Head of Academy Sports Science & Performance

Barnsley Football Club; Rotherham; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Rotherham United Football Club is seeking a dedicated Sports Science & Medicine professional to support the academy’s athletic development programme for players aged U9–U18. You will lead testing, monitor wellbeing, and work closely with medical staff on injury rehab and performance optimisation.

The role requires a BSc (Hons) in Sports Science with post-graduate experience, a strong data-driven approach, and flexibility to meet the demands of a busy football academy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level sports science degree completed (BSc Hons).
• 1 year post-graduate experience in sport.
• Experience working with youth athletic development.
• Demonstrated commitment to CPD and self-improvement.
• Experience in testing/monitoring maturation in young athletes.
• Excellent organisational skills and data management ability.
• Flexibility to work across a demanding week.
• Holding or working towards MSc level qualification.
• Strength/conditioning qualification or sports rehabilitation qualification.
• Level 3 Sports Massage Diploma.
• Experience with APP and Kit Man Labs is advantageous.
• Interest in sports nutrition and GPS data monitoring.

Responsibilities

• Support academy sport science & medicine needs per APP.
• Lead and implement athletic development for U9–U16 players.
• Conduct testing across academy age groups and assist/lead on match days.
• Monitor wellbeing and workload in collaboration with academy staff.
• Plan and lead strength and conditioning sessions for all ages U9–U18.
• Coordinate with coaches to organise training, testing and session intensity.
• Work with physiotherapy/medical staff on injury rehab sessions.
• Provide athletic development profiles for players U9–U18.
• Analyse GPS data and report loading and maturation findings.

Skills

Youth athletic development

Data management

GPS data analysis

Athletic development planning

Flexibility in working week

Collaboration with medical staff

Education

BSc (Hons) Sports Science

MSc Level Qualification (in progress)

Tools

Strength/Conditioning qualification

Sports Rehabilitation qualification

Level 3 Sports Massage Diploma

Job description

Rotherham United Football Club is seeking a dedicated Sports Science & Medicine professional to support the academy’s athletic development programme for players aged U9–U18. You will lead testing, monitor wellbeing, and work closely with medical staff on injury rehab and performance optimisation.

The role requires a BSc (Hons) in Sports Science with post-graduate experience, a strong data-driven approach, and flexibility to meet the demands of a busy football academy.