U9-U16 Lead Physiotherapist

We are looking for a physiotherapist who will lead the efficient and effective functioning of the medical support services provided to the U9-U16 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:

• Lead and oversee the day-to-day medical provision for the Foundation Phase (U9–U11) and Youth Development Phase (U12–U16), ensuring high standards of care and consistent service delivery across all age groups, including cover for training and fixtures where required.
• Supervise, mentor and support Academy Physiotherapists, Sports Therapists and placement students where appropriate, contributing to staff development and performance review processes.
• Ensure age-appropriate medical screening is completed on a seasonal basis for all U9–U16 academy players.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with academy coaching, sport science and strength and conditioning staff regarding player availability and those participating with training restrictions.
• Ensure effective communication with players, parents/carers and relevant stakeholders regarding injury management, rehabilitation progression, availability and medical recommendations.
• Design all return-to-play programmes collaboratively with sport science, strength and conditioning, and coaching staff to optimise players’ physical and football outcomes.
• Analyse and utilise player availability, growth and maturation, and injury surveillance data to identify trends and support injury prevention strategies, rehabilitation planning and performance outcomes.
• Support the development and delivery of injury prevention strategies, movement education and player availability initiatives across the academy programme.
• Actively contribute to player Individual Development Plans and support the 12-week player review process.
• Attend external player medical consultations as required.
• Support the co-ordination and delivery of the Academy cardiac screening programme in line with FA/EPPP guidelines and in conjunction with the Lead Academy Physiotherapist, Head of Medical and Club Doctor.
• Ensure accurate recording of injuries on Kitman Labs and maintain comprehensive documentation of all treatment and rehabilitation interventions in accordance with HCPC and CSP standards.
• Coordinate signing medicals in conjunction with the Head of Academy Recruitment, Head of Academy Medical and Academy Doctor.
• Develop, review and stress-test Emergency Action Plans for all U9–U16 training venues and home fixtures, ensuring all defibrillators, trauma bags and emergency medical equipment are checked and maintained appropriately.
• Ensure all medical equipment, consumables and clinical areas are maintained to appropriate standards and comply with health and safety, infection control and clinical governance requirements.
• Work collaboratively with the Academy Safeguarding Team and maintain an awareness of safeguarding, welfare and child protection responsibilities in line with club and governing body policies.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of youth development and EPPP regulations relating to Performance Support and ensure all Safe to Operate and compliance standards are met.
• Participate in internal and external audits and other regulatory requirements as required.
• Contribute to the audit, monitoring and continuous improvement of medical services through regular review of injury trends, service outcomes and key performance indicators.
• Actively contribute to the club’s CPD programme and apply contemporary research and evidence-informed practice where appropriate to support treatment outcomes and programme development.