Academy Performance Coach (Rehab)

The Society; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Society is seeking an Academy Performance Coach (Rehab) to support player rehabilitation at Derby County Football Club. This pivotal role acts as the bridge between medical and performance departments while implementing the ‘Return to Performance’ strategy.

The ideal candidate holds degrees in Sports Therapy or Sports Science and is capable of developing tailored rehabilitation programs to ensure athletes return stronger and perfectly aligned with the club’s long-term goals.

Qualifications

• You must have an undergraduate degree in a relevant field.
• Postgraduate degree in Strength & Conditioning is required.
• UKSCA or equivalent accreditation is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Integrate medical and performance departments for rehabilitation.
• Deliver on-pitch conditioning with Physiotherapists.
• Facilitate player transitions between development phases.

Skills

Sports Therapy

Sports Science

Strength & Conditioning

On-Pitch Rehabilitation

Education

Undergraduate degree in Sports Therapy, Sports Science, or related discipline

Postgraduate degree in Strength & Conditioning or related discipline

Job description

Organisation : Derby County Football Club

Location : Moor Farm, Morley Rd, Oakwood, Derby DE21 4TB

Closing date for applications : 10/05/2026

Derby County are seeking to recruit an Academy Performance Coach (Rehab) to join the Academy Coaching Department at Moor Farm Training Centre. The successful candidate will be responsible for acting as the vital bridge between the medical and physical performance departments, as well as the crucial link across player pathways (YDP to PDP, and PDP to 1st Team). Reporting to the Head of Academy Medicine and Physical Performance & the Physical Performance Lead, you will spearhead the “Return to Performance” strategy for the Professional Development Phase (PDP). Your mission is to minimise the disruption to a player’s Long-Term Athletic Development (LTAD) during injury. By utilising comprehensive objective testing and athletic profiling to guide decision-making, you will seamlessly bridge the gap between the physio room and the training ground. You will treat rehabilitation as a strategic developmental window, designing individualised programs that ensure every player returns to the squad not just “fit,” but physically upgraded, highly robust, and perfectly aligned with the club’s long-term athletic strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Departmental Integration (Medical & Performance): Act as the vital bridge between the physical performance and medical departments. Partner with the Lead Physiotherapist and Lead Physical Performance Coach to design and execute rehabilitation programs that seamlessly blend clinical recovery with athletic development.
• On-Pitch Rehabilitation: Work closely with Physiotherapists & PDP Performance Coaches to deliver early and late-stage on-pitch conditioning, ensuring a seamless and data-backed transition from the treatment room and gym to full team training and match play.
• Pathway Transitions (YDP to PDP & PDP to 1st Team): Act as a critical physical bridge across the club’s pathway. Facilitate the physical “step-up” for players transitioning from the Youth Development Phase (YDP) into the Professional Development Phase (PDP), as well as preparing players for the demanding physical transition from the PDP into the 1st Team environment.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Sports Therapy, Sports Science or Strength & Conditioning (or other relevant discipline).
• Postgraduate degree in Strength & Conditioning (or other relevant discipline).

Desirable Qualifications

• UKSCA accreditation (working towards) or industry-recognised equivalent i.e. ASCA. Or have attended workshops run by the UK Strength and Conditioning Association and be able to achieve accreditation (or industry-recognised equivalent) within six months.
• BASES accreditation (or working towards).
• UEFA coaching qualifications.

Salary is competitive, dependent on experience.

This is a full-time role, and due to the demands of professional football, there is a requirement for weekend and evening work, as well as regular national travel.