Full-Time Academy Physiotherapist in Stoke-on-Trent

Reporting to: Head of Academy Operations

Contract Type: Full-Time Permanent (37.5 Hours)

Locations: Vale Park, AFC Norton, Keele University, Staffordshire University, Alsager

Key Responsibilities

• Provide medical cover across the Academy (U9–U18), including training sessions and fixtures.
• Lead on-pitch and gym-based rehabilitation sessions.
• Undertake injury assessments and oversee injury management, rehabilitation and return-to-play processes across the Academy programme.
• Produce and maintain accurate medical records in accordance with professional standards.
• Deliver injury prevention, pre-activation, and gym- and pitch-based rehabilitation programmes.
• Lead Fundamental Movement Screening, Musculoskeletal Screening and SCAT testing.
• Work closely with the Senior Academy Physiotherapist to ensure appropriate coverage of all sessions is organised through deployment of full-time and sessional Physiotherapists, Sports Therapists and Sports Rehabilitators.
• Work closely with the Senior Academy Physiotherapist to provide regular injury updates and communicate effectively with players, parents and Academy staff throughout the injury management and rehabilitation process.
• Collaborate with the Senior Academy Physiotherapist to develop and deliver CPD to the coaching, medical and wider staff team.
• Collaborate with the wider multidisciplinary team to support the holistic development and wellbeing of Academy players.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of Academy medical processes and best practice.
• This job description sets out current duties of the post that may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the post or the level of responsibility.

Essential

• Degree in Physiotherapy.
• Current HCPC registration / CSP membership.
• FA Level 4 Immediate Trauma Medical Management in Football (ITMMiF) qualification.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with players, parents and colleagues.
• Ability to work collaboratively within both the medical department and wider multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to work effectively within a fast-paced, professional sporting environment.
• Flexible approach to meet the demands of elite Academy football.
• Valid FA Safeguarding Children certificate.
• Willingness to undergo Enhanced DBS.

Desirable

• Experience working within professional football or an Academy environment.
• MSc in Physiotherapy.
• FA Level 5 Advanced Trauma Medical Management in Football (ATMMiF) qualification.
• Experience delivering pitch-side medical cover.
• Experience managing musculoskeletal injuries and rehabilitation programmes within youth sport.
• It is necessary to undertake any training relevant to the post, including ongoing CPD training, be trustworthy and adhere to codes of conduct, ethics and confidentiality.

Safeguarding Statement

Port Vale Football Club is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and adults at risk and require all employees to share this commitment and promote the welfare of these groups.

Applicants will be asked about any previous convictions, cautions, reprimands, including those that are considered ‘spent’ as defined by the Rehabilitation Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amended 2013). Appointment to this role is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS Check (with children’s barred list check) and references.

Health and Safety

Your core Health and Safety responsibilities are as follows:

• Lead by example always being diligent and observant.
• Ensure safety & risk are considered within all projects alongside the Head of Academy Education, Safeguarding Lead & Player Care Officer and any other necessary staff.
• Ensure a safe and respectable learning environment for all players and staff to maximise their holistic development.

Equality Statement

The employee must always carry out their duties with due regard to Port Vale Football Club policies and procedures.

The employee must ensure a positive commitment towards equality and diversity by treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation, or harassment of any description and to promote positive working relationships between all internal and external stakeholders.

The employee must contribute to encouraging equality and respecting diversity by embedding such values in the workplace and challenging inappropriate behaviour and processes.

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