Club Sports Nutritionist - part time - 20hrs per week

Reading Football Club; Reading; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A professional football organization is looking for a Nutritionist to provide evidence-based nutritional support across all academy levels and the 1st team. Responsibilities include developing a nutrition syllabus, conducting dietary assessments, and supporting players during rehabilitative processes. Successful candidates will possess a BSc in nutrition and experience working with athletic populations. The role is part-time and based in Reading, UK, with a closing date for applications on January 26, 2026.

Qualifications

• Experience of providing nutritional support to athletic populations.
• Essential understanding of key nutritional concepts in sports.
• Ability to encourage and manage elite footballers effectively.

Responsibilities

• Deliver nutritional support to the 1st team squad players.
• Develop and deliver the academy nutrition syllabus.
• Conduct nutrition and dietary assessments of players.

Skills

Computer Literacy including MS office and Excel

Ability to develop and maintain professional working relationships

Time management

Reliable

Adaptable and flexible

Education

BSc in nutrition, or related discipline

Job description

Organisation: Reading Football Club
Salary: £ Competitive
Location: Bearwood Park Training Ground, Reading RG41 5DB
Contract type: Permanent (Part time)
Closing date: 26 January 2026
Job Description: Working alongside the 1st Team/Academy Performance departments the successful candidate will provide evidence based, age appropriate nutritional support to the 1st Team Squad and all age groups in the academy. You will be required to develop, review and deliver the academy nutrition syllabus, while also ensuring all stakeholders in a player’s journey are educated on the nutritional demands of the youth/professional athlete to help optimise performance and support a healthy lifestyle.

Key Accountabilities

• To deliver nutritional support to the 1st team squad players.
• To deliver a nutrition syllabus across the development phases: Foundation Phase (U9-U11), Youth Development Phase (U12-U16), Professional Development Phase (U18-U23)
• Deliver group and individual nutritional support to all players within the academy, this may be through the form of group presentations, practical’s or player 1-1’s.
• To conduct nutrition and dietary assessments of all full-time academy players, and where appropriate on 1st team players and younger age players.
• To produce individual nutritional learning plans for all full-time players and where appropriate 1st team players and younger age players.
• In conjunction with the multi-disciplinary team assist with players physical development and targets through nutritional interventions.
• Provide nutritional support during the rehabilitation process for injured players within the club in conjunction with the Multi-Disciplinary Team.
• To support the training menus for 1st Team, Academy Players and staff, in liaison with the Head Chef.
• Liaise with the Head Chef and Canteen staff on all aspects of nutritional delivery and support across the club.
• To lead and support the nutrition requirements for away games, travel, overseas tours, and training camps across the 1st Team and Academy.
• To regularly monitor and assess players nutrition in relation to the academy nutrition syllabus.
• To support the Player Care department with host family, parent and coach education.
• Develop and implement evidence based and age appropriate nutrition resources which can be shared with key stakeholders throughout the academy.
• To advise on the supplementation strategy and assist in the ordering of such products.
• To assist in the preparation and administering of hydration and recovery strategies where appropriate.
• To carry out hydration and pre-training assessment and presentation as directed.
• To undertake anthropometric testing as directed.
• On occasion travel with relevant age groups to matches and tournaments to observe and assist with nutritional practices.
• Maintain up to date records on the club performance Management Application) in conjunction with EPPP/ Premier League Requirements and Regulations.
• To maintain and update qualifications and CPD by contributing to the clubs CPD program.
• To using effective communication to liaise with all appropriate staff in relation to the above listed responsibilities.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Essential - BSc in nutrition, or related discipline; Listed on the Sport and Exercise Nutrition Register (SENr); FA Safeguarding.
• Desirable - MSc in Nutrition or related discipline; BASES Accredited or working toward accreditation; ISAK Level 1 Qualification; Food hygiene qualification.

Experience

• Essential - Experience of providing nutritional support to athletic populations; Experience of working and dealing with large group sizes; Experience of working in youth development.
• Desirable - Experience of working within an elite sporting environment; Experience in the preparation and delivery of CPD workshops and presentations.

Knowledge

• Essential - Understanding of key nutritional concepts and their application to a sporting environment; UKAD and anti-doping regulations; Understanding of the physical development stages of young footballers.
• Desirable - An understanding of the EPPP process; A strong understanding of growth and maturation.

Skills

• Essential - Computer Literacy including MS office and Excel; Encourage, maintain and manage elite footballers; Ability to develop and maintain professional working relationships; Ability to work closely with the extended multi-disciplinary team; Time management; Reliable; Adaptable and flexible.

Attitude

• Essential - Strong commitment to developing elite athletes; Demonstrates drive; Proactive approach to work; An understanding and commitment to equal opportunities in employment and sport.