At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Academy's medical and performance strategy for youth players.
- Company: Plymouth Argyle FC, a prestigious football club with a commitment to player development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional growth opportunities, and a chance to shape future talent.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to nurturing the next generation of football stars.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young athletes' health and performance in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: MSc in Physiotherapy or Sports Medicine, HCPC registered, and experience in elite football academies.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € per year.
Plymouth Argyle FC are recruiting a critical leadership position within our Academy and are seeking a driven and experienced Head of Academy Medical & Performance to lead the delivery of our Medical and performance support provision across all age groups. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping and evolving our performance and medical strategy, supporting player development, wellbeing and availability as the Academy continues to progress – including our transition to our new training ground at Foulston Park.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design, implementation and continuous review of the Academy Medical & Performance programme across U7-U18 age groups.
- Provide and oversee medical and performance support at training sessions and fixtures, including player preparation, recovery and pitch‑side care.
- Manage and coordinate Medical & Performance support staffing across all phases, ensuring compliance with EPPP standards.
- Monitor and manage player health and performance data, including wellbeing, workload, GPS and fitness testing metrics.
- Lead injury prevention, rehabilitation and return‑to‑play processes across the Academy.
- Oversee medical screening, profiling and the maintenance of accurate medical records and FIP reporting.
- Ensure all safeguarding, health & safety, and emergency procedures are adhered to across Academy operations.
- Deliver CPD and education programmes for staff, players and parents on performance, recovery and wellbeing.
- Work collaboratively with coaching, operations and education staff to support the Academy Performance Plan and KPIs.
Essential Requirements
- MSc in Physiotherapy, Sports Medicine or a related discipline.
- HCPC registered and member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
- Advanced Trauma Medical Management in Football (ATMMiF).
- Experience working within an elite football academy environment (YDP/PDP).
- Strong knowledge of EPPP, FA and professional academy standards.
- Proven experience in injury management, athletic development and return‑to‑play processes.
Desirable
- Strength & Conditioning qualification (or working towards UKSCA accreditation).
- BASES accreditation (or working towards).
- Experience managing multidisciplinary teams within an academy setting.
- Experience using performance monitoring systems (e.g. GPS, FIP).
Head of Academy Medical & Performance in Plymouth employer: EFL
Plymouth Argyle FC is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead the Academy Medical & Performance programme in a vibrant football environment. With a strong commitment to player development and wellbeing, the club fosters a collaborative work culture that encourages professional growth and continuous learning. Located at the new training ground at Foulston Park, employees benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and the chance to make a significant impact on the future of aspiring athletes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Academy Medical & Performance in Plymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the football and sports medicine world. Attend events, workshops, or even local matches to meet people who might know about opportunities. Remember, it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your experience in injury management and performance support. Include case studies or examples of how you've improved player wellbeing and performance. This will make you stand out when you’re chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on EPPP standards and the latest trends in sports medicine. Be ready to discuss how you would implement and review medical programmes across different age groups. Confidence in your knowledge will impress interviewers!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of exciting roles, and applying directly can give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Plymouth Argyle FC!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Academy Medical & Performance in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Academy Medical & Performance role. Highlight your relevant experience in medical and performance support, especially within an elite football academy environment. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our Academy's success. Be sure to mention specific experiences that demonstrate your leadership and expertise in player wellbeing and performance.
Showcase Your Qualifications:Don’t forget to highlight your qualifications, like your MSc in Physiotherapy or Sports Medicine, and any relevant certifications. We’re looking for someone who meets the essential requirements, so make it easy for us to see how you fit the bill!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us. Let’s get started on this exciting journey together!
How to prepare for a job interview at EFL
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the EPPP standards and the latest trends in sports medicine and performance. Familiarise yourself with Plymouth Argyle FC's current Academy structure and their recent achievements. This will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your experience in injury management, rehabilitation, and working within an elite football academy. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly articulate how you've made a difference in previous positions.
✨Team Player Mindset
Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively with coaching, operations, and education staff. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed multidisciplinary teams in the past and how you plan to foster a positive team environment at the Academy.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about the Academy's future plans, their approach to player wellbeing, or how they measure success in their Medical & Performance programme. It shows you're engaged and thinking ahead.
