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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young athletes' physical development and deliver tailored performance programmes.
- Company: Join Sunderland AFC's dynamic Performance and Medical team.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience in a professional football academy environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of talented players while promoting their peak performance.
- Qualifications: BSc in sports science or related field; MSc preferred.
- Other info: Mentor students and work closely with coaches and medical staff.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About The Performance And Medicine Team
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
This is an exciting opportunity to join Sunderland AFC's Performance and Medical team as a Performance Coach within the Youth Development Programme (YDP) and Foundation Development Phase (FDP). You will play a vital role in supporting the physical development of talented young players across the U9 to U16 age groups, helping to shape the future of Sunderland AFC's academy players. Within the framework of the club's performance and medical support systems, you will design, deliver, and monitor high-quality performance support tailored to the needs of young athletes at different stages of their growth. Using an evidence-informed approach, you will ensure that all performance interventions are structured and periodised to promote optimal development and progression. Working closely with coaching, medical, and performance staff, you will continually assess and adapt the performance support programme to ensure it consistently meets its goals and contributes positively to the wider objectives of the Academy and the club.
Responsibilities
- Deliver on-field and gym-based conditioning sessions.
- Support coaching staff in session planning.
- Assist with injury rehabilitation.
- Lead the collection and analysis of growth, maturation, and GPS data to inform player development.
- Design, deliver, and monitor high-quality performance support tailored to young athletes at different stages of growth.
- Mentor placement students, providing them with valuable learning experiences.
- Lead the development and delivery of the Academy's pitch-based curriculum.
- Ensure the Academy's performance programme adheres to and exceeds the standards required for Category One status.
What We Ask For
You must possess a BSc in sports science or a related field such as strength and conditioning. An MSc in sports science or strength and conditioning, or current near completion of such a qualification, is also highly desirable. Accreditation with BASES, or being on the pathway to achieve this status, is essential. Additionally, candidates should have experience working within youth development in a professional football academy, demonstrating an understanding of the unique needs of young athletes. An enhanced DBS check, as provided by Sunderland AFC, is required.
Desirable Attributes
- Experience working within a professional Category 1 football academy.
- Familiarity with the PGAAC audit process.
- Accreditation with UKSCA or being on the pathway to achieve this.
- Holding additional qualifications such as ISAK accreditation or EFAiF.
Performance Coach (YDP / FDP) in Sunderland employer: Sunderland AFC
Contact Detail:
Sunderland AFC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Performance Coach (YDP / FDP) in Sunderland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Sunderland AFC, especially those in the Performance and Medicine Team. A friendly chat can give us insider info on what they value in candidates and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a mini presentation or portfolio that highlights your experience with youth development and performance coaching. This can really set us apart during interviews and showcase our passion for helping young athletes thrive.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends in sports science and youth development. Follow relevant blogs, podcasts, or social media accounts. This knowledge can help us impress during interviews and demonstrate our commitment to continuous learning.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows that we’re genuinely interested in being part of Sunderland AFC's mission to support young athletes.
We think you need these skills to ace Performance Coach (YDP / FDP) in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Performance Coach role. Highlight any relevant qualifications, especially in sports science or strength and conditioning, and don’t forget to mention your experience with youth development in football academies.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about supporting young athletes and how your background makes you a perfect fit for Sunderland AFC. Be sure to connect your experiences to our mission of peak performance and injury reduction.
Showcase Your Evidence-Informed Approach: We love data-driven decisions! In your application, share examples of how you've used evidence-informed methods in your previous roles. Whether it’s through growth data analysis or tailored performance support, show us how you can contribute to our multi-disciplinary approach.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Sunderland AFC and ready to make an impact in the Performance and Medicine Team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sunderland AFC
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest in sports science, strength and conditioning, and youth development. Familiarise yourself with Sunderland AFC's approach and values, as well as any recent developments in their performance and medical team.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous roles, especially those related to youth development in a football academy. Prepare specific examples of how you've designed and delivered performance support programmes tailored to young athletes.
✨Engage with the Team
Demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively by discussing how you would support coaching staff and mentor placement students. Highlight your communication skills and how you adapt your approach based on feedback from colleagues.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, particularly around injury rehabilitation and performance monitoring. Think about how you would handle various situations, such as adapting training loads or addressing mental wellness in young athletes.
