PDP Physiotherapist in Nottingham

Salary: Please state your expectations within your application

Contract: Full Time, 42 hours a week

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

Working Arrangements: On site

Closing Date For Applications: 19th January 2026

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.

Role Overview:

This post involves contributing significantly to both the Medical and Performance departments to optimise the availability and enhance the long‑term athletic development of Nottingham Forest Academy players through optimal service provision in the medical department. The role will require the individual to assist in the medical management, co‑ordination and supervision of the PDP players, alongside the Lead Academy Physiotherapist, including all aspects of medical screening, injury assessment, diagnosis, management and prevention strategies in line with evidence‑based practice. To assist the Lead Academy Physiotherapist in the day‑to‑day running of the medical department, working as a mentor for staff in our Foundation and Youth Development Phase.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Primary work with the PDP squads/players providing physiotherapy services.
• Lead on the treatment and management of injuries sustained by all players in the PDP squads, working closely with the performance staff to co‑ordinate and deliver evidence and performance‑based rehabilitation programmes.
• Standardise the management of injuries by assisting in the development and structure of injury rehabilitation protocols and philosophy.
• Monitor the effectiveness of injury management principles through clinical injury audits and training availability.
• Ensure effective, appropriate communication of injury updates to the player, coaching staff and other relevant staff members.
• Assist the Head of Academy Performance & Medical and Lead Academy Physiotherapist in providing physiotherapy services across all age groups and help oversee the use of part‑time physiotherapists and sports therapists in their provision of medical care to all players in the Academy.

• Provide musculoskeletal screening/profiling for all Academy players and integrate this with the Club medical records.
• Lead the musculoskeletal screening/profiling for all PDP players and assist with the process for all Academy players, integrating with the Club medical records.
• Work alongside the performance staff to deliver individualised effective injury prevention strategies in both individual and group sessions.
• Liaise effectively with the Academy coaching staff daily to keep them informed of players’ availability for Academy matches and training.
• Deliver first‑class recovery and injury prevention strategies to all players immediately after games and on recovery days.
• Ensure all players are educated on the importance of recovery, health and athletic development.

• Assist in coordinating the pre‑signing medical assessments of all Academy players and trialists as required, including writing formalised pre‑signing medical reports.
• Assist the Head of Academy Performance & Medical and Lead Academy Physiotherapist in escalating clinical cases for imaging and/or consultant referrals.
• Accompany players to medical consultations at short notice, either in this country or abroad.
• Ensure best practice is followed, providing clinical handovers pre and post appointment.
• Assist the Academy Doctor and Lead Academy Physiotherapist in coordinating cardiac screening for the PDP squads in line with FA regulations.
• Manage the FA whereabouts schedule for the PDP squads and assist with player education regarding anti‑doping responsibilities.

• Provide physiotherapy match‑day cover for Under‑18 games and assist other age groups when needed.
• Organise and implement the medical provision for all training camps for the PDP squads as required.
• Ensure all medical equipment and procedures are regularly reviewed and maintained at the training ground and all training and match venues under the guidance of the Lead Academy Physiotherapist.

• Take an active role in all medical meetings, multidisciplinary team meetings and other planning meetings.
• Mentor physiotherapists in our Foundation and Youth Development Phases, actively supporting CPD for part‑time physiotherapists.
• Assist in producing an injury audit monthly and annually for the Academy, providing accountability and continuous improvement.
• Ensure appointments and travel arrangements are managed for all Academy players, notifying the First Team Medical Department to manage the Club’s Health Partners insurance scheme.

• Assist with delivery and organisation of in‑service training sessions with the Head of Academy Performance & Medical and Lead Academy Physiotherapist, including creation of a CPD pathway.
• Take responsibility for continued professional development, ensuring regular attendance of courses and conferences, maintaining an up‑to‑date CPD file and feeding back relevant learning points to the department.

• Produce daily reports of injured development players, updating all medical notes within 24 hours of treatment in line with CSP core standards.
• Maintain all medical documents in line with information governance principles.
• Work with the Safeguarding team to highlight cases for attention through appropriate channels, maintaining all training qualifications.
• Maintain a flexible approach to work, undertaking other duties as needed.
• Keep all information regarding the club and its personnel confidential.
• Ensure compliance with all club policies, including health and safety policies.
• Always support Nottingham Forest FC in their aims and objectives.
• Always represent Nottingham Forest FC professionally.

Essential:

• FA Safeguarding Children
• FA CRB Enhanced Disclosure
• BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy or higher degree
• Member of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (MCSP)
• Valid ATMMiF Qualification or equivalent
• Indemnity through professional registration to £5 million liability
• Minimum of 2 years post‑qualification experience
• Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team Sports Medicine environment preferably with younger athletes
• Excellent clinical reasoning and manual therapy skills
• Excellent problem solving and decision‑making skills
• Excellent range of clinical treatment skills with emphasis on rehabilitation
• Excellence in understanding and delivery of rehabilitation Medicine from plinth to pitch
• Management skills to manage a multidisciplinary group of part‑time practitioners within the Academy Medicine department
• Set and maintain high standards of work performance and deliver quality consistently and effectively
• A good understanding of the principles of human performance and how they relate to clinical sports medicine
• A learning pathway showing the development of a strong evolving clinical paradigm in the field of Physiotherapy (minimum of 36 hours CPD annually to maintain professional registration)
• Good knowledge of injury screening, diagnostics, manual therapy, injury prevention and recovery strategies
• Ability to lead group sessions and deliver gym and pitch‑based programmes to groups and individuals, especially adolescents
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills that are clear, engaging and responsive to convey complex information
• Exceptional organisational skills with the ability to manage competing demands and deadlines
• Hold a full current up‑to‑date driving licence
• Proactive and engaging style with a winning attitude and collaborative approach; flexible working hours
• Highest standards of professionalism and personal conduct – especially around confidentiality
• Long‑term commitment to working within a multidisciplinary medical team

Desirable:

• Higher (MSc) Sports Medicine Degree
• Sports Science Diploma/Degree
• UKSCA/strength and conditioning qualifications
• Playing experience to a high level

Forest For Everyone:

At Nottingham Forest Football Club we are committed to creating an environment where differences are respected, individuality is celebrated, everyone feels valued, supported, and included. Our goal is to ensure every member of our team can be themselves, contribute fully, and reach their potential without barriers.

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Mental Wellbeing:

As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from talented people of all backgrounds regardless of age, disability, gender identity or reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. We continue to develop policies and practices that promote equality, diversity, inclusion, and mental wellbeing across our workforce. To help us measure progress and hold ourselves accountable, we ask all applicants to provide accurate diversity information during the recruitment process.

Disability Confident Committed Employer:

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer, taking positive steps to attract, recruit, and support disabled people. We are committed to offering interviews for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for a role and provide reasonable adjustments at every stage of the application process through to ongoing support in the workplace. If you are likely to meet the definition of being a "disabled person" according to the Equality Act 2010, you may be eligible to apply for an interview via the Disability Confident Scheme. Please indicate this in your application form. The information you share with us about your health or disability will not be used in recruitment selections.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding:

As part of the Club’s commitment to safeguarding, the successful applicant may be required to undergo a Disclosure Barring Service ("DBS") check or an enhanced DBS check. The results of a DBS check will be considered on an individual basis, and the Club will act in a proportionate manner when deciding whether or not to proceed with the appointment. An FA Enhanced DBS disclosure is required for all relevant new appointments to the Club. Individuals will be asked to declare any convictions, cautions or reprimands, warnings or bind‑overs that may have been incurred. The Club reserves the right to carry out risk assessments where content has been disclosed on a DBS disclosure if it feels that it is relevant to the job requirements. Failure to satisfy the Club and the PL's safeguarding requirements may lead to the job offer being withdrawn or, if they have already started employment, summary termination of the employment.

Health and Safety:

At Nottingham Forest Football Club, we are committed to ensuring a safe and healthy working environment for all employees. In accordance with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, you are required to take reasonable care for your own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by your actions or omissions at work. You must also cooperate with the Club's health and safety policies and procedures. Should you identify any health and safety concerns, please report them promptly to your manager or a member of the Health and Safety/Facilities team.