Academy Physiotherapist

Sydney Swans Limited; Sydney; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing support & gym access

Partner discounts via Corporate Partnr

Professional development support

Club memberships for match days

Job summary

The Sydney Swans Academy is seeking a Lead Physiotherapist to oversee medical care for the QBE Sydney Swans Academy. You will lead injury assessment, rehabilitation and prevention for youth athletes within a high-performance environment.

You will work closely with the Academy Doctor, performance team and coaches to align rehabilitation with strength and conditioning plans, manage clinical workflows and athlete data, and support intern development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy with AHPRA registration.
• 5+ years in high-performance sport or elite academies; AFL/AFLW experience valued.
• Experience with youth athletes and safeguarding principles.
• High data competency with Athlete Management Systems, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience with GPS and strength diagnostics.

Responsibilities

• Assess injuries, provide acute care within scope and coordinate referrals.
• Deliver high standards of care with sound clinical judgement and governance.
• Lead rehabilitation and return-to-running, training and competition programs.
• Communicate athlete restrictions, progress and readiness to align with performance plans.
• Lead injury-prevention and athlete-health initiatives to improve availability.
• Educate athletes on injury prevention, recovery, training load and self-management.
• Oversee medical operations, workflows, documentation and systems.
• Coordinate external providers and use data to inform strategies.
• Collaborate with Academy Doctor, performance team, coaches, athletes and parents.

Skills

Data competency

Athlete Management Systems

GPS technology

Strength diagnostic tech

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Communication with athletes/parents

Education

Bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy

Postgraduate Master's in sports physiotherapy

Tools

Athlete Management Systems

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

GPS technology

Job description

• High Performance Culture - clear standards, real feedback and a team that finds the extra 1%
• Work that matters - you'll help shape how fans experience the Swans, every day
• Flexible, inclusive ways of working so you can do your best work
• Based at our state-of-the-art facility

Born from hard work, grit and a relentless drive to win, the Swans have 152 years behind us - and we're building what's next. We share the journey, celebrate the wins, and keep raising the bar as one of Australia's leading sporting clubs.

Choose a career with the Sydney Swans, to join a team that shows up in the big moments and supports each other every day. Guided by Respect, Courage and Curiosity, you'll contribute to work that matters and be part of something bigger.

We are committed to a supportive, inclusive workplace where people feel connected to our club and to each other. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

THE PERKS

• Wellbeing support to keep you at your best - including gym access
• Perks and discounts via our Corporate Partners
• Professional development support tailored to your goals
• Club memberships to share match days with friends and family

QBE SYDNEY SWANS ACADEMY

Established in 2010, the QBE Sydney Swans Academy identifies and develops the next generation of AFL and AFLW talent across New South Wales.

Each year, the Academy supports up to 700 athletes (11-19 years) across metropolitan and regional NSW. The program combines football development, strength and conditioning, high-performance education and personal development in a professional environment.

The Top End program supports Under 16 and Under 18 squads, providing a pathway from junior football towards elite AFL and AFLW environments. Athletes train and compete against other leading Academy and Talent League programs.

The Academy develops more than footballers, helping young athletes build the skills, behaviours and personal qualities needed to thrive in high-performance sport.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Lead physiotherapy services for the QBE Sydney Swans Academy and play a key role in helping talented young athletes stay healthy, develop and perform. You will provide high-quality, athlete-centred care across injury assessment, rehabilitation and prevention, while contributing to a connected and professional high-performance environment.

In this role, you will:

• Assess and manage injuries, provide acute care within scope and coordinate referrals or escalation when required.
• Deliver consistently high standards of care through sound clinical judgement and strong governance.
• Lead individualised rehabilitation and evidence-informed return-to-running, training and competition programs.
• Clearly communicate athlete restrictions, progress and readiness, aligning rehabilitation with strength and conditioning and broader performance plans.
• Lead screening, injury-prevention and athlete-health initiatives that improve availability, resilience and long-term development.
• Educate athletes on injury prevention, recovery, training load, concussion and effective self-management.
• Oversee medical operations, including clinical workflows, documentation, athlete management systems, injury surveillance, equipment and medical readiness.
• Coordinate external providers and use injury, availability and rehabilitation data to inform clinical and prevention strategies.
• Work closely with the Academy Doctor, performance team, coaches, athletes, parents and external providers to support informed, aligned decisions.
• Build a professional and accountable medical environment, support intern development and contribute to high-performance planning and continuous improvement.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in Physiotherapy and current AHPRA registration.
• Postgraduate Master's degree in sports physiotherapy (Desirable).
• 5+ years' experience working in high-performance sport or elite Academy's. (AFL/AFLW Experience is valued).
• Demonstrated experience working with youth athletes, with a strong understanding of child safeguarding principles and practices.
• High levels of data competency, including using Athlete Management Systems, Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience working with GPS and strength diagnostic technologies.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively within a multidisciplinary environment.
• Current first aid and CPR, Current NSW Working with Children's Check and Current Driver's license

Due to the nature of the industry, the ideal candidate must be flexible in their availability as extended hours and weekend work will be required for this role.

As we expect a high level of interest in the role, only those applicants short listed will be contacted.

Sydney Swans is an equal opportunity employer and child safe organisation committed to ensuring the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children and young people. All staff are required to hold a Working with Children Check.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are encouraged to apply.

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Australia.