Performance Coach (YDP/FDP)

Sunderland AFC; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A professional football club is looking for a Performance Coach to join its Performance and Medical team, focusing on the Youth Development Programme. You will support the physical development of young players by designing and monitoring performance support tailored to their needs. The role includes delivering conditioning sessions, assisting with injury rehab, and ensuring adherence to academy standards. Candidates should have relevant qualifications and youth development experience. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of aspiring athletes.

Qualifications

• Possess a BSc in sports science or a related field.
• Desirable MSc qualification in sports science or strength and conditioning.
• Accreditation with BASES or on pathway for it required.

Responsibilities

• Deliver on-field and gym-based conditioning sessions.
• Support coaching staff in session planning.
• Assist with injury rehabilitation.
• Lead collection and analysis of growth and GPS data.
• Design, deliver, and monitor performance support for youth.

Skills

Youth development experience

Conditioning sessions delivery

Data analysis

Injury rehabilitation support

Education

BSc in sports science or related field

MSc in sports science or strength and conditioning

Job description

About The Performance And Medicine Team

Our mission is to support every athlete in reaching peak performance while reducing injury risk. Through a multi-disciplinary approach that blends sports science, nutrition, medicine, and psychology, we deliver personalised programs tailored to each player's needs. We work closely with coaches to balance training loads, guide recovery, and provide insights into player readiness. Mental wellness is also a key focus, with sports psychologists helping athletes build resilience under pressure.

The Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity to join Sunderland AFC's Performance and Medical team as a Performance Coach within the Youth Development Programme (YDP) and Foundation Development Phase (FDP). You will play a vital role in supporting the physical development of talented young players across the U9 to U16 age groups, helping to shape the future of Sunderland AFC's academy players. Within the framework of the club's performance and medical support systems, you will design, deliver, and monitor high-quality performance support tailored to the needs of young athletes at different stages of their growth. Using an evidence-informed approach, you will ensure that all performance interventions are structured and periodised to promote optimal development and progression. Working closely with coaching, medical, and performance staff, you will continually assess and adapt the performance support programme to ensure it consistently meets its goals and contributes positively to the wider objectives of the Academy and the club.

Responsibilities

• Deliver on-field and gym-based conditioning sessions.
• Support coaching staff in session planning.
• Assist with injury rehabilitation.
• Lead the collection and analysis of growth, maturation, and GPS data to inform player development.
• Design, deliver, and monitor high-quality performance support tailored to young athletes at different stages of growth.
• Mentor placement students, providing them with valuable learning experiences.
• Lead the development and delivery of the Academy's pitch-based curriculum.
• Ensure the Academy's performance programme adheres to and exceeds the standards required for Category One status.

What We Ask For

You must possess a BSc in sports science or a related field such as strength and conditioning. An MSc in sports science or strength and conditioning, or current near completion of such a qualification, is also highly desirable. Accreditation with BASES, or being on the pathway to achieve this status, is essential. Additionally, candidates should have experience working within youth development in a professional football academy, demonstrating an understanding of the unique needs of young athletes. An enhanced DBS check, as provided by Sunderland AFC, is required.

Desirable Attributes

• Experience working within a professional Category 1 football academy.
• Familiarity with the PGAAC audit process.
• Accreditation with UKSCA or being on the pathway to achieve this.
• Holding additional qualifications such as ISAK accreditation or EFAiF.