Academy Doctor in Cobham

LOCATION: Chelsea FC Training Ground, Cobham (with travel as required)

JOB TYPE: Full-time (aligned to the demands of elite football)

DEPARTMENT: Performance Medicine – Academy Performance Support Team

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. In the event that we receive a large number of applications, the position may be filled before the listed closing date. To avoid missing out, please submit your application at your earliest convenience.

The opportunity at Chelsea FC: Join one of the world’s most respected academies and help shape the next generation of Premier League footballers. If you thrive in a high-performance environment, enjoy complex clinical challenges, and want to influence how young players are medically supported on their journey to the top, this role offers a rare and exciting opportunity.

Why this role is different: You will work daily with some of the most talented young players in the country, delivering world‑class medical care within a fully integrated Performance Support Team. You will lead on clinical decision‑making, illness and injury management, emergency care and contribute to the Academy’s gold‑standard approach to player health, wellbeing and performance. This is a role where your clinical expertise directly shapes player development, resilience and long‑term performance potential.

What the role involves: As an Academy Doctor, you will lead the assessment, diagnosis and prognosis of illness, injury and concussion across the Academy, coordinating referrals and diagnostics with the Head of Performance Medicine (Academy). You will work closely with physiotherapists and the performance support team MDT to guide return‑to‑play decisions, contribute to screenings and Rehabilitation MDTs, and lead illness‑prevention strategy and seasonal Performance Medicine projects. The role includes pitch‑side emergency care, maintaining clinical governance standards, delivering Emergency Medical CPD and communicating clearly with coaches, parents, performance staff and Academy leadership.

Who we’re looking for: A clinician who delivers technical excellence with curiosity, composure and a player‑first mindset. You will hold full GMC registration and a CCT with experience in General Practice, Emergency Care or Sports Medicine, and have worked as a Team Doctor in elite sport, ideally with developing athletes. You will hold a SEM Diploma/MSc or MFSEM (UK), plus Level 5 ATMMiF (or equivalent). You understand the physical, psychological and tactical demands of football, communicate with clarity and empathy, and are proactive, collaborative and committed to helping players return stronger and more resilient.

Who you are: You see medical care as a performance advantage, not just a safety net. You are calm under pressure, detail‑driven and clinically rigorous. In addition, you are curious mindset that is committed to continuous learning and comfortable challenging and being challenged. You are passionate about developing young athletes and a team‑player who thrives in an integrated MDT environment.

What we offer: 25 days annual leave, a 5% pension contribution, private health insurance and life assurance at four times salary, plus daily access to elite facilities, people and development opportunities.

To embody the club’s BLUE behaviours (Brave, Lead, Unity, Edge) in the approach to work and interaction with others. To adhere to the club’s policies and procedures, including Health & Safety, Financial Authorisation, Confidentiality and GDPR. To act as an ambassador for diversity, equality, and inclusion, and demonstrate a positive commitment by treating others fairly in line with our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy and reporting any acts of discrimination through appropriate channels. To create a safe environment and act to protect all young people and vulnerable adults that are either in your care or attending club premises, and report any concerns to the Safeguarding Lead. To report any misconduct or suspected misconduct to the HR Department.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: At Chelsea we recognise that the diversity of our people is one of our greatest strengths and we are taking positive action to ensure our existing colleagues and job applicants can fully be themselves and bring their own unique experiences and perspectives to Chelsea FC. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. If you need reasonable adjustments made to the recruitment process, please reach out to your recruiter, who will be able to advise and support you. Chelsea FC is fully committed to ensuring the safety and well‑being of all children, young people and adults at risk (vulnerable groups). We therefore require all successful applicants to complete a DBS Check prior to starting employment. Depending on the role, successful applicants may also be required to undergo other child protection screening where appropriate.

This Job Advert is not intended to be exhaustive; the duties and responsibilities may therefore vary over time according to the changing needs of the Club.