PDP Physical Performance Coach – Academy in Cobham

LOCATION: Chelsea FC Training Ground, Cobham. Travel as required

CONTRACT: Full time, permanent

DIRECT REPORTS: None

JOB FUNCTION: Design and deliver an individualised athletic development programme for elite U18 football players that develops robust, athletic and adaptable athletes, prepared for the chaotic and demanding nature of professional football. This is a pitch-based role, working closely and collaboratively with the U18s technical staff and the other PDP physical performance coach to take a holistic approach that develops players both physically and technically and transfers physical qualities to pitch performance.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery and analysis of all GPS and load data for the U18 team, prospectively planning at macro, meso and micro level, for both the squad and the individual, and advising the coaching team on short, medium and long-term training prescriptions in line with individual development plans, load monitoring data and training models.
• Lead the development and implementation of individualised physical development plans, aligned to each player’s IDP, position and daily readiness, and ensure these are communicated effectively to players and staff.
• Lead all energy system and movement physical profiling throughout the season, using this information to create objectively informed, individualised conditioning plans.
• Lead group-based team sessions and individualise them within the group, coaching and engaging players in a way that builds buy-in, understanding and autonomy in their own physical development.
• Support the medical department throughout the rehabilitation process, acting as an integral part of the multidisciplinary team and contributing to the planning, delivery, monitoring and decision‑making across all U18 rehabilitations, with a particular focus on end‑stage rehab and the player’s return to modified/training and matches.
• Lead the planning and delivery of individualised pitch‑based prep and warm‑ups, and collaboratively plan movement skill development — including acceleration, high‑speed running, agility, contact and contextual football movement skills — working with the U18s technical staff and the other PDP Physical Performance Coach to link non‑contextual physical qualities to pitch performance.
• Contribute to the continual education of our players ensuring they are involved in the planning and implementation of their program and strive to develop player autonomy.
• Provide regular feedback and engagement with data, video clips, leaderboards and other methods of engagement to track progress and encourage accountability.
• Contribute to Chelsea’s MDT and player goal‑setting process, including the creation of player physical IDP’s, player progress meetings and larger team and player review processes.
• Lead all match day support, including pitch based warm ups, live GPS feedback and supporting the academy nutritionist with pre and post game food provision.
• Support the off pitch PDP physical performance coach with all off pitch delivery, including gym sessions, pre pitch athletic prep sessions and physical profiling.

Measures of Performance

• Provide detailed analysis and feedback on squad and individual training load, to the multidisciplinary team to help make informed decisions on the content of training and physical interventions.
• Contribute to the Academy’s quarterly Case Study Review (CSR) process, by using both quantitative and qualitative information to drive player updates and individual action plans.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Experience

• BASES Accreditation (Supervised Experience route or direct route)
• UKSCA Accreditation (Or Equivalent)
• Extensive experience in the design and implementation of S&C programmes with elite athletes (At least 5 years)
• Display a keen interest in youth athletic development and have an understanding of the unique requirements of elite youth athletes
• Experience working with team field based sports (ideally football) and be able to display a strong understanding of the physical and skill demands of the sport.
• A highly skilled coach who displays creativity, adaptability and the self‑awareness to use a variety of coaching styles, including the ability to individualise within a group setting.

Skills and Behaviours

• Display a growth mindset and a willingness to learn, adapt and grow.
• Have a strong work ethic, team mindset and desire to help others.
• Be a clear, flexible and collaborative communicator with players, technical coaches and the wider performance department.
• Work well within a multi‑disciplinary team.
• Able to operate in a chaotic academy environment where players move between groups at short notice due to first‑team or youth‑league demands, holding the development intent while flexing the plan.
• Must be able to be challenged without taking personal offence.
• Must be able to work within the academy behaviour model.
• Able to work flexible hours such as evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

Our Expectations

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