A. Physical Performance Support
• In conjunction with staff across the Performance and Football department, work collaboratively to develop a systematic, objective and impactful Individual Development Plan (IDP) process for each player in the development squad. This includes both on- and off-pitch IDP components, under the guidance and support of the Lead Academy PPC / HoIP.
• As part of the IDP process, collaboratively create bespoke physical performance programs and strategies that clearly underpin football performance, physical development and robustness.
(Assess – Plan – Deliver – Review)
• Lead the development and delivery of physical profiling and monitoring that provides clear and objective feedback to the Performance and Football Departments about each individual player and the development squad. Align this process with the 1st team and all academy age groups.
B. Return to Performance Support
• As part of a multidisciplinary team, be a key member in delivering high-level return-to-performance support to optimise each player’s rehabilitation journey and effectively return academy players to full fitness, primarily focusing on development squad players.
• Work collaboratively with Medical and the Lead Dev Team Therapist to develop bespoke RTP plans for each injured development team player, with an emphasis on leading their ongoing physical development while injured.
C. On Pitch Performance Support
• Lead the overall on-pitch training plan design to ensure effective management of players’ physical programs and readiness to train and compete in every game (predominantly development squad).
• Lead all pitch-based warm-ups and physical development components (primarily development squad) that are fully integrated within football sessions and demonstrate effective collaboration with football coaches / MDT. Ensure locomotive development is fully aligned with the wider LTAD strategy.
• Alongside the PDP intern, lead the monitoring of external training load, ensuring individual loadings are reviewed and planned based on training and match data (primarily, but not exclusive to, the development squad).
• Continually liaise with all relevant academy staff to organise the movement of players training and playing across age groups.
• In conjunction with the age group performance intern, manage loading via the ‘live’ platforms to provide feedback on training load and influence sessions if required.
D. Overall Environment Duties
• Attend all appropriate review and planning meetings (Team, MDT, Performance, etc.) to proactively contribute to the overall management of the environment, players, AOB, and general day-to-day scheduling.
• Maintain a clear periodised plan at both team and individual level that considers the training and fixture schedule and provides proactively planned strategies to manage the group’s physical development, robustness and readiness across the whole calendar year.
• Assist when needed with athletic development sessions and other schoolboy activities as directed by the Lead Academy PPC / Head of Integrated Performance.
E. Safeguarding
• Have or develop impeccable knowledge of safeguarding best practice, including a deep understanding of safeguarding children regulations, legislation and governing body rules.
• Ensure that any safeguarding or welfare concerns are reported efficiently.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures and adhere to all company regulations regarding policies, procedures, health, safety and security.