Women's Lead Doctor

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: This role is offered on a 0.5 FTE basis. Provide pitch-side medical cover for all women’s first team matches, acting as the lead clinician in emergency situations and overseeing emergency action plans, doping control, and compliance processes. Assess, diagnose, and manage player injuries and illnesses in collaboration with the wider medical and performance team, while leading cardiac and annual health screening programmes, including medical assessments for new signings and general practice support where required. Provide clinical oversight of rehabilitation and return-to-play decisions, contributing to concussion management and wider medical risk mitigation policies. Maintain accurate medical records, oversee medical equipment and drug supplies, support medical budgeting, and ensure compliance with safeguarding, health and safety, anti-doping, and governing body regulations. Liaise with external providers regarding scans and specialist treatments as needed. Work collaboratively with coaching, medical, and performance staff to deliver an evidence-informed female athlete health strategy, ensuring clear communication, professionalism, and confidentiality at all times. Support player wellbeing and education across areas such as women’s health, illness prevention, and long-term athlete care, while maintaining ongoing professional development through CPD and continuous learning.

What We Ask For: Candidates must be fully registered and licensed with the GMC, hold appropriate medical indemnity to work with WSL 2 players, and possess a Diploma in Sport and Exercise Medicine or equivalent higher qualification. An up-to-date Level 5 ATMMiF qualification is required, alongside completion of the UK Anti-Doping Introduction to Clean Sport and FootballHER courses, or a willingness to undertake them. Applicants must also hold an up‑to-date FA Safeguarding qualification. The successful candidate will have experience providing medical care within an elite or professional sports environment, including pitch-side emergency care and injury management in team sports. They will demonstrate strong knowledge of female athlete health, cardiac screening protocols, anti-doping regulations, and multidisciplinary working practices. Experience maintaining accurate clinical records, supporting medical governance processes, coordinating external referrals and specialist treatment pathways, and managing competing workloads in a high‑performance environment is 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, so you can kick back, cheer on the club, and enjoy all the Premier League action!
• Enhanced Family and Parental Pay: Enhanced Paternity, Maternity, and Adoption pay provide new parents with more than just statutory pay, offering additional financial support to embrace your time with your families!
• Employee Assistance Programs: Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) offer confidential support services that go beyond just workplace wellness, providing you with access to counselling, resources, and tools to tackle personal challenges and enhance your overall well-being!
• Free Parking: Free parking at both the Stadium of Light and the Academy of Light.
• Discounts: SAFC employees enjoy various discount packages from our partners, including exclusive offers at the Club Store.