Elite Academy S&C Lead — Build Future Pro Talent

Sunderland AFC; Cleadon; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Sunderland AFC’s Performance and Medicine Team seeks a Lead Strength and Conditioning Academy Coach to shape the physical development of players across the Academy pathway, building strength, speed and resilience.

Reporting to the Head of S&C, you’ll combine hands-on coaching with performance insights, develop the coaching team, and support rehabilitation and readiness for football demands with welfare at the heart of your approach.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree in a relevant field and UKSCA accreditation.
• Current EFAiF qualification and strong grounding in development.
• Experience leading S&C in elite youth/pro football environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the S&C programme across the Academy pathway.
• Develop and coach the coaching team and set clear standards.
• Deliver hands-on coaching and provide performance insights.
• Support player rehabilitation, readiness and welfare considerations.

Skills

S&C session design

Coach leadership

Long-term athletic development

Education

Postgraduate degree

UKSCA accreditation

EFAiF qualification

Tools

GPS platforms

Performance testing tech

Athlete management systems

Job description

Sunderland AFC’s Performance and Medicine Team seeks a Lead Strength and Conditioning Academy Coach to shape the physical development of players across the Academy pathway, building strength, speed and resilience.

Reporting to the Head of S&C, you’ll combine hands-on coaching with performance insights, develop the coaching team, and support rehabilitation and readiness for football demands with welfare at the heart of your approach.