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- Tasks: Lead sports science for academy players aged 9-21, focusing on athletic development.
- Company: Join a dynamic football club dedicated to player growth and community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young athletes' lives while working in a vibrant sports environment.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in sports science and relevant qualifications required.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Lead Academy Sports Scientist
Job Purpose
To lead the Academy Sports Science provision for 9s-21s. To maximise the athletic development of players across the academy.
Report to
Academy Manager
Roles and Responsibilities
- Co-ordinate and lead the sports science services for the Academy.
- Ensure the department s philosophy is being adhered to with objectives being met.
- Plan and deliver fitness testing, gym testing, movement screens, and maturational monitoring across all FP, YDP, and PDP academy age groups throughout the season.
- Ensure the implementation of data monitoring systems from Under 15-21 s to analyse training and match loads. Feedback given to coaches daily, regarding physical training objectives.
- Produce a comprehensive athletic development programme for all players within the FP, YDP, and PDP.
- Provide sports science support to under 21s players, including prehab sessions, warmups, and athletic development sessions.
- Deliver sessions to under 9-16 s to improve athletic development.
- Provide athletic development feedback to all academy staff in the 12-week reviews.
- Plan and support CPD to coaches, parents and players regarding key areas in sports science.
- Ensure all data is recorded using Kitman Labs.
- Provide nutritional education to academy players when required.
- Help create an Extras Culture for the players to maximise their available development time
- Utilise the multi-disciplinary support departments to maximise the programme s potential to develop the U21s players
- Show positive IMPACT on the academy through self-development, player development and programme development
- The Lead Sports Scientist must undertake continued professional development organised by the Club.
- Always have accountability and responsibility for safeguarding.
To undertake any reasonable Club requirements as set out by the Football Clubs Senior Management Team
Qualifications
- Hold at least a bachelor\’s degree in sports science (or another relevant discipline) from a recognised university. (YD Rule 100.1)
- The Lead Sports Scientist holds a current Basic First Aid for Sport Qualification, current EFAiF or an equivalent or higher qualification approved by the Board. (YD Rule 100.4)
- Hold or be working towards holding British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences accreditation. (YD Rule 100.5)
- A Full UK Driving Licence
- DBS enhanced certificate
All staff must be aware of all safeguarding and equity and diversity issues, along with all academy and club policies, rules and regulations. We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and dynamic working environment by building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Salary: £26,500 per annum
Lead Academy Sports Scientist employer: Colchester Academy
Contact Detail:
Colchester Academy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Academy Sports Scientist
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the sports science field, especially those who have experience working with youth academies. Attend relevant workshops or conferences to meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in athletic development.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific methodologies and philosophies of the academy you are applying to. Understanding their approach to player development will help you align your ideas and demonstrate how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with data monitoring systems like Kitman Labs. Being able to articulate how you've used such tools to analyse training loads and improve player performance will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your commitment to continued professional development. Mention any courses or certifications you are pursuing that relate to sports science, as this demonstrates your dedication to staying current in the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Academy Sports Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in sports science, particularly with youth development. Include specific examples of how you've maximised athletic development in previous roles.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for sports science and youth development. Mention your understanding of the academy's philosophy and how you plan to contribute to their objectives.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your qualifications, including your degree in sports science and any relevant certifications. If you're working towards additional accreditations, mention that too, as it shows your commitment to professional development.
Showcase Data Management Skills: Since the role involves data monitoring systems, emphasise any experience you have with data analysis or using software like Kitman Labs. Provide examples of how you've used data to inform training decisions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Colchester Academy
✨Know Your Sports Science Fundamentals
Make sure you have a solid understanding of sports science principles, especially those relevant to youth development. Be prepared to discuss how you would implement fitness testing and movement screens for different age groups.
✨Demonstrate Your Coaching Philosophy
Be ready to articulate your coaching philosophy and how it aligns with the academy's objectives. Highlight your experience in delivering athletic development programmes and how you plan to support coaches and players.
✨Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills
Since data monitoring is crucial for this role, be prepared to discuss your experience with data analysis tools like Kitman Labs. Explain how you would use data to inform training loads and improve player performance.
✨Emphasise Continuous Professional Development
Talk about your commitment to ongoing learning and professional development. Mention any relevant courses or certifications you are pursuing, and how they will enhance your contribution to the academy.
