ROLE DESCRIPTION

Job Title:     Lead Academy Sports Scientist
Reports to:  Head of Academy Sports Science and Medicine.
Location:     Bloomfield Road Stadium
However, flexibility on location is required (Home and Away Fixtures/Change of training venue)
Hours:         Full Time, 40 hours.
Pay Rate:     £25,000 per annum
 
OVERALL OBJECTIVES: The Lead Academy Sports Scientist is responsible for the Physical Performance and Development of Academy player. This covers all areas with regards to the testing, planning and delivering of physical sessions together with the education and understanding given with regards to how to optimise physical performance.
 
Main Objectives
·       Planning and delivery of evidence based elite level physical programmes (on-field and gym-based) tailored to individual needs.
·       Develop an education programme for players, staff and parents to raise awareness of how to develop young athletes.
·       Be responsible for the data information being given to coaches and MD staff in relation to testing, performance and Individual Learning Programmes.
·       Be responsible for the design and delivery of all testing across the academy working closely with first team head of sports science.
·       Collaborate with the multi-disciplinary team to develop individual plans for all players across the academy.
Key Responsibilities and Duties:
 
·       Gather daily wellbeing reports from players to help coaches plan training.
·       Plan sessions through PMA system that are going to support the players in the optimum way.
·       Produce daily GPS reports and analyse trends to support coaching staff.
·       Produce individual programmes for every player in the academy.
·       Provide CPD training to all coaches in order to support players development.
·       Provide workshops for players and parents around diet, nutrition and performance.
·       Work closely with universities to have a solid intern programme that benefits the academy.
·       Monitor and maintain all equipment and ensure it is used in appropriate manner.
·       Complete full range of testing every 6 weeks for all age groups
·       Complete a standard range of testing for academy trialists to support the decision-making process
·       Provide detailed information for each players progression meeting.
·       Work closely with medical department to support rehabilitation programmes of all players.
·       Maintain up-to-date qualifications and regular career CPD.
·       Manage sports science staff ensuring alignment of ideas and practices carried out.
·       Work with MD staff to create physical characteristic charts that are age specific and support the club’s vision.
·       Deliver elite level on-field athletic development sessions to meet the needs of the players.
·       Support the APP and PGAAC audit process by delivering information where required.
·       Communicate clearly to players, staff and parents on plans and reasoning for development sessions
·       Create off-season plans for all players across the academy and monitor where appropriate.
·       Lead the development of pre-season planning and the schedule to ensure appropriate condition for the season.
·       Work closely with the medical department in the reduction of injuries.
·       Design individual gym programmes for each PDP players specific needs.
·       Deliver advice on pitch-area sizes with the coaches, to maximise each training session and performance.
·       Work the team of analysts to create visual learning sessions for players
·       Complete actions as required for player progression meetings
·       Work closely with the Head of Academy Sports Science and Medicine to create an academy player pathway in relation to athletic development.
 
The above job description is not intended to be exhaustive; the duties and responsibilities may therefore vary over time according to the changing needs of the club.
 
 
 
 




Person Specification




 


Essential Requirements


Desirable Requirement




Qualifications



BSc Sports Science/Sports and Exercise Science
Holds (or willing to obtain) FA EFAiF Qualification
Holds (or willing to obtain) FA Safeguarding qualification.

 



Masters qualification in related field
BASES/UKSCA Accreditation





Experience



Experience in an elite-sporting environment.
Experience with adolescent age groups.

 



Experience in an elite-sporting Academy setting.

 




Knowledge Skills



Knowledge around programming, periodisation and athletic development for a variety of ages.
Knowledge of appropriate nutritional strategies.
Knowledge of GPS and how to effectively report on workloads.
Knowledge of field-based sessions and being able to apply it to enhance performance and reduce injury risk.
The ability to effectively test, record and analyse the data received.

 



Knowledge of testing equipment (NordBord, Force Decks, Timing Gates) and the application.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




Personal Qualities



Dynamic personality and positive attitude to work.
Have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Conscientious, organised and provide work on time and in detail.
The ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines.
Work at a fast pace to meet the needs of the Academy.
The ability to work well on own initiative, as well as being a team player.
Having a professional and flexible approach to work.
Loyal, committed, reliable and enthusiastic.
The commitment to continued professional development.

·        Continually work to improve your own knowledge and performance
·        Passionate about players and youth development and be willing to always put the player at the centre of your reasoning.
·        Be able to command the respect of players, staff and parents through clear and concise information

Valid UK Driving Licence.

 




 
To apply for the position please submit your CV and a covering letter detailing how you meet the criteria for the role to — or Blackpool Football Club, Bloomfield Road, Seasiders Way, Blackpool, FY1 6JJ.
 
Closing date for applications is 31st December 2023
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Safeguarding:  Blackpool Football Club Ltd and the EFL are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to endorse this commitment.  Posts advertised may require Enhanced Criminal Record Checks and may include checks against the Barred lists, as such it is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974).  Therefore, all convictions, including spent convictions that have not been subject to filtering by the DBS should be declared. 
 
Recruitment checks: You will also be required to provide details of referees for the previous five years working history or referees whilst in full time education. 
 
Equality and Diversity:  Employees must always carry out their duties with due regard to Blackpool Football Club’s policies and procedures.  The employee must ensure a positive commitment towards equality and diversity treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation or harassment of any description and to promote positive working relationships between all internal and external stakeholders.