WREXHAM AFC - ACADEMY - Head of Academy Medical and Sports Science

Barnsley Football Club; Wrexham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated physiotherapist to enhance the health and performance of young athletes. This role involves leading a team of medical professionals, coordinating treatments, and ensuring compliance with health regulations. You will work closely with players and staff to implement effective rehabilitation programs and contribute to the overall performance of the Academy. If you are passionate about sports science and committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment for young talent, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years experience in elite sports environments required.
• Proficient in maintaining medical records and audits.

Responsibilities

• Lead physiotherapy and medical staff for U9-U18 Academy players.
• Co-ordinate medical screenings and treatment programs.

Skills

Clinical Assessment

Rehabilitation Process

Communication Skills

Leadership Skills

Time Management

GPS Data Analysis

Team Player

Attention to Detail

Education

BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy

HCPC Registration

Tools

Football Intelligence Platform (FIP)

Medical Database Software

Job description

To develop and deliver a first class Medical and Sports Science service to Wrexham AFC Academy U9 – U18 players. Lead, organise and undertake assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, medical screening and all further health / medical services for U18 Wrexham AFC Academy players.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• To co-ordinate and lead all physiotherapy and medical staff across the Academy U9 – U18.
• To act as the lead physiotherapist for Wrexham AFC U18 squad, including daily training, match day travel, rehabilitation sessions and attend medical appointments.
• Work closely with all Academy medical staff and MDT to create and deliver effective treatment, pre-act and rehabilitation programmes for all Academy players.
• Co-ordinate all medical screening (medicals, pre-season testing etc) in line with EPPP rules and regulations.
• Report and provide feedback to the Academy Manager, Head of Medical Performance & Sports Science, coaches and the wider MDT to ensure all injuries, medical and health matters are addressed effectively.
• Liaise with the Head of Performance and Sports Science to create an effective professional network with universities for incorporating student placement and research opportunities within the club to aid evidence-based practice.
• Lead and assist with CPD delivery for all medical staff and MDT within the Academy.
• Work closely with the Academy staff to develop and implement the effective delivery of pre-hab strategies, individual performance requirements and strength & conditioning programmes.
• Ensure all medical notes are documented on the Football Intelligence Platform (FIP) and the club’s medical database to ensure medical notes comply with CSP and HCPC standards, ensuring all data is stored and shared in accordance with GDPR.
• Undertake any necessary administration regarding injuries (booking scans, appointments, medical insurance).
• Ensure all medical equipment is in full working order and is at the appropriate venue. Ensure the medical rooms at all venues are appropriately stocked and maintained to a high standard and are clean/tidy and comply with all Health and Safety regulations.
• Be responsible for completing a thorough audit process including 6 weekly and end of coaching phase audits. Use this information to present, monitor trends within the Academy to implement necessary pre-act, interventions to improve player availability.
• Provide weekly, monthly, mid and end of season injury audit reports to the Academy manager along with Head of Performance and Sports Science.

SAFEGUARDING RESPONSIBILITIES

• We are committed to ensuring everyone who engages with the Academy has a positive, safe, and supportive experience. Staff are required to comply with all aspects of the Club/Academy Safeguarding Policies and arrangements and to take personal responsibility and care to enable strong safeguarding practices to be embedded in the Academy and across the Club too.
• This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check (with Childrens Barred List).

HEALTH & SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Take responsibility and care for the health and safety of yourself and other employees and members of the public who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work.
• To comply with all aspects of the Club’s Health & Safety Policy and arrangements, to enable the company to perform its civil and statutory obligations in relation to Health & Safety.

About The Candidate

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
• Registration with appropriate governing body (HCPC/CSP)
• At least 3 – 5 years’ experience working within an elite sporting environment.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION - SKILLS/ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Demonstrated experience working pitch side/matchdays at an elite level.
• Extensive clinical assessment and treatment skills with a sound understanding of rehabilitation process from planning, preparation and rehab sessions.
• Maintenance of medical records, audits, registers and their confidential storage using appropriate software.
• Experience and knowledge of GPS data and its relevance to training load and rehabilitation.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to liaise with players, parents, MDT and coaches in a calm and professional manner.
• Demonstrate consistent leadership and management skills.
• Ability to work in a high pressurised environment with a flexible approach to working hours and job role to meet the demands of the business.
• Attention to detail, organisation and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to set and maintain high personal and professional standards.
• Evidence of being a strong team player and ability to provide and receive feedback.
• Proficient knowledge of football, both tactically and technically.
• Be innovative with progression of the department.
• An outgoing and confident personality, with good interpersonal and social skills to motivate the MDT team.
• Able to work using own initiative, work well under pressure and as a member of a team.
• Committed to, and an understanding of, equality and diversity in sport.

About The Club

CLUB VALUES

Code of Conduct

Wrexham Football Club expects the highest standards of integrity and conduct in all matters concerning the Club and its employees. The Code of Conduct makes clear the standards of conduct expected from its employees and explains the responsibilities of the Club, as the employer. All employees are expected to always act wholeheartedly in the interests of the Club. Any conduct detrimental to its interests or its relations with its customers, suppliers, the public or damaging to its public image shall be a breach of Club rules and policies. Discriminatory, offensive, and violent behaviour are unacceptable, and any complaints or concerns will be dealt with and acted upon.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Wrexham Football Club is committed to ensuring that equality, inclusion, and diversity of opportunity is at the very heart of everything we do to ensure we provide fair and non-prejudicial access to the services across the Club. We uphold everyone’s freedom of rights and choice to be different and aim to provide opportunities for everyone to succeed. It is the policy of the Club that no person, whether player, job applicant, employee, volunteer, or customer, shall be discriminated against. The Club opposes all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination, either direct or indirect, or harassment, on the grounds of the following ‘protected characteristics’: Age, Disability, Gender Reassignment, Marriage & Civil Partnership, Pregnancy & Maternity, Race, Religion or Belief, Sex and Sexual Orientation. Anyone who is found to be in breach of this could receive disciplinary action, which may well include suspension and dismissal.

The Club is fully committed to the EFL Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Standards and as we are underrepresented in these areas; we particularly welcome ‘entry level’ applications from women, individuals from Black and Minority Ethnicities, the LGBT community and anyone with a disability.

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment

Wrexham Football Club is committed to and has both a moral and legal obligation to ensure that all children and vulnerable adults are protected and kept safe from harm whilst engaged in services organised and provided by the club and believes that the general wellbeing, welfare and safety of all children and vulnerable adults engaged in club activities is of the utmost importance. The Club will fulfil its responsibilities by ensuring it displays best practice in safeguarding matters – including Safer Recruitment - carried out in a spirit of partnership and openness with the child or vulnerable adult, families, and the relevant local authority.

Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar a potential candidate from working with the Club. This will depend on the nature of the position and the circumstances and background of the offence(s) committed. As an organisation using the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to assess applicants’ suitability for positions of trust, the Club complies fully with the DBS Code of Practice and undertakes to treat all applicants for positions fairly. Potential applicants need to check on the government website (https://www.gov.uk/tell-employer-or-college-about-criminal-record/what-information-you-need-to-give) whether cautions / convictions should be disclosed as part of their application.