Academy Lead Physiotherapist

We are looking for a lead physiotherapist who will lead the efficient and effective functioning of the medical support services provided to the academy squad and support the performance ambitions of the club by leading and delivering best practice physiotherapy and professional care to players.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Evidence based assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation primarily for U21 & U18 academy players, whilst supporting as required the U9 – U16 programmes.
• Ensuring appropriate medical cover for all academy age group training sessions and fixtures.
• Age-appropriate medical screening is completed on a seasonal basis across the academy programme. Additionally, all full-time players are registered with a NHS General Practitioner.
• Work closely with the Academy Physiotherapists / Sports Therapists to supervise and support the medical provision and transition of U9 – U16 players into the professional development phase.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with academy coaching, sport science and strength & conditioning staff.
• All return to play programmes are designed collaboratively with sport science, strength & conditioning and coaching input to optimise the player’s physical and football outcomes.
• Utilise and incorporate player data to reflect upon injury occurrences and support planning of rehabilitation and training programmes. Actively contribute to player Individual Learning Plans and support the 12-week player review process.
• Attend external player medical consultations as required.
• Ensure compliance with U21, U19, U17 and U15 cardiac screening programme as per FA / EFL / EPPP guidelines in conjunction with the Academy Doctor.
• All professional development phase players have baseline ImPACT neurocognition testing and repeated at appropriate time intervals.
• Compliance with WADA, FA anti-doping and Whereabouts regulations including weekly “Reserve Team” training schedule.
• Accurate recording of injuries on Kitman Labs and documentation of all treatment / rehabilitation provided in accordance with HCPC and CSP.
• Coordinate signing medicals with Head of Academy Recruitment and the Academy Doctor.
• Develop, review and stress test emergency action plans for all training and home fixture venues. All defibrillators and trauma equipment are checked weekly within the academy.
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of youth development and EPPP rules relating to Performance Support and meet Safe to Operate and Compliance Standards.
• Actively contribute to the club’s CPD programme and apply contemporary research where possible to support treatment outcomes and programme development.