriculum by ensuring that the Sports & Conditioning provision effectively complements the football programme.

Take responsibility for delivering or overseeing the delivery of the PGA’s physical development programme. This includes designing and delivering both individualised athletic development plans and group training sessions tailored for the Women’s U21 squad. Provide injury rehabilitation training as directed by the physiotherapist or sports therapist, preparing players for their return to full training. Design and implement a fitness testing programme, using the results to inform both group and individual training strategies. Collaborate with the physiotherapist or sports therapist to create and support a structured activation and prehabilitation programme.

Maintain a comprehensive database documenting work conducted with athletes and coaches, ensuring that records meet the standards required by The FA and relevant professional bodies. In cases involving sport and conditioning queries, communicate with parents both generally and specifically about their children. Offer education and support to parents regarding their role in physical development, injury prevention and care, recovery, diet, and other key lifestyle factors outside the PGA.

Additionally, support the development of the youth programme by aiding in the transition of U16 players into the Women’s U21 programme.

What We Ask For:

Essential Criteria:

• BSc in Sports Science or a Sport Science related discipline.
• Hold UK Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA) or ASCC accreditation. If accreditation has not been obtained, evidence must be provided to demonstrate an ability to working towards obtaining it, including, but not exclusive to, the attendance of workshops.

  Or evidence of working towards:

• FA DBS
• FA Safeguarding Children
• FA Level 2 Introduction to First Aid in Football (EFAiF) or FA Emergency

First Aid

Or evidence of working towards:

Be a UKAD Clean Sport advisor or evidence of working towards. You will be expected to undertake any specific training or Continued Professional Development to maintain your qualifications and/or as organised by the Club.

This position is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring (DBS) check and the successful candidate must be in possession of an up-to date FA Safeguarding certificate and full UK driving licence.

Desirable Criteria:

• Be a UKAD Clean Sport Advisor or evidence of working towards
• The Football Association Level 2 Emergency Aid in Football or evidence of working towards
• An MSc in Strength and Conditioning or postgraduate related
• Additional S&C related qualifications (for example NSCA/BWLA/FA Level 3) or evidence of working towards
• To be a BASES Accredited Sport Scientist

About Us:

Sunderland AFC is more than just a football club; we are a proud community institution that embodies the spirit of our city.

At the heart of our club is “The Relentless Obsession”—an unwavering passion which fuels our pursuit of success, inspires our players, and ignites the spirit of our supporters. We embrace every challenge with determination, striving to play the beautiful game with flair and tenacity.

At SAFC, we believe in the power of football to unite and inspire. Our commitment extends beyond the pitch as we strive to make a positive impact through various community initiatives, empowering individuals and celebrating diversity.

Join us on our journey as we continue to build on our legacy, fuelled by “The Relentless Obsession” for greatness.