Academy Physical Performance Coach

Bath Rugby; Bath; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Match tickets

Bath Rugby branded kit

Local discounts

Onsite gym

Cycle to Work scheme

Job summary

Bath Rugby seeks an ambitious Physical Performance practitioner to develop academy players physically and psychologically, guiding their progression through the Foundation and Development stages. You will profile, plan and program individualized development, collaborating with senior staff and medical teams to ensure safe return-to-play and ongoing education.

Essential qualifications include a BSc in Sport & Exercise Science or related field, extensive coaching experience, and expertise with GPS

Qualifications

• BSc in Sport & Exercise Science, Strength & Conditioning or related discipline.
• Experience coaching within academy, youth-development or performance sport environments.
• Strong practical coaching ability across gym and field-based physical development.

Responsibilities

• Profiling – regularly assess and track the physical preparedness and development of Academy players using aligned processes and systems.
• Planning – organise and sequence training to support long-term physical development, appropriate to age, maturation and individual player needs.
• Programming – prescribe progressive, individualised physical development programmes to improve physical qualities, enhance strengths and address individual gaps.
• Coaching – direct attention, assure movement quality and challenge perceived physical ceiling for both gym and field sessions.
• Monitoring – track internal and external training load using aligned systems and make/recommend appropriate modifications to optimise player development and durability.
• Rehabbing – support the Physical Performance component of rehabilitation and return to play in collaboration with Academy medical staff.
• Educating – contribute to player education in terms of physical preparation, recovery, lifestyle and performance behaviours.

Skills

Strength & Conditioning

Coaching

Athlete Monitoring

GPS

Communication

Education

BSc in Sport & Exercise Science or related

Tools

GPS

Athlete Monitoring Systems

Job description

CORE PURPOSE

Develop players so they are physically prepared and psycho-behaviourally equipped to transition effectively through the Foundation and Development stages of the performance pathway.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Profiling – regularly assess and track the physical preparedness and development of Academy players using aligned processes and systems
• Planning – organise and sequence training to support long-term physical development, appropriate to age, maturation and individual player needs
• Programming – prescribe progressive, individualised physical development programmes to improve physical qualities, enhance strengths and address individual gaps. Programmes to be aligned to club Physical Performance best practice framework
• Coaching – direct attention, assure movement quality and challenge perceived physical ceiling for both gym and field sessions
• Monitoring – track internal and external training load using aligned systems and make/recommend appropriate modifications to optimise player development and durability
• Rehabbing – support the Physical Performance component of rehabilitation and return to play in collaboration with Academy medical staff
• Educating – contribute to player education in terms of physical preparation, recovery, lifestyle and performance behaviours

Individual Player Development & Progression

• Contribute to case conferences and IDPs, ensuring clear individual specific physical development priorities
• Ensure compliance with RFU standardised athletic assessments and maintain accurate player physical performance data
• Identify physical strengths, development gaps and individual rate limiters for emerging players
• Work closely with Senior Academy staff to ensure the smooth transition of players through the pathway

Partnership Delivery & Physical Performance Alignment

• Lead Physical Performance delivery within the Bath Rugby and Beechen Cliff School partnership
• Work collaboratively with Beechen Cliff staff to ensure alignment and continuity of players' physical development
• Support physical performance delivery across Academy pathway satellite centres and partner environments as required
• Maintain effective communication with relevant schools, clubs and International programmes to promote training alignment

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

Essential

• BSc in Sport & Exercise Science, Strength & Conditioning or related discipline
• Experience coaching within academy, youth-development or performance sport environments
• Strong practical coaching ability across gym and field-based physical development
• Experience with physical profiling, GPS and athlete monitoring systems
• Knowledge of adolescent athlete physical development, including growth and maturation
• Ability to build effective relationships with players and key stakeholders
• Strong communication, collaboration and organisational skills, with the ability to work effectively within an IDT
• Ability and willingness to work evenings, weekends and match days, and travel between delivery sites as required
• DBS checked

Desirable

• Experience within professional rugby or an elite rugby pathway
• Experience working within a school or dual-career environment

What We Offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits package including:
  • Complimentary matchday tickets and Bath Rugby branded kit
  • Local discounts and wellness initiatives
  • Onsite gym usage and Cycle to Work scheme

Safeguarding

Due to the nature of our business, child adjacent roles, and the requirement to upkeep the reputation of our club, any offer of employment for this role will be conditional upon the declaration of any unspent convictions and other relevant safeguarding or protection orders, in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Any information disclosed will be considered fairly and will not automatically disqualify an applicant.

Due to the nature of the role, if you are successful, we will require you to undertake an enhanced DBS and submit two references as part of our safer recruitment practices.