About the Performance and MedicineTeam:
Our mission is to support every athlete in reaching peak performance while reducing injury risk.
Through a multi-disciplinary approach that blends sports science, nutrition, medicine, and psychology, we deliver personalised programs tailored to each player’s needs.
We work closely with coaches to balance training loads, guide recovery, and provide insights into player readiness. Mental wellness is also a key focus, with sports psychologists helping athletes build resilience under pressure.
The Opportunity:
Shape the physical development of our next generation. As Lead Strength and Conditionin Academy Coach, you’ll lead our Strength and Conditioning programme, helping players across the Academy pathway fulfil their potential.
Reporting to the Head of S&C, you’ll develop our coaching team and drive a progressive, individualised programme that builds strength, speed and resilience. Combining hands-on coaching with performance insights, you’ll work closely with coaching and medical colleagues to support player development, rehabilitation and readiness for the demands of football, with welfare and safeguarding at the heart of your approach.
What We Ask For:
Essential: You know how to turn sports science into sessions that help young players progress. You’ll have designed, delivered and evaluated S&C programmes in elite youth sport, ideally professional football, and know how to lead coaches, develop their skills and set clear standards. A relevant postgraduate degree, recognised S&C accreditation (preferably UKSCA, or a Club-accepted equivalent) and current EFAiF qualification are essential. So is a strong grounding in long-term athletic development, growth and maturation, strength, power, speed, movement, conditioning and periodisation.
Desirable: Led an S&C team or helped players step up to U21 or First Team football? We’d love to hear about it. Significant experience in a Category 1 Academy or similar elite programme would be a plus, as would CASES Accreditation or progress on its Supervised Experience pathway. Hands-on experience implementing and managing athlete management systems, Premier League PMA, GPS platforms and performance testing technologies would also be welcome.
An Enhanced DBS from Sunderland AFC is required.
Lead Academy Strength and Conditioning Coach in Sunderland employer: Sunderland AFC
Sunderland AFC is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where finance professionals can thrive. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and development, the company provides opportunities for training and advancement within the finance team. Located in the heart of Sunderland, employees enjoy a supportive culture that values teamwork and dedication, making it a rewarding place to contribute to the club's financial success.
