U21s Physiotherapist

JOB TITLE                                      U21s Physiotherapist

DEPARTMENT                                Academy

RESPONSIBLE TO                          Head of Sports Science and Medicine

SALARY                                         Dependent on Experience

CONTRACT                                    Full-time, 40 hours a week

WORK FLEXIBILITY                        The position will involve working irregular hours (evenings, weekends and bank holidays)

JOB SUMMARY

To be responsible for the assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and injury prevention of players within the U21 squad, ensuring all medical provision meets the standards required under the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP). To work closely with the wider multidisciplinary team (MDT), which includes, sport scientists, S&C coaches, doctors and coaching staff, to optimise player availability, performance and long-term development.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical Care & Rehabilitation

• Provide day-to-day physiotherapy assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation for U21 players, covering both match-related and training-related injuries.
• Design and deliver individualised rehabilitation programmes, progressing players safely back to full training and match availability.
• Provide pitch-side emergency first aid and immediate injury management during training sessions and matches, including matchday cover as required.
• Liaise with external consultants, surgeons, and specialists regarding diagnosis, imaging, and treatment plans, coordinating the player's care pathway.
• Work closely with S&C coaches and sport scientists to deliver on-pitch and football-specific rehabilitation and return to play programmes.
• Analyse and report on injury, availability and rehabilitation data to support departmental decision-making.

  Injury Prevention & Screening

• Conduct pre-season and ongoing medical and musculoskeletal screening in line with club and EPPP protocols.
• Design and implement injury prevention programmes (e.g. movement assessments, prehab routines, load management strategies) in collaboration with the sports science team.
• Monitor injury trends and player load data to identify risk factors and inform training adjustments.
• Educate players on injury prevention, recovery strategies, sleep, self-management and the development of professional habits.

  MDT Collaboration

• Work closely with S&C coaches, sport scientists, nutritionists and psychologists to deliver a holistic, integrated approach to player welfare and performance.
• Attend daily MDT meetings to communicate player availability, injury updates and return to play timelines.
• Support smooth transition of players between the U21 and First Team, ensuring continuity of medical care and information sharing.

Record Keeping & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, confidential, and up to date medical records using Kitman Labs.
• Contribute to injury audits, EPPP compliance reporting and ongoing departmental quality improvement.

Safeguarding & Welfare

• Promote and safeguard the welfare of young players in line with the club’s safeguarding policies, recognizing the additional duty of care owed to players transitioning into an adult environment.
• Act as a positive, professional role model, always maintaining confidentiality and appropriate boundaries with players.

CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK REQUIREMENT

• This role will require an Enhanced DBS Check.