ROLE DESCRIPTION

Job Brief/ Academy Return to Play Specialist and S&C

Al Jazira Football Academy is currently seeking a dedicated Return to Play Specialist and S&C - Strength & Conditioning/Rehabilitation Coach to join our team, working alongside the Head of Academy Physical Performance and Academy Doctor, focusing on comprehensive strength and conditioning and individualized rehabilitation for smooth returns to play.

Please find attached the full job brief for more details. Qualified applicants may send their CV to -- with the subject line “Play Specialist and S&C”

Working alongside the Head of Academy Physical Performance and Academy Doctor, this unique role
serves two specific purposes:
• Provide comprehensive strength and conditioning and injury prevention support to academy
players, utilizing the latest methods grounded in scientific principles.
• Deliver individualized gym-based rehabilitation to players, ensuring a smooth and effective
return to play based on safe and progressive scientific principles.
Role mandatory prerequisites
• Based in Al Shawamekh, Abu Dhabi, UAE
• Fluent in English
• UKSCA/NSCA/ASCA accreditation or equivalent
• Level 1 or 2 UEFA/AFC football coaching qualification
Key Responsibilities:
• Co-design and implement safe and progressive strength and conditioning programs for
Academy players using the Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) framework.
• Lead Strength & Conditioning sessions for academy teams and selected players.
• Monitor and analyze player progression within strength and conditioning sessions, providing
feedback as appropriate.
• Collaborate with the Sports Science and Medical Team to devise personalized return to play
plans following injury, focusing on player healing and overall athletic development.
• Coach and develop players within the U23 squad to help them achieve their maximum
potential.
• Lead mid-to-late stage off-field rehabilitation in collaboration with the Sports Science and
Medical Team, monitoring players' asymmetries, strength, and power markers.
• Record players' return to play data and maintain up-to-date notes securely in relevant
databases.
• Co-design and lead bespoke injury prevention sessions based on injury data and relevant
research, considering player age, training age, and injury risk.
• Review current injury prevention plans and strength and conditioning practices based on inhouse injury data and research.
General Responsibilities:
• Adhere to all club policies, health and safety procedures, and safeguarding policies.
• Maintain high standards of professional conduct at all times.
• Undertake other duties as reasonably required.
Key Relationships:
• Head of Academy Physical Performance
• Academy Doctor
• Coaching teams (lead cell coaches & age group coaches)
• Performance teams (Medical, Sports Science, Performance Analysis & Human Science)
• Operations team (including Welfare & Education)
• External stakeholders (e.g., UAE FA, UAE Pro League)
Essential Requirements:
• MSc in Strength & Conditioning or Rehabilitation
• BSc in Sports Science, Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy, or Strength & Conditioning
• UKSCA/NSCA/ASCA accreditation or equivalent
• Level 1 or 2 UEFA/AFC football coaching qualification
• Minimum of 5 years working in elite sport (preferably football)
• First aid qualified (BFAS)
• Safeguarding Understanding (DBS)
Desirable Skills:
• EXOS certification (desirable)
• Competence in the use of PowerBi
• Isometric course (Sportsmith)
• Additional language skills, e.g., Arabic, Spanish, French
Safeguarding Statement: Due to our safeguarding promise, all roles involving children will require a
local police check upon commencing employment. Staff must uphold responsibilities outlined in our
safeguarding policy.
What we offer:
• Competitive compensation ranging from AED 14,000 to AED 18,000, subject to qualifications
and experience.
• Full-time position: A minimum of 35 hours per week, with flexible scheduling that may include
weekends.
• Opportunity to work in a dynamic, supportive environment focused on professional growth.