Academy Physiotherapist/Sports Therapist in Cardiff

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated physiotherapist to work within a FT football academy environment, supporting the physical development, rehabilitation, and wellbeing of young athletes, primarily between the ages of 9-16yrs. This role will work as part of an established and experienced MDT with opportunities to grow and develop naturally associated as a result.

Main duties:

• Lead and co-ordinate the medical provision for U9s to U16s.
• Assist the delivery of therapy provision for the U18s and U21s when required.
• Support the pool of Consultancy staff to ensure the effective provision of therapy/medical services throughout the wider Academy as required.
• Lead rehabilitation clinics for injured Academy players (U9s to U16s).
• As part of a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) contribute to the development, organisation and implementation of treatment, rehabilitation, injury prevention and performance enhancement plans for all academy players.
• Collaborate as part of an MDT to provide continual evaluation of individual development plans, reviewing and amending in line with the 6-week review process.
• Support a holistic approach to player development.
• Where directed by the Head of Academy Medical provide pitch side immediate care at training and matches throughout the programme. This will include match days (home & away).
• Accompany players to any emergency medical treatment that may be required post training or games, and to accompany players to any planned consultant appointments.
• Using Kit Man Labs, keep accurate medical records in accordance with standards set by HCPC and ensure that all data is stored and shared in accordance with GDPR.
• To be responsible for completing a thorough audit process including 6 weekly and end of coaching phase audits. Use this information to reflect, track and monitor trends to provide interventions to improve player availability and feedback to MDT.
• Compile weekly health status updates for the u9s to U16s squads and disseminate this information to the Academy MDT.
• Assist the Head of Academy Medical with the co-ordination of mandatory medical screening programmes.
• Ensure that all medical equipment is in full working order and is at the appropriate venues.
• Ensure that the medical rooms at all venues are clean/tidy and comply with all Health and Safety regulations.
• Influence decision making and enhance the program by maintaining regular communication with the Coaching staff, Head of Academy Medical, Academy Doctor, Academy Medical Department, Sports Science Department.
• Communicate effectively with players and parents regarding injury status and the rehabilitation process.
• To help organise and deliver CPD/medical/health education programmes for players, coaches and medical staff.
• To be responsible for delivering evidence-based practice by remaining current with research and innovative technologies.
• To be responsible for planning and undertaking personal CPD activities as appropriate to meet the demands of the role and the HCPC.
• With honesty and commitment, you will actively participate in the process of performance appraisals and agreeing your professional development plan with the Head of Academy Medical.
• Attend all meetings, briefings, courses, in-service training days and seminars as required by the club and EPPP regulations.
• Adhere to a strict code of confidentiality in respect of any information relating to Cardiff City Football Club and its operation.
• Ensure compliance with Cardiff City Football Club’s Safeguarding (Child Protection), Health and Safety and Equal Opportunity procedures and practice.
• Uphold the Club’s Vision and Values.
• Any other task deemed relevant and appropriate by the Head of Medical/Academy Manager or Head of Academy Performance.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Essential: BSc (Hons) degree in Physiotherapy/Sports Rehab/Sports Therapy, ITMMiF Qualification or equivalent, a member of the CSP or equivalent membership board, HCPC registration if Chartered.
• Desirable: MSc Degree in Physiotherapy/Sports Rehab/Sports Therapy, ATMMiF (Depending on timing and course availability, this may be completed in post).

Experience

• Essential: Newly qualified practitioners welcome.
• Desirable: Experience and knowledge of the football environment, previous experience working in a sporting environment, experience working with Sports Science/GPS systems/technology.

Knowledge

• Essential: Organised in planning, preparation and execution of advanced treatment and rehabilitation programs, demonstrable competency in administration, analysis, and evaluation, ability to deliver information to players and staff through a variety of means on and off the field.
• Desirable: Ability to work and utilise relevant technology (GPS, Force Plates, etc), functional IT skills in relevant software (Microsoft Office, FiP, GPS Software).

Skills

• Essential: Adaptability to be effective in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, strong communication skills in a variety of settings, ability to work as part of a broader multidisciplinary team, open-minded approach to adopting best-practice and current evidence-based approaches.
• Desirable: Self-awareness and reflective skills as part of a professional development process.

Attitude

• Essential: Passionate and hard working, proactive ‘can-do’ approach to work and those around them and someone who buys into our WEnotME ethos, self-motivated within a team and capable of motivating those around them.

Equality Statement

Cardiff City Football Club promotes equal opportunities in employment we positively welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

Safer Recruitment

Cardiff City Football Club operates a ‘safer recruitment policy’ and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appropriate reference checks and Enhanced Level Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks form a significant part of this recruitment process.