At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the strength and conditioning programme for the Women's First Team, ensuring tailored training for elite athletes.
- Company: Join Sunderland AFC, a vibrant football community dedicated to making a positive impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, free season tickets, and enhanced family pay.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with strong focus on player development and ongoing professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in women's football while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Sports Science and experience in elite sports performance required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
At Sunderland AFC, you’re not just becoming part of a football club; you’re entering a vibrant community fuelled by passion and pride. Our commitment to making a difference means you’ll engage with local initiatives that truly matter, allowing you to leave a positive impact right here at home. You’ll thrive in an exciting, dynamic atmosphere where every day is a new adventure filled with the thrill of football and teamwork. We believe in nurturing talent, so you’ll have access to training programs and mentorship opportunities. Our diverse and inclusive culture celebrates individuality, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. You’ll be part of a team that unites in the spirit of collaboration and respect, making your work environment both rewarding and inspiring.
About the Women's Team: Our team is committed to fostering a supportive environment that empowers female athletes to showcase their skills and reach their full potential. We prioritise player development through tailored training programs that focus on technical skills, tactical understanding, and physical fitness. The SAFC Women’s Football Team benefits from strong collaboration with our Coaching and Analysis teams, ensuring that our strategies and training sessions are informed by the latest insights and best practices.
The Opportunity: Lead the design, delivery, and monitoring of the Women’s First Team strength and conditioning programme, ensuring all gym and on-field sessions are evidence-informed, periodised, and aligned with training and match demands. Deliver an integrated physical performance programme tailored to the specific needs of elite female footballers throughout the season. Provide sports science support through the collection, analysis, and interpretation of GPS and physiological monitoring data, sharing key insights with coaching, medical, and performance staff to inform training load management and performance planning. Support physical performance testing, maintain accurate monitoring records, and use data to drive programme development and player progression. Work collaboratively with the medical team to support rehabilitation and return-to-play processes, while contributing to injury prevention strategies and player education across areas including recovery, hydration, nutrition, and performance habits. Maintain strong communication across the interdisciplinary team, contribute to a positive player environment, and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development and CPD.
What We Ask For: Candidates should hold a degree in Sports Science or a related discipline and possess, or be working towards, UKSCA Accredited Strength and Conditioning Coach (ASCC) status. Applicants should also hold, or be willing to obtain, the FA Emergency First Aid qualification, and complete the UK Anti-Doping Introduction to Clean Sport and FootballHER courses. Must be in possession of an up-to-date FA Safeguarding qualification. The successful candidate will demonstrate experience supporting physical performance within elite sport and delivering gym-based strength and conditioning programmes in a team sport environment. They will have a strong understanding of the physical development needs of female athletes, experience using performance monitoring technologies and diagnostics, and the ability to work collaboratively with coaching and multidisciplinary staff to deliver integrated training programmes. Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities in a high-performance environment are essential. You will be required to obtain an Enhanced DBS through SAFC.
Sunderland AFC is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a policy of treating all employees and job applicants equally. Our aim is that all colleagues should be able to work in an environment free from discrimination, harassment and bullying. Sunderland AFC recognises that the safeguarding and protection of children and vulnerable adults is of paramount importance within the organisation. Sunderland AFC owes a duty of care to safeguard all children and vulnerable adults involved in activities organised by the football club. Sunderland AFC will ensure that safety and protection is given to all children and vulnerable adults involved in activities through adherence to the Safeguarding guidelines adopted by the Club. Importantly, safeguarding is not the responsibility of a single individual or team; it is a collective responsibility that involves everyone associated with the club. From staff and volunteers to players and supporters, each person has a crucial role in creating a safe and welcoming environment. All members of the Sunderland AFC community are encouraged to remain vigilant, follow safeguarding procedures, and report any concerns promptly, knowing that safeguarding is a shared responsibility that helps protect those most vulnerable.
As a standard offering, we proudly provide a range of benefits for our permanent SAFC employees, with additional perks available for specific roles to enhance your experience even further:
- Annual Leave: 25 days leave (in addition to public holidays), increasing to 27 days after 5 years’ service.
- Death in Service Employee Benefit: The Death in Service benefit provides peace of mind for you and your family, offering a safety net of four times the basic annual salary in the unfortunate event of a loss.
- Salary Exchange Schemes: Agree to reduce your salary through our Salary Exchange Schemes to enjoy benefits like tax savings, increased pension contributions for a larger retirement fund, eco-friendly travel with EV Salary Sacrifice, and healthier commutes with Cycle 2 Work.
- Complimentary Season Tickets: Score two free tickets for all home fixtures.
- Enhanced Family and Parental Pay: Enhanced Paternity, Maternity, and Adoption pay provide new parents with more than just statutory pay.
- Employee Assistance Programs: Offer confidential support services that go beyond just workplace wellness.
- Free Parking: Free parking at both the Stadium of Light and the Academy of Light.
- Discounts: Various discount packages from our partners, including exclusive offers at the Club Store.
Women's First Team Physical Performance Coach employer: Sunderland Association Football Club
At Sunderland AFC, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions a vibrant and inclusive work culture. As a Women's First Team Physical Performance Coach, you'll not only contribute to the development of elite female athletes but also benefit from extensive training opportunities, generous annual leave, and a supportive community that values your voice and well-being. With a commitment to professional growth and a range of employee perks, including complimentary season tickets and enhanced family pay, Sunderland AFC is dedicated to making your career both meaningful and rewarding.
Contact Detail:
Sunderland Association Football Club Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Women's First Team Physical Performance Coach
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with fellow coaches. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your previous work, training programmes, and any success stories from your coaching experience. This will help you stand out when you’re chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to clubs or organisations you admire, like Sunderland AFC, and express your interest in working with them. A little initiative can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning! Stay updated with the latest trends in sports science and coaching. Consider attending workshops or online courses to boost your knowledge and skills. Plus, it shows employers that you’re committed to professional development.
We think you need these skills to ace Women's First Team Physical Performance Coach
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for football and women's sports shine through! We want to see how excited you are about making a difference in the lives of female athletes.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in sports science and strength and conditioning. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your ability to support elite female athletes, so don’t hold back!
Be Data Savvy:Since we value evidence-informed practices, mention any experience you have with performance monitoring technologies. Show us how you've used data to drive player development and programme success in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our vibrant community at Sunderland AFC!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sunderland Association Football Club
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and best practices in strength and conditioning, especially as they relate to female athletes. Brush up on your knowledge of performance monitoring technologies and be ready to discuss how you've applied this in previous roles.
✨Show Your Passion for Player Development
Demonstrate your commitment to empowering female athletes by sharing specific examples of how you've tailored training programmes in the past. Talk about your experience in creating supportive environments that foster growth and development.
✨Be a Team Player
Highlight your collaborative skills by discussing how you’ve worked with coaching, medical, and performance staff in previous positions. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve contributed to a positive team atmosphere and supported interdisciplinary communication.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in high-pressure situations. Think of scenarios where you had to manage competing priorities or adapt training plans based on player needs, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
