Academy Nutritionist

Brentford FC is a bit different to other Premier League football clubs. We put our fans first, we are a true community club and while we are financially sustainable, we are not afraid to take calculated risks. We take huge pride in our environment and culture within the Club which focuses on development, inclusion and not being afraid to think differently. Being progressive, humble and respectful while sticking together as one team across the Club guides how we work and the decisions we make each day. We also firmly believe that a diverse workforce is a better workforce which will help us develop ideas, solve problems and ultimately grow Brentford FC.

Inclusion Statement: Brentford FC is an organisation which values and is passionate about diversity and inclusivity. We welcome and encourage applications from qualified candidates, including those from underrepresented groups – such as those from ethnically diverse backgrounds, women, those from the LGBTQ+ community and those with disabilities. Should you require any workplace accommodations (also known as ‘reasonable adjustments’), you will have the opportunity to let us know at appropriate points in the hiring process.

Safeguarding Statement: Brentford FC is committed to equality, the safeguarding and welfare of all children and adults at risk. This responsibility is shared by all staff and volunteers at the club; safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Staff will be required to undertake regular safeguarding training to enable and reinforce a proactive approach to safeguarding. This role requires the post holder to apply all relevant policies and uphold the club’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable people to ensure a safe environment for all. This includes the timely reporting of any safeguarding concern to the safeguarding team.

The Role of Academy Nutritionist: We have an exciting opportunity for an individual to join our team as an Academy Performance Nutritionist. Reporting to the club’s Lead Nutritionist and the Head of Academy Medicine and Sports Science, the successful candidate will lead the planning, development and implementation of performance sport nutrition across all Academy phases, ensuring alignment with the Academy vision of being admired as the most caring and progressive academy in the world.

• Primarily working with the B Team and U18s, you will adopt a ‘food-focused’ education approach to optimise health, growth and performance from the U9 age group upwards.
• Work closely with the Lead Nutritionist to manage transition players and ensure that both 1st Team and Academy programmes are aligned.
• Lead the provision of individualised nutritional support for PDP and YDP players in alignment with IDT goals.
• Provide nutritional support for players who are on loan both domestically and internationally.
• Assist with the overarching Sports Science programme philosophy and framework to support Academy players across the phases with age-appropriate delivery.
• Lead the monitoring of nutritional factors linked to performance support (e.g., body composition, hydration status, anti-doping awareness).
• Lead the nutritional strategies for ‘Return to Perform’ players in collaboration with the wider Sports Science, Medical and Coaching staff.
• Support the Sports Science and Medical teams with matchday support where required.
• Support the current performance nutrition PhD programme and contribute to the Brentford FC Research & Insights department.
• Work collaboratively with the Club chefs around food service provision for Academy training days as well as home & away matches.
• Lead the organisation of nutrition plans for tours and away fixtures and assist on matchdays where appropriate.
• Lead in supporting players’ recovery nutrition.
• Lead in ordering and distributing nutritional supplements.
• Work collaboratively with the Academy Lead Doctor to support any deficiencies or pathologies identified from the PDP health screening programme.
• Maintain records of player consultations, nutritional interventions and track measurable outcomes.
• Participate in regular internal and external CPD Education Support.
• Develop and deliver an evidence-based nutrition syllabus across a variety of methods: in-person presentation, practical workshops and infographic resource development to enhance nutritional knowledge, habits and behaviours for both players and parents across all Academy age groups.
• Support the Brentford FC Host Family programme.
• Support the Brentford FC Life Skills programme.
• Develop strong relationships with key Stakeholders to maximise the effectiveness of players’ training programmes through appropriate nutrition strategies.
• Lead the collation of information required for inter-disciplinary review meetings for individualised learning plan development.
• Provide regular communication and updates to the Lead Nutritionist and Head of Academy Medicine and Sports Science regarding all aspects of nutrition service development.
• Ensure that any concerns you observe, or are raised with you in your role, are shared with the Safeguarding Team through appropriate channels.

General Club Accountabilities:

• To ensure compliance with all relevant Club policies, including health and safety policies and with specific reference to the data regulations.
• To ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, ethical, and social requirements.
• To ensure compliance with the Club’s Safeguarding Policy and processes.
• To ensure compliance with the Club’s Code of Conduct.
• To promote equity, diversity and inclusion at the Club, in line with our EDI strategy.
• To build and maintain good working relationships both internally and externally, maintaining a professional image at all times when representing Brentford FC.
• To keep confidential any information gained regarding the Club and its personnel.
• To maintain a flexible approach to work at all times.
• Any other relevant tasks and duties as directed by your line manager.

Key Internal Relationships:

• Academy Sports Science staff.
• Academy Medical staff.
• Academy Coaching Staff.

Person Specification - Essential Personal Characteristics:

• Undergraduate degree in nutrition, dietetics or sports science (or related subject).
• A recognised post-graduate qualification (or equivalent) in a sport and exercise related subject e.g. sports nutrition, exercise physiology, sports science.
• Hold practitioner registration with the UK Sport and Exercise Nutrition Register (SENR) or hold graduate registration with the ability to obtain practitioner registration within 6 months.
• Hold an ISAK Level 1 (or above).
• At least 3 years’ experience working in an elite academy setting (not necessarily a football setting).
• A proven track record in the provision of nutritional support to athletes including young athletes in a sporting environment.
• Experienced in measuring and interpreting body composition data with athletes, including skinfolds and DEXA.
• A good understanding of paediatric nutrition and how growth and maturation status affects nutritional requirements.
• Up-to-date knowledge on supplement use and Anti-Doping regulations.
• Experience in delivering interactive education workshops with young athletes.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
• An effective and confident presenter to a range of target audiences including young athletes.
• An understanding of the adolescent mind to help engage and inspire young players.
• Excellent attention to detail with strong organisational and record-keeping skills and the ability to prioritise and plan workloads according to scheduling demands.
• A good level of IT literacy including dietary analysis.
• Able to work flexibly to meet the needs of the Club (including working irregular and unsocial hours sometimes working outside of normal office hours, at weekends, evenings and bank holidays).

Person Specification - Desirable Characteristics:

• Experience working in a Category 1-3 Football Academy.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 8 June 2025.