At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead physiotherapy for Academy players, ensuring top performance and health.
- Company: Join Aston Villa Football Club, a prestigious Premier League team.
- Benefits: Enjoy amazing staff benefits and be part of a family-oriented culture.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young athletes' journeys to First Team football.
- Qualifications: BSc in Physiotherapy, experience with elite athletes, and strong clinical skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ per year.
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 teams, we ensure players progress with the robustness, availability, and performance capacity required to succeed at the highest level.
The Role
This is a senior leadership role within the Academy performance structure, where you will lead the physiotherapy provision and directly influence the development of players progressing towards First Team Football. You will not only deliver high-level clinical support but help set the direction, standards, and expectations for physiotherapy across the pathway.
The Opportunity:
- Lead the Physiotherapy Service across all Academy age groups (U9 – U21’S)
- Set and drive return-to-performance standards aligned to department expectations
- Maximise player health, robustness, and availability
- Develop, mentor and challenge staff to consistently raise standards across the pathway
Your Impact:
- Lead rehabilitation and return-to-performance planning and delivery
- Oversee injury audit and availability tracking to inform practice
- Contribute to athletic development and injury prevention frameworks
- Provide clear multi-disciplinary team (MDT) communication
The Person
To be considered for this role, you will need to hold the following qualifications:
- BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy (minimum 2:1)
- MSc in Physiotherapy (or equivalent)
- Membership to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP)
- Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
You will already be operating within an elite, full-time performance environment, with experience delivering physiotherapy support to high-level athletes—ideally within the Professional Development Phase, with exposure to First Team environments. You are confident managing complex injuries and making clear, informed decisions in fast-paced settings, using strong clinical reasoning to return players not just to play, but to a higher level of performance. You understand the demands of developing players, with experience across growth and maturation, injury prevention, and athletic development, and take pride in building robust, available athletes ready for the next level. You 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 Physiotherapist (Boys Academy) employer: Aston Villa
Aston Villa Football Club is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive environment at our Bodymoor Heath Training Ground. With a strong focus on professional development, we provide our staff with opportunities to grow within a high-performance culture, while enjoying comprehensive benefits and being part of a family-oriented ethos that values diversity and inclusion. Join us in shaping the future of elite football and making a meaningful impact on young athletes' lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Physiotherapist (Boys Academy)
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Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
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We think you need these skills to ace Lead Physiotherapist (Boys Academy)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for Aston Villa:Take some time to research Aston Villa and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aston Villa
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
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Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
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Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for Aston Villa's values and approach.
