Lead Academy Physical Performance Coach in West Bridgford

Salary: Please state your expectations within your application

Contract: Full Time, 42 hours a week

Location: The Nigel Doughty Academy, Nottingham, NG2 7SR

Department: Academy Sports Science and Medicine

Reporting to: Head of Academy Performance & Medical

Closing Date For Applications: 25th August 2026

About the Role: Nottingham Forest Academy has a clear aim of building on its excellent history and strong back story with the following vision ‘develop a world‑class Academy which develops players of Premier League and International Standard. Recognised as a genuine EPPP Category One Academy differentiated by ‘emotion’ and ‘innovation’, this post will be held by an exceptional leader to continue our journey and further develop the excellent young players, people, strategy and methodology we have in place. This post is expected to optimise the availability and athletic development of Academy players through the provision, monitoring and passionate delivery of an evidence based physical development programme, in line with the Nottingham Forest Football Club Academy performance syllabus.

As part of an MDT, you will work directly with the professional development phase (PDP) regarding all aspects of Sports Science and Performance on a day-to-day basis, to exceed the requirements of a Category 1 Academy as determined by EPPP. This role is primarily working with the B Team and the transition of players from the Academy to the Senior team, providing on-field performance support and assisting in the off-field athletic development programme. It will also require working with the Player Pathways Manager to aid in the physical development and monitoring of loan players.

The Perks of the Job:

• Opportunity to access tickets for events at The City Ground.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Access to high street and gym discounts.
• Discount within our Club shop.
• Free on-site parking.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Provide professional and world leading physical performance support for all registered Academy players including individual programmes and long-term athletic development plans.
• In association with the academy coaches, organise the weekly training plans and long-term programmes for academy age group players with a primary responsibility for the B team.
• Work closely across the Academy and Senior Performance departments in supporting the transitions of Academy players to First Team football.
• Ensure Sport Science and S&C provision including session plans, gym sessions and testing are uploaded into the appropriate AMS and Football iP within 24 hours.
• Manage all pitch related physical performance in co-operation with other MDT team members.
• Ensure testing and monitoring practices are consistently implemented and evaluated to inform practice.
• Assist in Talent Identification protocols and contribute to the trialling procedures and testing for potential academy players.
• Manage and lead the development of the PDP performance staff.
• Educate staff to ensure the maintenance of age specific best practice including the provision of in-service training and appropriate CPD.
• Collaborate across the Academy Performance department, aligning programming with synonymous athletic development methodologies.
• Assist where appropriate other members of the performance and medical departments across all NFFC squads and teams, including rehabilitation support.
• Work with the wider medical team to provide an integrated approach to performance enhancement regarding injury rehabilitation and return to training/play criteria.
• In conjunction with the medical department, develop age-related prehab and appropriate rehab to minimise injury risk and maximise player availability.
• Use appropriate databases to monitor and manage player loading, working closely with the multi-disciplinary team to individualise player plans.
• To contribute to player reviews and audits in order to assess performance and potential.
• To provide physical performance support at home and away matches across academy squads, primarily the B Team.
• Lead and support with evidence-based departmental projects.
• Produce monthly, quarterly, and annual reports, as required, demonstrating progress and outcomes against the Academy strategy.
• Any other appropriate duties as required by the Academy management team.
• Responsible for both individual health & safety and that of those who you are responsible for.
• Ensure the relationship with children and adults at risk is appropriate and language, behaviour and demeanour is suitable.
• The Company will expect you to undertake training to ensure an understanding of best practice in relation to children and/or adults at risk.
• You will be responsible for the welfare of children in your care.

What are we looking for:

• Previous experience working within the support staff of a professional football club.
• Worked as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Managed and lead a group of performance staff.
• Delivered applied sports science support to elite individual or team sport athletes.
• Experience of football programming and periodisation.
• BASES accreditation or currently undergoing supervised experience.
• BSc in Sports Science or equivalent.
• UKSCA or equivalent (or ability to obtain within 6 months).
• Valid Basic First Aid for Sport Qualification.
• Valid FA Safeguarding Certificate.
• Ability to accurately measure and monitor essential physical components using a range of applied technologies.
• Provide accurate and informative written and verbal reports to a range of key stakeholders.
• Managing and developing databases to inform the above.
• Coach youth athletes across a range of fundamental movements.
• Exhibit age-appropriate communication techniques.
• Excellent problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to navigate through courageous and challenging conversations.
• Innovative and creative with the ability to think outside the box.
• Knowledge of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) and associated audit process.
• Ambitious and driven with a hunger to own and develop an exciting project.
• Excellent knowledge of development processes and modern performance services.
• Given the nature of role the individual must be able to deal with sensitive information in a very private and confidential way and must be a team member that people can trust.
• Creative presentation and delivery skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with an adaptability to work with members of staff across departments.
• Ability to work under pressure and willing to work unsociable hours.
• Dedicated to self-improvement and personal development in a very creative way.
• Organised, methodical and logical approach to work but with a creative spark.
• High level I.T. and presentation skills.
• Positive and high energy outlook with an ability to influence and motivate.

Desirable:

• Previous experience delivering Strength & Conditioning with youth athletes.
• Have used maturational data and knowledge to deliver appropriate physical development and injury reduction strategies in a team sport setting.
• An understanding of basic sports nutrition for youth athletes.
• Research and development experience in Strength and Conditioning, injury prevention and rehabilitation.
• A postgraduate degree in sports science (or another relevant discipline).
• Football coaching qualifications.
• Relevant teaching qualification.
• ISAK Accreditation.
• Knowledge of and ability to coach and integrate football skills and techniques into strength and conditioning sessions where appropriate.
• Experience in health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post.
• Flair for building internal and external networks, productive relationships to share information and ideas, improving working practices.

Forest For Everyone: We aim to create a culture which embraces and celebrates our differences, enables individuals to feel comfortable, maximise their potential and eliminate discrimination. Nottingham Forest Football Club is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons, regardless of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marital / civil partnership status, pregnancy / maternity leave, race, religion/b.