Lead Academy Physical Development Coach

Comunidad Lift; Enfield; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Tottenham Hotspur's Academy is seeking an exceptional Head of Academy Sport Science to lead the design, implementation and evaluation of the Strength & Conditioning and physical development philosophy across the youth setup.

You will manage the S&C team, ensure programmes align with the game model and individual player needs, drive progression toward First Team football, and uphold safeguarding and professional standards.

Qualifications

• Degree in Sport Science or related discipline.
• UKSCA Accreditation or equivalent.
• Experience delivering Strength & Conditioning in elite sport.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement and evaluate the academy S&C and physical development philosophy.
• Lead S&C planning and ensure alignment with the academy game model.
• Oversee individualised development programmes and monitoring.
• Provide line management and professional development to staff.
• Ensure safeguarding and professional standards across the department.

Skills

Leadership in S&C

Programme design & delivery

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Sport Science or related discipline

UKSCA Accreditation or equivalent

Job description

Who We Are

Founded in 1882, Tottenham Hotspur is an iconic English football club, playing in the Premier League and Women’s Super League. From North London to the world, our fanbase spans continents, cultures, and generations. Spurs is a club that’s always dared to push boundaries, breaking new ground and rewriting history.

We are at our brightest when we’re all together. Our club, our teams, our community. We are entering a new era at Tottenham with a new club strategy, new leadership, and a focus on putting our fans at the heart of everything we do as we continue to strengthen our connection with our DNA, our home, and each other.

We’re at our brightest when we’re all together. Our Club, our teams, our community.

The Role

To assist and support the Head of Academy Sport Science in meeting the objectives and vision of the Sport Science Department and Academy Management.

The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the design, implementation and evaluation of the Academy’s Strength & Conditioning and physical development philosophy, providing individualised physical development support across the Academy and ensuring alignment with Tottenham Hotspur’s Academy game model.

The role will also provide leadership and line management support within the Academy Sports Science department, alongside working closely with the wider multidisciplinary team to maximise player development, availability and progression towards First Team football.

The working hours will be 35 hours per week, with some flexibility expected across Monday–Sunday on a rota basis. This will involve some unsocial working hours due to fixtures, which may be across bank holidays or seasonal holiday periods.

Key Responsibilities

Physical Development/Strength and Conditioning

• Lead the design, implementation and evaluation of the Strength & Conditioning and physical development philosophy across the Tottenham Hotspur Academy
• Lead Academy S&C and physical development planning processes, ensuring programmes are aligned with the Academy game model and the individual needs of players
• Oversee the delivery of individualised physical development programmes, considering biological age, training history, physical qualities and football demands
• Provide direct S&C support for the U21s squad
• Provide leadership and oversight of individual physical development programmes across the Academy, with specific responsibility for identified high-priority players and those requiring accelerated physical development

Leadership & Staff Development

• Provide line management to the Youth Team S&C Coach and Youth Development Phase Physical Development Coaches
• Ensure physical development provision across the Academy is aligned with the Academy philosophy, game model and departmental standards
• Provide professional guidance, support and development opportunities to Academy physical development staff
• Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation and continuous professional development across the physical development team

Physical Profiling, Testing and Monitoring

• Lead the development and implementation of the Academy’s physical testing and profiling battery, ensuring it appropriately assesses the physical qualities underpinning the Academy game model
• Oversee Academy gym-based testing and screening processes, ensuring accurate collection, analysis and reporting of data
• Lead the development of an evidence-based screening process to monitor player readiness and identify changes in neuromuscular status
• Utilize performance technologies to monitor physical development and inform individual programmes
• Develop meaningful physical benchmarks to support player development and progression towards First Team football
• Translate objective performance information into clear and practical recommendations for players and staff

Research, Professional Practice and Standard

• Contribute to departmental research projects and the translation of relevant scientific literature into applied football practice
• Maintain current knowledge of developments in Strength & Conditioning, youth physical development and performance monitoring
• Contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of Academy physical performance processes
• Execute duties in a professional and conscientious manner and be an impressive member of staff
• Oversee the upkeep of Academy gym facilities and equipment
• Any other duties commensurate with the position/grade as required by the department

Safeguarding Responsibilities

• Have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people
• Act in accordance with the organisation’s safeguarding policies and procedures at all times
• Be alert to signs of abuse, neglect, or safeguarding concerns and report these appropriately
• Maintain professional boundaries and act as a positive role model when working with or around children
• Attend safeguarding training as required and keep knowledge up to date

Person Specification

Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership presence and ability to establish clear standards
• Excellent communicator and relationship builder
• Proactive in nature and able to generate innovative ideas
• Values & respects others, builds relationships, collaborates
• Gets things done, delivers to highest of standards, takes responsibility and is able to be flexible
• Exceptionally high degree of personal and professional integrity
• A strong team ethos with demonstrable abilities in building and maintaining productive relationships with both coaching and playing staff within a high-performance environment
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with clear and adaptable communication skills that foster productive working relationships at all levels

Experience & Qualifications

Essential

• Degree in Sport Science, Rehabilitation, Strength and Conditioning or a related discipline
• UKSCA Accreditation or equivalent
• Strong understanding of the physiological, biomechanical and physical demands of elite football
• Extensive experience delivering effective Strength & Conditioning and physical development programmes within elite sport

Preferred

• Postgraduate Degree in Sport Science, Rehabilitation, Strength and Conditioning or a related discipline
• BASES Accreditation or equivalent
• Experience leading or coordinating physical development programmes across multiple Academy age groups
• Experience managing, mentoring or providing professional leadership to S&C or physical development staff
• Experience contributing to applied research and evidence-informed football practice

Safeguarding & Recruitment Statement

Safeguarding is fundamental to success in all that we do. The Club follows a Safer Recruitment process for all roles. Successful candidates are to be reminded that they will be subject to proportionate background, DBS and reference checks as required.

We welcome applications from anyone regardless of age, disability, gender, race or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.