Assistant Foundation/Youth Development Phase Sport Scientist (Boys Academy)

Aston Villa Football Club; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading football club is seeking a Sport Scientist for its Academy to enhance the athletic development of youth players. The role involves working with the Academy's Multi-Disciplinary Team to deliver training and rehabilitation programs tailored for U9-14 athletes. Candidates should have a degree in Sport Science and experience in youth athlete development. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a club committed to nurturing future football talent.

Benefits

Competitive staff benefits

Flexible work schedule

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• Minimum 2:1 degree in Sport Science.
• Experience delivering athletic development to youth athletes.
• Strong understanding of long-term athletic development principles.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the delivery of athletic development pathways for youth players.
• Work closely with the Lead Academy Sport Scientist.
• Support rehabilitation programs in collaboration with the Academy medical team.

Skills

Athletic development

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Understanding of growth and maturation

Education

BSc (Hons) in Sport Science

Job description

Overview

Our Boys Academy Department is proud to have achieved Category One Academy status which reflects our commitment to delivering excellence across all areas of youth football including coaching, education, training, and facilities. We are dedicated to supporting and nurturing the next generation of elite footballers, as demonstrated in our memorable treble-winning 2024/25 season for our U18s as we topped the Under-18 Premier League Southern section table, the Under-18 Premier League national title and we lifted the prestigious FA Youth Cup. We are delighted to announce an exciting opportunity for a Sport Scientist to join our expanding team.

Role

As the Assistant Foundation Phase / Youth Development Phase (FP/YDP) Sport Scientist you will play a key supporting role in the delivery of the athletic development pathway for our FP and YDP players. Working closely with the Lead Academy Sport Scientist and wider Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) you will assist in delivery of the athletic development pathway to our FP and YDP players, with a primary focus on the U9-14s. Your expertise will help shape a cutting-edge, evidence-based approach to player health, availability, and physical development, working collaboratively within our MDT Academy Medical and Sport Science Department. Based at our world-class training ground, you will contribute to the periodisation of training cycles and the delivery of engaging, age-appropriate athletic development sessions. You will assist with physical testing, growth and maturation monitoring, and matchday preparation, as well as supporting rehabilitation programmes in collaboration with the Academy medical team. Through a proactive and player-centric approach, you will provide comprehensive physical development programmes that cater to both group and individual needs. These programmes will empower our young players to harness their physical potential and excel in a high-performance environment, equipping them for the transition to the next phase of their development.

Requirements / Qualifications

• BSc (Hons) in Sport Science (minimum 2:1)
• Experience in assisting and delivering high-quality athletic development to youth athletes within a professional sporting environment, specifically at the Foundation and Youth Development Phase.
• A strong understanding of long-term athletic development, growth and maturation, and the ability to apply these principles in both field and gym environments.
• Team player who thrives in a dynamic environment and has experience working collaboratively within Multi-Disciplinary Teams; ability to adapt communication style to build positive relationships with players.
• While not essential, knowledge of the Elite Player Performance Plan (Category 1 Academy) and an understanding of the unique demands of a Youth Development environment would be highly advantageous.
• Flexible availability to work evenings and weekends; full UK driving license.

There has never been a better time to join Aston Villa Football Club. Our drive to succeed is visible on the global stage, we are building a family ethos and culture to be proud of, and realising our ambitious plans for the expansion and improvement of our world-class facilities. If you are excited by this challenge and want to play your part in our historic Club, you’ll be pleased to hear about our amazing staff benefits. See our Staff Benefits booklet to find out more. Aston Villa Football Club celebrates the diversity of its Club and embraces equal opportunities for all. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and fully support The FA’s Football Leadership Diversity Code.