Lead Academy Performance Coach (U9-16)

Global Sports Jobs Limited; Greater London; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Global Sports Jobs Limited is seeking a high-performance practitioner to lead our physical performance strategy across the FP and YDP programmes. The postholder will combine applied coaching experience with leadership of a team of performance coaches and collaborate with the HoP and MDT to implement innovative practice.

You will oversee YDP strength and conditioning, monitor readiness to train, periodise player schedules, and develop development strategies aligned with the academy performance

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years' experience working with elite athletes aged 9-16.
• CASES and UKSCA accreditation.
• Experience in multidisciplinary team environments.
• BSc degree in a relevant subject area.
• FA Safeguarding certification and Emergency First Aid certification.

Responsibilities

• Assist the HoP with creating and monitoring the Performance Department Plan.
• Provide performance support to selected YDP age-groups.
• Develop a physical development strategy for FP and YDP aligned with MDT.
• Oversee YDP strength and conditioning design, delivery and reporting.
• Monitor readiness to train and report findings.
• Periodise player schedules with the MDT and manage growth data reporting.
• Lead on internal and external physical performance testing within the YDP.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Work ethic

Professionalism

Education

BSc degree in a relevant subject area

CASES accreditation

UKSCA accreditation

Relevant professional body accreditation

MSc degree in a relevant subject area

Job description

About the Role

The role is responsible for the wider physical performance strategy across the FP and YDP, together with performance support for select YDP age-groups. It is both a coaching and leadership position, requiring combined experience as an applied practitioner and in leading a team of performance coaches to implement physical performance strategies. The postholder works in collaboration with the HoP, Lead Academy Physiotherapist, Lead Academy Strength and Conditioning Coach and Lead Academy Performance Coach (PDP) to identify innovative practice and develop the programme.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the HoP with the production, implementation and monitoring of the Performance Department Plan in line with the Academy Performance Plan and EPPP requirements.
• Provide industry-leading performance support to select YDP age-groups.
• Implement a clear physical development strategy within the FP and YDP that is integrated with the Performance Department Plan and aligned with the wider MDT.
• Oversee the design, delivery and tracking of YDP strength and conditioning.
• Manage the monitoring and reporting of YDP readiness to train.
• In collaboration with the HoP, set, monitor and review Academy Performance Department targets.
• Oversee the design, delivery and tracking of YDP GPS data and reporting.
• Facilitate regular dialogue within staff delivering the physical performance strategy to the FP and YDP.
• Liaise with the YDP MDT to effectively periodise individual player schedules at the macro, meso and microcycle and play.
• Collaborate with the MDT to create player profiles and play an active role in player review cycles.
• Lead on internal and external physical performance testing within the YDP.
• Ensure effective communication and planning between the Lead Academy Performance Coach (PDP) and U18 Performance staff on player transition of incoming scholars.
• Assist in performance support with the PDP.
• Ensure all FP and YDP performance staff understand and can clearly convey the department philosophy, plans and targets as directed by the HoP.
• Lead on collecting, tracking and reporting of growth and maturation data.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years' experience working with elite athletes, specifically aged 9-16.
• Combined experience as an applied practitioner and leading a team of performance coaches to implement physical performance strategies.
• CASES accreditation.
• UKSCA accreditation.
• Experience working within a multidisciplinary team.
• BSc degree in a relevant subject area.
• Relevant professional body accreditation.
• Knowledge of professional development strategies.
• FA Safeguarding certification.
• Emergency First Aid certification (or equivalent).
• Honest, humble and hard-working approach.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Respectful and professional in all interactions.
• Reliable with a strong work ethic.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in both applied sport science and strength and conditioning in a youth development programme.
• Minimum of 1 year's experience working with elite athletes aged 9-16 within a Category 1 Academy.
• Experience leading a physical development programme.
• MSc degree in a relevant subject area.
• Ability to make effective decisions under pressure.
• Demonstrated resilience and ability to deal positively with adversity.
• Willingness to accept responsibility and accountability for actions and decisions.