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 players' recovery and athletic development in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Sports Therapy or related field; postgraduate preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ 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
Derby County Football Club is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the Moor Farm Training Centre where innovation in player rehabilitation meets a commitment to long-term athletic development. With a strong focus on professional growth, employees benefit from collaborative partnerships across departments and the opportunity to design impactful rehabilitation programmes that enhance player performance. The club's culture fosters teamwork and excellence, making it an ideal place for those passionate about sports therapy and performance coaching.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Academy Performance Coach (Rehab)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the sports industry, especially those connected to Derby County. A friendly chat can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show up at events! Attend coaching clinics, workshops, or local matches. Being present in the right places helps us get noticed and shows our passion for the game.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by knowing the club inside out. Understand their philosophy, recent performances, and how you can contribute to their 'Return to Performance' strategy.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team at Derby County.
We think you need these skills to ace Academy Performance Coach (Rehab)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Academy Performance Coach (Rehab). Highlight relevant experience in sports therapy, strength and conditioning, and any work you've done with rehabilitation programs. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can bridge the gap between medical and performance departments. Be sure to mention specific examples of your past successes in similar roles.
Showcase Your Qualifications:Don’t forget to list all your qualifications clearly. If you have any relevant accreditations like UKSCA or BASES, make them stand out. We’re looking for candidates who are not just qualified but also eager to grow and learn!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Let’s get your journey started!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Society
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and techniques in sports therapy and strength conditioning. Brush up on your knowledge about injury rehabilitation strategies and how they integrate with athletic development. This will show that you’re not just passionate but also informed about the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past roles where you successfully bridged the gap between medical and performance departments. Highlight any individualised programmes you’ve designed and how they benefited players. Real-life examples can make a huge impact!
✨Understand the Club's Philosophy
Familiarise yourself with Derby County’s long-term athletic strategy and player pathways. Knowing how your role as an Academy Performance Coach fits into their vision will demonstrate your commitment and alignment with the club’s goals.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the current challenges the club faces in player rehabilitation or how they measure success in transitioning players through different phases. This shows your genuine interest and strategic thinking.
