U21 Rehabilitation Fitness Coach - The Academy, Liverpool Way, Kirkby

We are seeking an U21 Rehabilitation Fitness Coach to join us. This person will design and implement evidence-based rehabilitation programmes for U21 long-term injured Liverpool FC Academy players and ensure players return to training in a safe and timely manner relevant to their injury. Each plan will be individually designed and tailored to that player's specific injury and perceived multi-disciplinary requirements at the time. To ensure the Academy (and the Club) is seen as a leading provider of the best possible approaches to fitness and strength and conditioning. Contribute to the development of a world-class high-performance environment at the Academy.

What you will be doing:

• Design and implement evidence-based rehabilitation programmes alongside physiotherapists, medical staff and fitness coaches.
• Return players to pre-injury levels of fitness/athleticism; where possible improve these qualities.
• Develop any underlying area that may have predisposed player to injury.
• Continue to develop athleticism (as per the talent development pathway) in rehabilitation.
• Coordinate testing to design and evaluate rehabilitation programs.
• Design a progressive overload stimulus for external load both acutely and chronic over the course of the rehab.
• Work alongside the physiotherapists, medical staff and fitness coaches to coordinate the logistics when players span across different departments.
• Lead U21/Loan player rehabilitation pitch-based reconditioning program.
• Mentor U18 and Youth Development Fitness & Rehabilitation Coaches.
• Assist with mentoring junior practitioners and students within the sport science department.
• Support academy and first team fitness staff when required to perform physical testing throughout the season.
• Work alongside the psychologist/performance coach to develop short term and long terms goals for the rehabilitation process that fit the individual’s development pathway.
• Co-ordinate multi-disciplinary player development plans in order to enhance performance.
• Conduct or assist in any physical examinations, fitness testing, or similar in conjunction with the medical, fitness and coaching staff.
• Adapt relevant sports science techniques to player training, monitoring rehabilitation, assessment and skill acquisition.
• Communicate regularly with fitness, medical and coaching staff concerning all relevant Sports Science issues.
• Attend departmental Sports and Exercise medicine meetings.
• Assist in the management of the training facilities and equipment to ensure they are maintained in proper working order and that players show the required respect of facilities available to them.
• Contribute to the Club’s Sports and Exercise Medicine research strategy.

What we are looking for:

• A degree in sports science (or another relevant discipline) from a recognised university.
• Strength and Conditioning qualification e.g. UKSCA or NSCA Accredited (or ability to complete accreditation within an agreed time period).
• Experience of delivering pitch-based football conditioning sessions that are highly engaging, competitive and position specific.
• Knowledge of the physiological demands of football including approaches to monitoring and evaluating training loads especially in young and developing adults.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Understanding of the pressures and commitments required for young players involved in higher level youth football.
• The ability to create an ethos which promotes high aspirations and achievement for all.
• Demonstrate the ability to create positive working relationships with all key stakeholders.
• Possession of all qualifications required by the league and maintaining CPD activities as advised by the league and as appropriate to the role.
• Excellent role model, demonstrate integrity and enthusiasm at all times.

Desirable:

• Postgraduate degree in sports science (or another relevant discipline) from a recognised university.
• CASES accreditation (can be working towards).
• Evidence of further development and recent CPD activities.
• An understanding of the support strategies for a player’s emotional and welfare needs including safeguarding.
• Recognised safeguarding/child protection qualification.
• Knowledge of the overall Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) and specifically the sports science elements of the EPPP.

Please note, this vacancy may close early if we receive a high volume of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

To reward your hard work and commitment we offer a competitive salary, 25 days holiday (plus 8 bank holidays and the option to purchase up to an additional 5 days) and access to our benefits kit bag which includes but not limited to:

• Contributory pension scheme matching up to 5.5%.
• Life Assurance Cover.
• Free financial guidance and mortgage advice.
• Car salary sacrifice scheme for affordable driving.
• Cycle to Work scheme to keep you active.
• Purchase season ticket loans for easier commuting.
• Exclusive shopping discounts & cashback with top retailers.
• Will Writing Service for future planning.
• Employee Assistance Programme for confidential support.
• Medicash Health Cash Plan for everyday healthcare needs.
• Volunteering opportunities to give back to the community.
• Special LFC perks – retail discounts, partner offers, free LFCTV GO access, and priority tickets for matches, events & concerts.

At Liverpool Football Club, we have an unwavering commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and are always looking to make a positive difference in the communities that we operate within. We are proud of our achievements in this area; maintaining the Premier League Equality Standard Advanced Level, becoming a founding signatory of the Football Association’s Football Leadership Diversity Code and being recognised as a leader in this important area on and off the pitch. We take our responsibilities in this area seriously and through the work being done across the club, we are committed to increasing the diversity of our people and becoming an increasingly inclusive workplace for all. We are committed to hiring great people representative of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills across our entire business. If you share our enthusiasm and passion for inclusivity, then we want to hear from you. Liverpool FC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all Colleagues and Volunteers to share this commitment. This role is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.