Academy Physiotherapist/Sports Therapist (U18) in Bournemouth

To be an integrated member of the AFC Bournemouth Academy Performance & Medical team, providing evidence‑based advice, treatment, and medical assistance to players in the Professional Development Phase, predominantly with the U18’s.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide appropriate medical support to all PDP players in the Academy, with primary responsibility for the U18 age group.
• Develop a close working relationship with other Academy and First team medical staff when expertise is required for complex injury management.
• Collaborate closely with YDP staff to ensure the smooth transition of players, including assessing and treating YDP players when required.
• Work within a multi‑disciplinary team (MDT) and liaise effectively with lead coaches, Performance Coaches and other MDT staff regarding player availability, injury status and rehabilitation plans.
• Ensure all U18 training, injury clinics & matches (home & away) are adequately covered medically.
• Perform pre‑season medical testing in conjunction with other PDP staff as deemed appropriate.
• Provide injury risk reduction programmes for Academy players.
• Assist in organising cardiac screening for all players in compliance with the FA/PL.
• Serve as a point of contact for parents/guardians of Academy players regarding any medical queries.
• Maintain all PDP medical records and documentation on PMA in line with EPPP requirements.
• Assist in injury audits for all U18 players, ensuring information aligns with EPPP guidelines and provide feedback to MDT.
• Accompany Academy players to medical appointments when required.
• Support medical care for the FP/YDP and development when required.
• Carry out any other tasks directed by your line manager.
• Contribute to the Elite Performance CPD programme by participating in monthly CPDs and joining weekly medical team discussions regarding long‑term injured players.
• Adhere to the club’s safeguarding policies and procedures, committing to our safeguarding values and creating a safe, positive environment for all involved with the club.
• Follow and actively promote the club’s equality policies and practices, ensuring a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment for everyone engaged with the club.
• Follow and actively promote the club’s mental health policies and practices, fostering an open, non‑judgmental environment for all engaged with the club.
• Ensure in all matters that you follow and actively promote the club’s equality and health and safety policies and procedures.
• Act as Equality Champion, advocating and raising awareness of EDI across your department, attending equality champion meetings, and providing considered feedback to the EDI manager.

The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time; or the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Essential

• BSc (Hons) Degree in Physiotherapy or Sports Therapy.
• A member of the CSP and HCPC.
• Up‑to‑date ATMMiF (Advanced Trauma Medical Management in Football) qualification.
• Good understanding of long‑term athletic development and its implications for the multi‑disciplinary approach across the Elite Player Performance Pathway (EPPP).
• Experience working with elite developing athletes.
• Evidence of continued professional development (CPD) portfolio.
• Up‑to‑date FA Safeguarding Children certificate.
• Prior to commencement, an Enhanced DBS will be required.

Desirable

• MSc in MSK/Rehabilitation or sport‑related field.
• Dry Needling/Acupuncture qualification.

Benefits

• Free onsite parking.
• Season ticket and allocation of complimentary/purchased tickets.
• Subsidised lunches and complimentary healthy snacks throughout the day.
• Discounts at the club Superstore.
• Access to Health Cash Plan with Simplyhealth.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Contribution towards eye tests and glasses.
• Discounts and benefits from partners and local businesses.
• Club pension & Life Assurance Scheme.
• Paid parental leave (bank of five days per year).
• Club events or other social events throughout the year run by our club social team.
• Paid volunteer opportunities (2 days per year).
• Paid day’s leave on your birthday.