YDP Physical Development Coach

Job Summary

Working within the Academy Physical Development department, the employee will lead the Youth Development Phase (YDP) (U13-16). The employee will lead the athletic development to the YDP to optimise the potential of all players, including individualised programmes to develop athletic qualities and increase robustness, which are age appropriate and specific to the needs of the player.

Role Responsibilities

• Deliver and manage the physical development programme for the YDP
• Assist with the management and collection of appropriate testing and screening tools to monitor and measure all Academy players physical qualities, including PL testing and FIP system
• Manage the periodisation and workload of the U13 – U16 age groups including but not limited to management of the GPS
• Lead on the data visualisation of training and match workloads in line with the Academy requirements
• Provide feedback to the Head of Academy Sports Science & Medicine on the YDP physical development programme
• Encourage an interdisciplinary approach of working within the Academy performance department that includes close links to all areas of the Club
• Support the education of all Academy player's and parents in terms of physical development, including injury prevention, injury care, recovery, nutrition, and lifestyle away from the training ground
• Work together with universities to supervise, co-ordinate, assist and educate the Academy physical performance MSc work placement students
• Participate in key topic research to provide clinically based evidence for current and new physical development practices
• Participate in internal and external professional development activities and demonstrate a commitment to undertake on-going formal education programmes
• Carry out any other reasonable management requests

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Essential:

• 12 months experience (i.e., work placement/internship) in the provision of physical development support to youth athletes in a sporting environment
• Good level of coaching and programming skills around all areas of physical development within youth football
• Knowledge on the profiling and screening of athletic qualities within youth football
• Good knowledge on the stages of growth & maturation, as well as the impact of maturation on physical development, and subsequent interventions
• Experience of working in pressurised situations and to deadlines
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent written and IT skills
• Ability to adapt and change at short notice

Desirable:

• A minimum of 12 months working full-time within professional sport in an elite sporting environment
• An accomplished leader

Qualifications

Essential:

• Undergraduate degree in Sports Science, S&C or related subject
• Recognised certification in S&C related competence (i.e., UKSCA (or achievable within 6 months)
• FA First Aid (BFAS) Certificate
• CRB check undertaken

Desirable:

• Postgraduate degree in Sports Science, S&C or related subject
• Evidence to show a desire for continued self-development
• Ability to adapt and change at short notice

Attitude/Behaviours:

• Proactive mentality
• Thinks ahead with a “can do” attitude
• Generates innovative ideas
• Works well in a cognitively diverse performance department
• Loyal and committed
• Ability to adapt quickly
• Strong team ethos

Personal Qualities:

• Takes pride in ensuring a high quality of work
• Highly organised and able to manage multiple tasks
• High importance on self-development
• High level of confidentiality
• Willingness to learn
• Ability to work unsupervised

Criminal Record Check Requirement

This role will require an Enhanced DBS Check.

General Statement

Should an adequate number of applications be received prior to the closing date, [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] reserve the right to remove this advert. Due to a high demand in applications the Club will be unable to respond to those applicants who have not been shortlisted for interview.

Safeguarding & Welfare

The Company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people involved in activities and event at the Company. As part of the Company's recruitment and selection process any offers of work involving working in regulated activity with children are subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS Disclosure and barred list check (depending on the level of supervision, frequency, and nature of contact with children). The Company may also conduct online searches of candidates who have been shortlisted as part of its safer recruitment procedures. Appropriate references will be required.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Statement

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] strives to ensure it provides an environment where everyone's rights, dignity and individual worth is respected and takes a zero-tolerance approach to any form of discrimination. Equal Opportunity is an integral part of our recruitment and selection process, and we welcome applications from all individuals who feel they meet the core requirements of the role. We are particularly encouraging applications from women, disabled people and individuals from diverse ethnic communities who are currently under-represented within the organisation. All appointments will be made on merit of skill and experience relative to the role.

How to Apply

Please complete an Application Form, available HERE. If you require the application form in an alternative format, please email [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]. The closing date for this vacancy will be Monday 4th March 2024.