Volunteer Strength & Conditioning Coach

About The Role:

Volunteer Strength & Conditioning Coach

Application Deadline: Sunday 17^th May

Walsall Football Club Academy is seeking a Volunteer Strength & Conditioning Coach to support the physical development of our youth players. This role offers a valuable hands‑on opportunity for students or qualified practitioners looking to gain practical experience within a professional football environment.

Reporting to the Head of Academy Strength & Conditioning, the successful volunteer will assist with the delivery of on‑field physical conditioning and gym-based strength and conditioning programmes for Academy players. You will work closely with Academy coaches, the physiotherapy team, and players to support athletic development, performance and injury prevention across the Academy pathway.

This role is ideal for undergraduates, postgraduates, or practitioners qualified in Sports Science or Strength & Conditioning, particularly those aspiring to work within elite or professional sport.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities: 

• Support the planning and implementation of age‑appropriate conditioning programmes
• Deliver gym-based and pitch-based athletic development sessions
• Work directly with youth players to improve strength, speed, and overall physical performance
• Assist with internal and external load monitoring using GPS with the Professional Development Phase (PDP)
• Learn how to collate, interpret, and report GPS data using relevant software
• Lead warm-ups, cool-downs, and recovery sessions to reduce injury risk
• Support the delivery of injury prevention programmes
• Monitor player development through physical testing, assessment, and data analysis
• Educate players on physical preparation, recovery, and basic nutrition principles
• Maintain a professional, inclusive, and motivating training environment
• Provide coaching support during training sessions and matchdays where required

Person Specification

Essential

• Passion for player development and an understanding of the demands of youth football
• Previous experience delivering strength and conditioning support in a football or sports environment
• Experience conducting physical testing with youth athletes
• Currently studying Sports Science or related
• Strong understanding of anatomy and the ability to apply this knowledge practically
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team
• Enthusiastic, forward-thinking, and willing to learn
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
• Honest, reliable, and trustworthy at all times
• First Aid and CPR certification
• Must satisfactorily pass an FA Enhanced DBS check
• Applicants must be 18 years or older

Desirable

• FA Safeguarding Children qualification
• Commitment to ongoing professional development (CPD)
• Understanding of and commitment to the Club’s Environmental Sustainability Policy

About Walsall Football Club:

Walsall Football Club, founded in 1888, is a place full of passion and pride, with a rich history having had exciting moments in both the lower divisions and the second tier of English football. Since moving to the Bescot Stadium in 1990, we've celebrated promotions, including two stints in the second tier in 1961 and 2001, and a memorable League Two title win in 2007.

We’re committed to inspiring our community, offering a sense of belonging, pride, and aspiration. We are guided by our core values of Excellence, Service, Discipline, and Ambition, creating opportunities for people to connect, grow, and achieve both on and off the pitch.