Academy Physiotherapist (Professional Development Phase)

Sheffield United FC; Rottingdean; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Sheffield United FC is seeking an experienced Physiotherapist to join the Academy Elite Performance team, supporting the Professional Development Phase (primarily U18s). The role includes pitch-side cover, medical care, and collaborative work with sport scientists and data specialists at the Training Academy.

You will maintain medical records, contribute to CPD initiatives, and assist with screening programs for U18/U21 players, aligning with return-to-play pathways and evidence-based practice.

Qualifications

• BSc Physiotherapy or equivalent with CSP/SST registration.
• Current HCPC registration (Physiotherapy) or SST if pre-registration.
• Prior pitch-side duties experience.
• FA Safeguarding Children accreditation.
• Knowledge of return to play pathways and injury management.
• ATMMiF or equivalent Pitch Side qualification.

Responsibilities

• Deliver physiotherapy and medical support to Academy Elite Performance teams.
• Provide pitch-side cover for Professional Development Phase fixtures, mainly U18s.
• Maintain accurate medical records and weekly rehab plans in Kitman Labs.
• Contribute to in-house CPD initiatives within the Elite Performance department.
• Assist in development and delivery of medical screening programmes for U18/U21 players.

Skills

Pitch-side duties

Injury management

Return to play pathways

CPD participation

Team collaboration

Education

BSc Physiotherapy

HCPC/SST registration

ATMMiF Pitch Side

Tools

Kitman Labs

PMA

Job description

Academy Physiotherapist (Professional Development Phase)

Up to £33,500 per annum, dependent on experience

Post Reference: AC112026-PP

Sheffield United Football Club is offering an exciting opportunity for an experienced Physiotherapist to become a vital part of our Academy Elite Performance team. The primary function of this role is to deliver comprehensive physiotherapy and medical support to the Professional Development Phase squads.

As an integral member of this Multi-Disciplinary Team, the successful candidate will predominantly focus on optimising player development through collaborative efforts. This will involve providing essential medical support and pitch-side cover for academy fixtures, primarily the U18s, alongside maintaining medical records, actively contributing to CPD initiatives, and assisting with comprehensive screening programmes for both U18 and U21 players.

Role Responsibilities:

Work as part of an innovative Elite Performance department including physiotherapists, sport scientists, physical performance coaches and data scientists to optimise player physical development, performance and availability.

Assist the Lead Academy Physiotherapist in all medical health related matters appertaining to all Academy players.

Provide physiotherapy and medical support to the Professional Development Phase squads (primarily the U18s) during weekdays, evenings and weekends.

Provide pitch-side support for Professional Development Phase fixtures.

Assist in the delivery of in-house CPD to the Elite Performance department to enhance support across all disciplines.

Employ evidence-based practise during treatment aligned with objective return to play markers following standardised return to play pathways for key injuries.

Recording and maintaining accurate e-assessment notes, general medical notes and weekly rehabilitation planning for injured players on Kitman Labs Platform.

Assist the Head Academy Physiotherapist in the development, organisation, coordination and provision of medical, cardiology, orthopaedic, psychological, ophthalmic, movement and postural screening programmes for U18's and U21's players.

Club Wide Responsibilities

Adhere to all Sheffield United Football Club's Safeguarding Policies and Procedures to foster an environment which protects from harm those defined as children and adults at risk.

Report any concerns of a Safeguarding nature to the relevant parties and remain fully compliant with any applicable Safeguarding checks and due diligence and recognise your responsibility to the Club's Safeguarding agenda.

Report any concerns of discrimination to the relevant parties and promote a welcoming and inclusive club environment for all.

Adhere to the Club's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies, supporting the Club to create an environment which is inclusive and all-encompassing.

Carry out and actively participate in all training requests as directed by the Club, including mandatory health and safety training, emergency procedures, fire safety, manual handling, safeguarding, and role-specific safety instruction.

Summary

Contract Type: Permanent, full time

Hours: 40 hours per week

Location: Sheffield United Training Academy

Line Manager: Lead Academy Physiotherapist

Salary: Up to £33,500 per annum, dependent on experience

Post Reference: AC112026-PP

Company: Sheffield United FC Salary: £27,000 to £33,500 a year Hours: Full-time Location: S4 7DR Working pattern: On-site Job type: Permanent Posting date: 10 Nov 2026 Closing date: 24 Nov 2026

Essential requirements

• BSc Physiotherapy or Equivalent degree.Current registration with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) or Society of Sports Therapists (SST) (if undergoing on the Pre-registration Physiotherapy course).
• Current registration with the HCPC (Physiotherapy) or SST (Society of Sports Therapists, if undergoing the Physiotherapy course).
• Prior experience of pitch-side duties.
• FA Safeguarding Children.
• Previous clinical experience in the musculoskeletal setting includes the use of contemporary methods of injury management and functional rehabilitation as part of a return to play pathway.
• Pitch Side qualification: ATMMiF or equivalent.
• Desirable Criteria for the Role:- Previous experience of using Kitman Labs/PMA.
• A good understanding of strength and conditioning principles.
• Previous experience of working in Football.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Candidates must already have the right to work in the UK.

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