Lead Physical Performance Coach (Boys Academy)

Lead Physical Performance Coach (Boys Academy)

Full-Time 50000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Aston Villa FC Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead physical performance for U21s, maximising player health and availability.
  • Company: Join Aston Villa Football Club, a Premier League Category One Academy.
  • Benefits: Attractive salary, world-class facilities, and a supportive family culture.
  • Other info: Collaborative role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on the next generation of elite footballers.
  • Qualifications: BSc in Sport Science, MSc preferred, with experience in elite performance environments.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.

Department: Football Division – Boys Academy Medical and Sport Science Department

Hours of Work: Full-time (working patterns aligned to the demands of elite football, including matchdays and travel where required)

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: Attractive Remuneration Package depending on experience

Location: Bodymoor Heath Training Ground

Closing Date: Sunday 21 June 2026

The Department

Our Boys Academy is a Premier League Category One environment, built on delivering consistent, high-performance support across every stage of the player pathway. Operating at the intersection of development and elite performance, our Sport Science and Medicine Department plays a critical role in preparing players for the demands of First Team football.

Working closely with the Loans and Emerging Talent and First Team multi-disciplinary team’s (MDT), we ensure players progress with the robustness, availability, and performance capacity required to succeed at the highest level.

The Role

This is a senior role within the Academy performance structure, where you will lead the Physical Performance provision for the U21s squad and directly influence the development of players progressing towards First Team Football.

The Opportunity:

  • Lead the U21s Physical Performance provision at one of the Premier League's most ambitious clubs within a Category One Academy
  • Travel and lead on the physical preparations for the UEFA Youth League and Premier League 2 fixtures
  • Maximise player health, robustness, and availability
  • Develop, mentor and challenge players/staff to consistently raise standards across the pathway

Your Impact:

  • Integrate physical performance into the heart of tactical and technical training, working hand-in-hand with coaches to make every session count
  • Turn data into decisions — using GPS, VALD, wellness monitoring, and Power BI to keep every player performing and available
  • Build the next generation of First Team footballers, designing impactful gym and pitch programmes that develop physically elite, robust athletes ready for the top level

For further information about the Role, please see the Role Profile.

The Person

To be considered for this role, you will need to hold the following qualifications:

  • BSc (Hons) Sport Science (minimum 2:1)
  • MSc in Sport Science / Strength and Conditioning (or equivalent)
  • British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) accreditation (or in progress)
  • UK Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA) accreditation or equivalent (or in progress)

You will already be operating within an elite, full-time performance environment, with experience delivering physical performance support to high-level athletes—ideally within the Professional Development Phase.

Your approach will be collaborative and evidence informed. You will demonstrate the ability to work effectively within and contribute to a MDT, communicating complex physical performance data in a clear and impactful way to coaches, players, and wider performance staff. Experience and confidence in utilising technologies such as GPS, VALD, wellness monitoring platforms, and Power BI to drive decision-making would be highly valued.

You will thrive in a high-performing MDT, building strong relationships and influencing across disciplines to ensure the player remains central, with stakeholders consistently aligned and informed.

While not essential, experience within a Category One Academy (EPPP), First Team environments, and mentoring practitioners would be advantageous.

Why join us?

There has never been a better time to join Aston Villa Football Club. Our drive to succeed is visible on the global stage, we are building a family ethos and culture to be proud of and realising our ambitious plans for the expansion and improvement of our world-class facilities. If you are already excited by this challenge and want to play your part in our historic Club, then you'll be pleased to hear about our amazing staff benefits you'll receive whilst working for us!

As part of your application, please ensure you upload your CV and Cover Letter

Right to Close Vacancy Posting Early

The Club reserves the right to close any advertised vacancies earlier than the advertised closing date if sufficient applications have been received.

Equality Statement

Aston Villa Football Club celebrates the diversity of its Club and embrace equal opportunities for all. We welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, race, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, sex and religion or belief.

Safeguarding Statement

Aston Villa Football Club is fully committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk across our Club. As such, we adhere to Safer Recruitment processes and for some roles a satisfactory enhanced disclosure via the Disclosure & Barring Service may be required prior to starting in a role at the Club.

Lead Physical Performance Coach (Boys Academy) employer: Aston Villa FC Limited

Aston Villa Football Club is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive environment for those passionate about elite football. With a commitment to staff development and a family-oriented culture, employees benefit from world-class facilities and the opportunity to shape the future of aspiring athletes in a Premier League Category One Academy. Join us at Bodymoor Heath Training Ground and be part of a team that values collaboration, innovation, and excellence in performance coaching.

Aston Villa FC Limited

Contact Details:

Aston Villa FC Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Physical Performance Coach (Boys Academy)

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at the club, especially those in the Boys Academy. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a foot in the door.

Tip Number 2

Show your passion for player development! When you get the chance to speak with anyone from the club, share your ideas on how to integrate physical performance into training. Make it clear that you’re all about building robust athletes.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the club’s philosophy and recent performances. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in relation to the U21s and First Team pathways.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Aston Villa.

We think you need these skills to ace Lead Physical Performance Coach (Boys Academy)

Physical Performance Coaching
Data Analysis
GPS Technology
VALD Systems
Wellness Monitoring
Power BI
Strength and Conditioning

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Physical Performance Coach role. Highlight your relevant experience, qualifications, and any specific achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our Boys Academy!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your experience with high-level athletes and your collaborative approach.

Showcase Your Data Skills:Since data-driven decision-making is key in this role, make sure to highlight your experience with technologies like GPS, VALD, and Power BI. We want to know how you've used these tools to enhance player performance in the past!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative!

How to prepare for a job interview at Aston Villa FC Limited

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and techniques in physical performance coaching. Brush up on your knowledge of GPS, VALD, and wellness monitoring technologies, as these will likely come up in conversation. Being able to discuss how you’ve used data to enhance player performance will impress the interviewers.

Show Your Collaborative Spirit

This role requires working closely with a multi-disciplinary team, so be ready to share examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated with coaches and other staff in the past. Highlight your ability to communicate complex data clearly and how you’ve influenced decisions in a team setting.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about challenges you’ve faced in previous roles and how you overcame them, especially in high-pressure situations. This will demonstrate your readiness for the demands of elite football.

Align with Their Vision

Research Aston Villa Football Club’s ethos and recent developments. Be prepared to discuss how your coaching philosophy aligns with their goals, particularly in developing players for First Team football. Showing that you’re not just a fit for the role but also for the club’s culture can set you apart.