Graduate Athletic Development Coach - Men\'s Academy

JOB TITLE: Graduate Athletic Development Coach – Men’s Academy

LOCATION: Chelsea FC Training Ground, Cobham.

Closing date: 13th November

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

This is a key role within the Academy’s physical performance department, which requires a collaborative, committed and pro-active practitioner. The role will include but not limited to leading and coaching on pitch movement sessions, off pitch gym and rehab work and supporting the coaches with proactive load management strategies. You will work very closely with the interdisciplinary Performance Support team, including nutrition, medical and technical staff to optimise long term athletic development, player availability and player education. This position will sit in the YDP program primarily working with full time U14-U16 under the guidance of the YDP Athletic Development Manager. At Chelsea we aim to deliver a programme that develops robust, athletic, and adaptable athletes and prepares them for the chaotic and demanding nature of professional football.

We are looking for someone who has a passion for long term player development, with a strong belief in working as a collective team, and a desire to work in a collaborative manner. This person will have an interest in using objective data to inform interventions and a thirst to explore the “grey areas” of coaching to help facilitate the training transfer of training from off the pitch to on the pitch.

Key Responsibilities include;

• Delivering the athletic development curriculum, in line with our methodology.
• Work closely with our YDP coaching team to deliver on-field training and ensure the training demands are appropriate for the individual.
• Effectively use technology, data and information to inform the training process and reflect upon progress within athletic development programs. Use this information to contribute towards the player review process.
• Ensure we effectively support players through the growth and maturation process, ultimately maximising athletic potential.
• Assist on physical testing across the YDP program.
• Collect anthropometric measures across the YDP to track changes in height, weight and provide coaches and support staff with appropriate growth and maturation information.

What you will bring to the role;

• BSc in Sport Science, Strength & Conditioning, Physical Education or Equivalent
• Experience working with young athletes
• Sound understanding of Growth & Maturation and its implications
• BASES Accreditation (Supervised Experience route or direct route) (Desired)
• UKSCA Strength and Conditioning Accreditation (Desired)
• Experience with communicating well with adolescent players and coaches
• Experience coaching individuals and small groups of young players

What we can offer you

• 25 days annual leave
• Pension Contribution (Perm & FT Employees 5%)
• Private Health Insurance through Vitality
• Life Assurance (4 x base salary)

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