Head Academy Physiotherapist & First Team Therapist

Comunidad Lift; Hull and East Yorkshire; Remote; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Hull FC is seeking an experienced Head Academy Physiotherapist and First Team Therapist to lead physiotherapy across the Academy while supporting the First Team with hands-on therapy, treatment and rehabilitation. You will work with the Head Physiotherapist and MDT to provide evidence-based care that supports injury recovery, development and performance.

Major duties include leading academy care, monitoring loads, ensuring smooth medical information transfer between Academy and First Team, and

Qualifications

• Degree in Physiotherapy or equivalent qualification.
• Current HCPC registration.
• Minimum 2 years’ post-graduate experience in elite sport.
• Holds an emergency sport-specific qualification equivalent to IMMOPF or ATMIF.
• Demonstrated expertise in movement-based injury prevention and performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of physiotherapy and medical support across the Academy.
• Collaborate with MDT and coaching staff to manage load and maturation risks.
• Provide hands-on therapy and rehab for First Team players.
• Develop and monitor individual rehabilitation plans and milestones.
• Mentor junior staff and uphold professional standards.

Skills

Movement programmes

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Mentorship

Proactive attitude

Education

Degree in Physiotherapy

HCPC registration

IMMOPF/ATMIF qualification

Job description

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Head Academy Physiotherapist and First Team Therapist leads physiotherapy provision within the Academy while also supporting the First Team through hands‑on therapy, treatment and rehabilitation. Working under the direction of, and in close collaboration with, the Head Physiotherapist and the wider Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT), the successful candidate will help ensure players at every level receive individualised, evidence-based care that supports injury recovery, long-term development and performance.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Academy Physiotherapy Leadership

• Lead the delivery of physiotherapy and medical support across the Academy, ensuring a consistent, high‑quality standard of care for all age groups.
• Support the healthy development of young players, working with Academy coaching and performance staff to manage load, growth and maturation‑related risk.
• Contribute to the Academy player pathway, ensuring a smooth transition of medical information and care between Academy and First Team environments.
• Uphold safeguarding responsibilities and best practice when working with young athletes.

First Team Therapy, Treatment & Rehabilitation

• Provide hands‑on therapy and treatment to First Team players, collaborating as directed by and in conjunction with the Head Physiotherapist and the MDT.
• Support the assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of players across the full injury pathway, from initial assessment through to full return to play.
• Provide high‑quality training and match‑day medical and therapy support.
• Conduct and contribute to player screening processes, identifying risk factors and informing individualised management plans.

Individual Player Needs Analysis

• Support the design and delivery of individual player programmes based on findings from needs analyses, ensuring interventions are tailored to each player’s specific physical and clinical requirements.
• Monitor player progress against rehabilitation and performance milestones, adapting programmes in response to ongoing assessment.

Movement & Injury Risk Mitigation

• Demonstrate expertise in the design and delivery of movement‑based programmes that reduce injury risk and maximise physical performance.
• Apply current best practice and evidence‑based methods to injury prevention strategies across Academy and First Team squads.

Multi-Disciplinary Team Collaboration

• Work closely as an integrated member of the MDT, contributing physiotherapy expertise to a joined‑up approach to player care.
• Demonstrate clear, effective and timely communication with all members of the MDT, ensuring information relevant to player welfare and performance is shared appropriately.
• Build strong, collaborative working relationships across coaching, medical, sports science and strength & conditioning staff.

Mentorship & Staff Development

• Support staff members within the club’s internal mentorship programme, sharing clinical knowledge and professional experience with less experienced colleagues.
• Act as a positive role model to junior physiotherapy and medical staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning.

Standards, Culture & Professional Conduct

• Deliver all aspects of the role with energy, enthusiasm and a strong personal commitment to excellence.
• Uphold the department’s clinical and professional standards at all times, taking responsibility for a check‑and‑challenge mindset within the team.
• Maintain exemplary standards of professional conduct, confidentiality and record‑keeping in line with regulatory and club requirements.

Continuing Professional Development

• Maintain a genuine commitment to continued professional and personal development, proactively engaging in learning opportunities relevant to elite sports physiotherapy.
• Stay up to date with technological, evidence‑based and research advancements within the field, and apply relevant developments to clinical practice.
• Reflect regularly on personal performance and clinical outcomes, seeking feedback from the Head Physiotherapist and MDT to inform ongoing development.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

• Degree in Physiotherapy, or equivalent recognised qualification.
• Current HCPC registration (or equivalent professional registration).
• Minimum of 2 years’ post‑graduate experience in elite sport.
• Holds an emergency sport‑specific qualification equivalent to IMMOPF or ATMIF.
• Demonstrable expertise in the delivery of movement programmes for injury risk mitigation and performance enhancement.
• Excellent communication skills, with proven ability to work effectively within a multi‑disciplinary team.
• High personal standards, professionalism and a proactive, energetic approach to work.

Desirable

• Postgraduate qualifications in a field related to elite sports physiotherapy, rehabilitation or sports medicine.
• Experience of working within an Academy or youth development environment.
• Experience of mentoring or supporting the development of junior staff.
• Membership of relevant professional bodies (e.g. Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, BASRaT).
• Experience working within professional rugby league or a comparable collision sport.

WORKING HOURS

A typical week will see the successful candidate splitting their time between the First Team and Academy programmes, delivering therapy, treatment and rehabilitation support to senior players while leading physiotherapy provision across the Academy. The role operates across a flexible 40‑hour week, including some evening and weekend work, reflecting the demands of both performance environments.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

• Salary dependent on experience.
• Full‑time split role, based within the Performance Department at Hull FC, reporting to the Head of Performance.