At a Glance
- Tasks: Enhance athletic performance through innovative training programmes and support sports science operations.
- Company: Join Stoke City Football Club, a dynamic team in the English Football League.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for professional development and working with young athletes.
- Other info: Flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, with a commitment to equality and safeguarding.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young athletes' development in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for sports science and experience in elite sporting environments preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Stoke City Football Club of the English Football League is looking for a dynamic and enthusiastic Academy Sports Scientist to apply scientific principles to improve athletic performance and support its sports science operations at our Clayton Wood Training Ground in Trent Vale. Reporting to the Head of Academy Sports Science, the successful applicant will work in conjunction with the coaching department and will aid the planning of age group training sessions, primarily for the Youth Development Phase and Foundation Development Phase, but also assisting with the Professional Development Phase when needed.
Main Responsibilities
- Improving performance through developing, implementing and evaluating various training programmes.
- Providing Sports Science support at tournaments as necessary.
- Attending national and regional meetings, workshops and training courses as appropriate.
- Providing match day Sports Science support and post-match recovery strategies.
- Supporting on field conditioning and rehabilitation in conjunction with the medical staff.
- Providing daily, weekly and monthly reports to the Head of Sports Science.
Key Skills, Experiences and Qualifications
- CASES accredited (or working towards).
- UKSCA accredited (or working towards).
- Experience working within an elite sporting environment is desirable.
- Relevant degree/higher degree in Sports Science is desirable.
- Detailed understanding of football periodisation, growth, maturation and long term athletic development within an elite sporting environment.
- Passion for developing young athletes through sessions and other physical development activities, whilst embedding a positive attitude to athletic development.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.
The position will be offered on a full time basis, with the successful applicant available to work evenings and weekends when required. This organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and DBS checks at the appropriate level will be obtained prior to employment commencing.
The closing date for applications is Thursday 18th June 2026.
Stoke City Football Club endorses the principle of Equality and will strive to ensure that everyone who wishes to be involved in the Club will be treated fairly and with respect, regardless of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion and belief, sex or sexual orientation.
By applying to us you are agreeing to share your Personal Data in accordance with our Recruitment Privacy Policy which can be found at www.stokecityfc.com/recruitment-privacy-policy/ The Club is committed to providing access and opportunities for all members of the community to take part in without threat of intimidation, victimisation, harassment, bullying, and abuse. Any person associated with the Club can be assured of an environment in which their rights, dignity and individual worth are respected and in particular, that they are able to enjoy their engagement at the Club.
Academy Sports Scientist employer: Stoke City Football Club
Stoke City Football Club is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises the development of young athletes and fosters collaboration within a multidisciplinary team. Located at the state-of-the-art Clayton Wood Training Ground in Trent Vale, employees benefit from access to cutting-edge facilities, ongoing professional development opportunities, and a commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare, ensuring a supportive environment for all staff and players alike.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Academy Sports Scientist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the sports science field, especially those connected to Stoke City. Attend workshops and events where you can meet coaches and other professionals – it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got experience with training programmes or performance analysis, create a portfolio or a presentation. Bring it along to interviews or networking events to really impress.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to Stoke City or similar clubs, expressing your interest and how you can contribute to their sports science operations.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Stoke City and ready to make an impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Academy Sports Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Academy Sports Scientist role. Highlight your relevant experience in sports science, especially any work with young athletes or in elite sporting environments. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for developing young athletes and your understanding of football periodisation. Let us know why you’re excited about the opportunity at Stoke City Football Club.
Showcase Your Qualifications:If you have CASES or UKSCA accreditation, make sure to mention it! If you're working towards these qualifications, let us know that too. We value continuous learning and want to see your commitment to professional development.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you can find all the details about the role and our club there. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stoke City Football Club
✨Know Your Science
Brush up on your knowledge of sports science principles, especially those related to football. Be ready to discuss how you would apply these principles to improve athletic performance and support training sessions for different age groups.
✨Show Your Passion
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for developing young athletes. Share specific examples of how you've previously engaged with youth development or contributed to a positive training environment.
✨Team Player Mindset
Highlight your ability to work within a multidisciplinary team. Prepare to discuss past experiences where collaboration was key to achieving success, especially in an elite sporting context.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to face practical questions or scenarios during the interview. Think about how you would handle match day support or post-match recovery strategies, and be ready to articulate your approach clearly.
