First Team Head Physiotherapist

Role Purpose 

The Head Physiotherapist will lead and deliver best-practice medical and physiotherapy services to all players at Swindon Town FC. 

The role is responsible for safeguarding player health, optimising availability, injury prevention, player assessment, rehabilitation and return-to-play processes as part of a multidisciplinary team, in line with club objectives and competition medical standards. 

Key Responsibilities 

Medical & Physiotherapy 

• Lead and direct the provision of comprehensive medical and physiotherapy services to all players. 

• Demonstrate expert assessment, diagnostic and clinical reasoning skills. 

• Promote and protect the health, safety and well-being of all players at all times. 

• Deliver best-practice physiotherapy and professional care in line with current evidence and governing body standards. 

• Manage the medical rota/calendar to ensure appropriate medical cover at all required times. 

• Maintain accurate and confidential medical records in line with club policy, league regulations and legal standards. 

• Oversee medical screening, cardiac assessment and annual health evaluations. 

Injury Management & Rehabilitation 

• Work alongside the First Team Sports Therapist and interdisciplinary team in the implementation and progression of individualised rehabilitation programmes. 

• Manage the return-to-play process ensuring safe and effective return to training and competition as part of an interdisciplinary team. 

• Be confident working across the full spectrum of injuries expected in a high-performance football environment. 

• Ensure adequate medical and rehabilitation cover for players requiring ongoing support during the off-season. 

Screening, Testing & Injury Prevention 

• Lead all musculoskeletal screening and testing, including pre-signing medicals and baseline testing. 

• Provide clear, relevant medical information to the club Doctor, Director of Sport, Head Coach to support informed decision-making. 

• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide individual pre-habilitation and corrective exercise programmes addressing flagged risk areas throughout the season. 

• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to utilise testing data to monitor adaptations, strength changes and improvements in identified areas of concern. 

• Lead the monitoring of injured players injury status fitness and availability in relation to training and matches. 

• Develop and implement injury prevention strategies in collaboration with the wider medical and performance team. 

• Within scope of practice, deliver daily preventative treatments including soft tissue therapy and manual techniques. 

Match Day Responsibilities 

• Lead match-day medical provision for all First Team fixtures (home and away). 

• Provide pitch-side assessment, treatment and emergency care as required. 

• Deliver appropriate treatments to players on match days. 

• Ensure all match-day medical equipment is maintained, checked and fit for purpose. 

• Be present at training sessions and matches as assigned, providing immediate medical support when necessary. 

Medical Governance & Compliance 

• Oversee medical governance and clinical standards across the club. 

• Work closely with the Club Doctor, involving them where appropriate (e.g. cardiac screening, concussion management). 

• Ensure full compliance with competition minimum medical standards, anti-doping regulations and standard operating procedures. 

• Collaborate with the wider medical and performance team to review and update the club’s clinical governance framework annually. 

• Maintain accurate, confidential and up-to-date medical records and documentation. 

• Work with the Head of Performance to manage and monitor the medical department budget effectively. 

Communication & Collaboration 

• Communicate clearly and effectively across the multidisciplinary team, providing regular updates on player availability for training and matches. 

• Build strong working relationships with coaching, performance and medical staff. 

• Demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional development (CPD) and remain up to date with advancements in football medicine and physiotherapy.