Lead Academy Performance Physiotherapist - #1719755

To prepare, manage and oversee the medical care for all Academy age groups, including pitch side cover, acute treatment, collaborative RTP processes, and input into the physical development of Academy players. This role requires line management and development of all full-time and casual Academy Physiotherapists/Sports Therapists. It also involves strong collaboration with Performance and Football staff to enhance the wider programme.

• Ensure high standards of medical support across the Academy, including active delivery and oversight of all medical department aspects.


• Ensure all processes and practices within the Academy medical department follow club principles and the performance model.


• Implement and align screening processes for Academy players, appropriate for their age and development stage, from U8-U21, in line with first team processes.


• Produce up-to-date physiotherapy notes within 24 hours of assessment/treatment, logged onto the club's database, following HCPC/CSP guidelines, with accurate SOAP notes for legal and auditing purposes.


• Provide injury audits for relevant age groups, including weekly injury reports and seasonal summaries, to monitor practice and injury data.


• Lead screening and pre-signing medicals for trialists, ensuring comprehensive medical information and reports are provided to stakeholders.


• Collaborate with external healthcare professionals for imaging, reviews, and consultations, ensuring timely and appropriate case management, including attending appointments when necessary.


• Coordinate routine cardiac screening in collaboration with the Academy Doctor, following FA guidelines.


• Support growth and maturation processes within all Academy players, adapting programs based on clinical assessments.


• Contribute to programs for 'non-injured' players, including gym and prep programs, load management, and individual considerations.


• Maintain high standards in all clinical working environments across the Academy.

• Plan and lead rehabilitation processes aligned with club RTP philosophy, collaborating across departments for pitch and off-pitch progressions.


• Ensure RTP plans are documented and presented to the multidisciplinary team.


• Mentor therapists on RTP plans, emphasizing objective progressions and clinical reasoning.

• Lead the medical department as line manager, overseeing staff development and appraisals.


• Coordinate with Academy doctors for player management and ensure medical cover for events.


• Lead recruitment of therapists and manage departmental timesheets and expenses.


• Develop and deliver medical education for staff, players, and parents, including CPD programs and relevant topics.


• Support the global Performance CPD program, ensuring timely delivery of training topics.


• Lead weekly performance MDTs, discussing individual player plans.


• Engage in personal CPD and oversee external CPD activities to meet HCPC/CSP standards.


• Implement and uphold FA Anti-Doping policies among players and staff.

• Participate in review and planning meetings to contribute to overall management and development.


• Attend MDT meetings on IPP and ILP programs, influencing player development plans.


• Provide regular updates to senior staff and coaching teams regarding player progress.


• Participate in first team MDTs when possible and promote MDT practices within age groups.

Collaborate with Performance & Football Departments to develop impactful projects for players, and support the operational management of the physiotherapy department.

• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of safeguarding best practices and legislation.


• Report safeguarding or welfare concerns promptly.


• Adhere to all policies and procedures regarding health, safety, and security.

Qualifications

• Advanced DBS Check


• Current FA Safeguarding Certificate


• BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy or equivalent


• Postgraduate qualification in sport and exercise medicine or related field (desirable)


• Current CSP/HCPC membership

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Ability to assess injuries and plan treatments


• Experience in sports injury rehabilitation, especially with youth athletes


• Understanding of growth, maturation, and athlete development


• Experience in a professional football environment


• Proficiency in IT, especially MS Office


• Strong organizational and communication skills


• Team-oriented and adaptable to working with children and young adults

Personal Qualities

• Hardworking, enthusiastic, and responsible


• Receptive to feedback and committed to high-quality work


• Confidential, with a professional attitude