At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in daily sports science tasks for academy players and support their development.
- Company: Join Blackburn Rovers Academy, a leading football club dedicated to player development.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience in sports science with potential networking opportunities in the sports industry.
- Why this job: Perfect for aspiring sports scientists wanting to make an impact in athlete performance and well-being.
- Qualifications: Must be pursuing a sports science or strength and conditioning degree at MSc level.
- Other info: This is an 11-month placement for the 2025/2026 football season.
Department: Academy Sports Science and Medicine
Based at: Blackburn Rovers Academy, Brockhall Village, Old Langho, Blackburn BB6 8BA.
Reports to: Head of Academy Sports Science and Medicine
Placement length: 11-month work placement for the 2025/2026 football season (1st July 2025 – 31st May 2026).
Placement purpose: To assist and learn the day-to-day tasks of the sports science department for all academy players.
Experience and development opportunities:
- To be committed to safeguarding and welfare of all stakeholders, promoting their well-being whilst maintaining professional boundaries;
- To assist in the Sports Science and Strength and Conditioning programs delivered to all academy players;
- To complete tasks included in the staff development programme and contribute to the department CPD curriculum;
- To assist in training load monitoring of all academy players;
- To help educate players and parents on physiological development, nutrition, and performance as required;
- To take ownership of select players and/or squads during the placement;
- To assist with strength, athletic development, and movement literacy sessions with individual or groups of players as needed.
Skills and knowledge required:
- IT literacy, including Microsoft Word and Excel;
- Competence with film and camera equipment;
- Effective communication with internal and external stakeholders;
- Ability to deliver group and individual presentations;
- Understanding and utilization of data metrics;
- Knowledge of industry-related software such as Sportscode or HUDL.
About The Candidate: To be working towards a sports science/strength and conditioning related degree at MSc level.
Academy Sport Science Work Placement employer: Barnsley Football Club
Contact Detail:
Barnsley Football Club Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Academy Sport Science Work Placement
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the sports science field, especially those connected to Blackburn Rovers Academy. Attend relevant events or workshops where you can meet people who work in similar roles and express your interest in the placement.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in sports science and strength conditioning. Being knowledgeable about tools like Sportscode or HUDL will show your commitment and readiness to contribute effectively from day one.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your understanding of training load monitoring and how it impacts player performance. Having specific examples or case studies in mind can help demonstrate your knowledge during any informal discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your communication skills by engaging with current academy players or coaches. This could involve volunteering or shadowing opportunities, which will not only enhance your experience but also give you insights into the academy's culture and expectations.
We think you need these skills to ace Academy Sport Science Work Placement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills related to sports science and strength conditioning. Include any coursework, projects, or practical experiences that align with the responsibilities of the placement.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for sports science and your commitment to the welfare of athletes. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to assist in training load monitoring and educate players on physiological development.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your IT literacy, particularly with Microsoft Word and Excel, as well as any experience with film and camera equipment. Mention your understanding of data metrics and any familiarity with industry-related software like Sportscode or HUDL.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since effective communication is key for this role, provide examples of how you've successfully communicated with stakeholders in previous roles or projects. This could include group presentations or one-on-one interactions with peers or mentors.
How to prepare for a job interview at Barnsley Football Club
✨Show Your Passion for Sports Science
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for sports science and how it relates to the role. Share any relevant experiences or projects that demonstrate your commitment to the field, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Since the role involves understanding data metrics and using industry-related software, be ready to discuss your knowledge of tools like Sportscode or HUDL. Brush up on your IT skills, especially in Microsoft Word and Excel, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated with different stakeholders in the past, whether in group settings or one-on-one. This will show your ability to engage with players, parents, and colleagues.
✨Understand the Academy's Values
Research Blackburn Rovers Academy and understand their mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their goals, particularly in safeguarding and promoting the well-being of all stakeholders, which is crucial for this placement.