At a Glance
- Tasks: Bridge medical and performance departments to enhance player rehabilitation and development.
- Company: Join Derby County Football Club, a leading name in professional football.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time role with opportunities for travel and professional growth.
- Other info: Weekend and evening work required; excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on athletes' recovery and performance in a dynamic sports environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Sports Therapy or related field; postgraduate preferred.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Derby County are seeking to recruit an Academy Performance Coach (Rehab) to join the Academy Coaching Department at Moor Farm Training Centre. The successful candidate will be responsible for acting as the vital bridge between the medical and physical performance departments, as well as the crucial link across player pathways (YDP to PDP, and PDP to 1st Team). Reporting to the Head of Academy Medicine and Physical Performance & the Physical Performance Lead, you will spearhead the “Return to Performance” strategy for the Professional Development Phase (PDP). Your mission is to minimise the disruption to a player’s Long-Term Athletic Development (LTAD) during injury.
By utilising comprehensive objective testing and athletic profiling to guide decision-making, you will seamlessly bridge the gap between the physio room and the training ground. You will treat rehabilitation as a strategic developmental window, designing individualised programs that ensure every player returns to the squad not just “fit,” but physically upgraded, highly robust, and perfectly aligned with the club’s long-term athletic strategy.
Key Responsibilities
- Departmental Integration (Medical & Performance): Act as the vital bridge between the physical performance and medical departments. Partner with the Lead Physiotherapist and Lead Physical Performance Coach to design and execute rehabilitation programs that seamlessly blend clinical recovery with athletic development.
- On-Pitch Rehabilitation: Work closely with Physiotherapists & PDP Performance Coaches to deliver early and late-stage on-pitch conditioning, ensuring a seamless and data-backed transition from the treatment room and gym to full team training and match play.
- Pathway Transitions (YDP to PDP & PDP to 1st Team): Act as a critical physical bridge across the club’s pathway. Facilitate the physical “step-up” for players transitioning from the Youth Development Phase (YDP) into the Professional Development Phase (PDP), as well as preparing players for the demanding physical transition from the PDP into the 1st Team environment.
Qualifications
- Undergraduate degree in Sports Therapy, Sports Science or Strength & Conditioning (or other relevant discipline).
- Postgraduate degree in Strength & Conditioning (or other relevant discipline).
Desirable Qualifications
- UKSCA accreditation (working towards) or industry-recognised equivalent i.e. ASCA. Or have attended workshops run by the UK Strength and Conditioning Association and be able to achieve accreditation (or industry-recognised equivalent) within six months.
- BASES accreditation (or working towards).
- UEFA coaching qualifications.
Salary is competitive, dependent on experience. This is a full-time role, and due to the demands of professional football, there is a requirement for weekend and evening work, as well as regular national travel.
Academy Performance Coach (Rehab) employer: The Society
The Society in Cambridge is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development through in-house CPD and dedicated mentorship. With flexible working hours tailored to your lifestyle, this role not only allows you to thrive as a Graduate Sports Therapist but also fosters collaboration with healthcare professionals, ensuring a rewarding and impactful career in sports therapy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Academy Performance Coach (Rehab)
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
Even though you’re after a full-time role, don’t underestimate internships or volunteering in sports organisations. These positions not only give you hands-on experience but can also lead to permanent openings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your face known in the industry!
✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for sports job fairs and career expos specific to the recreation management field. These events are goldmines for meeting hiring managers from organisations like The Society. Bring your A-game and be ready to chat about how you can contribute to their team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out openings on our site! Our listings will often include positions at excellent organisations in sports recreation management, including The Society. Applying directly through our platform increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Let's get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Academy Performance Coach (Rehab)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining The Society aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Society
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with The Society, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
