Physical Performance Coach - Women's Team

Sunderland AFC; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading women's football team is looking for a skilled Physical Performance Coach to enhance the physical development and on-field performance of the Women's 1st Team. This role involves designing and delivering strength and conditioning programs, supporting player wellness and rehabilitation, and analyzing performance data. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in sports science and experience in strength and conditioning. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to excellence in women's football.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in sports science or a related discipline is required.
• UKSCA ASCC credential or working towards it is essential.
• Understanding of physical development principles for female athletes.

Responsibilities

• Design and manage gym-based strength and conditioning programmes.
• Support injury rehabilitation and monitor player wellness.
• Analyze performance data and provide strategic coaching advice.

Skills

Knowledge of sports science principles

Strength and conditioning expertise

Data analysis skills

Injury rehabilitation experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in sports science or related discipline

UKSCA Accredited Strength and Conditioning Coach credential

Job description

About The Women's Team

Our team is committed to fostering a supportive environment that empowers female athletes to showcase their skills and reach their full potential.

We prioritise player development through tailored training programs that focus on technical skills, tactical understanding, and physical fitness.

The SAFC Women’s Football Team benefits from strong collaboration with our Coaching and Analysis teams, ensuring that our strategies and training sessions are informed by the latest insights and best practices.

The Opportunity

We are excited to offer a challenging and rewarding opportunity for a passionate and skilled Physical Performance Coach to join the SAFC Women’s Football team. In this role, you will be instrumental in designing, delivering, and monitoring world‑class sports science and strength & conditioning support to the Women’s 1st Team, aiming to enhance their physical development and on‑field performance.

As a key member of our performance staff, you will lead the delivery of gym‑based strength and conditioning programmes, ensuring they are evidence‑informed, structured and tailored to meet the individual and collective needs of the players at various stages of their development. Working collaboratively with coaching, medical and performance staff, you will help create a cohesive, adaptable support system that drives team success.

Your responsibilities will include delivering on‑field and gym conditioning sessions, supporting injury rehabilitation and player wellness monitoring, analysing GPS and other performance data, and providing strategic advice to coaching staff for session planning and performance optimisation. You will also be committed to ongoing professional development, working closely with the Head of Performance and Medical teams to maintain your expertise and contribute to the broader performance and medical objectives.

This role presents a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a forward‑thinking organisation committed to excellence in women’s football, supporting player growth and team achievement at the highest level.

What We Ask For

Successful candidates should hold a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in sports science or a related discipline. You should either possess or be working towards a UK Strength & Conditioning Association (UKSCA) Accredited Strength and Conditioning Coach (ASCC) credential. A sound understanding of the key principles of physical development in female, adult and youth athletes is essential.

The successful candidate will be expected to undertake any specific training or Continued Professional Development (CPD) necessary to maintain their qualifications and meet the standards of the Club. Additionally, this position is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, and applicants must possess an up‑to‑date FA Safeguarding certificate and a full UK driving licence.

Desirable criteria include accreditation as a UKAD Clean Sport Advisor, a Football Association Level 2 Emergency Aid in Football qualification and an MSc in Strength and Conditioning or a related postgraduate qualification. Extra S&C‑related qualifications such as NSCA, BWLA or FA Level 3 are also advantageous. Furthermore, being a BASES Accredited Sport Scientist would be considered a strong asset.