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
Tivoli Chiropractic Clinic is an excellent employer for those seeking a fulfilling role in sports therapy, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture in the heart of Cheltenham. With flexible hours and a self-employed commission structure, employees benefit from opportunities for pay reviews and professional growth while working alongside a vibrant multidisciplinary team dedicated to holistic wellbeing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Academy Performance Coach (Rehab)
✨Show Your Expertise in the Gym
Get into your local fitness scene and start offering free workshops or training sessions. This not only showcases your skills but also gets your face out there. People love to connect with trainers who are active in their community!
✨Engage on Social Media
Use platforms like Instagram or TikTok to share workout tips, success stories, or transformations you’ve facilitated. Tagging your content with local fitness community hashtags can help you gain visibility and connect with potential clients or employers like The Society.
✨Connect with Local Gyms and Fitness Studios
Visit local gyms or fitness studios and ask if they need trainers. Many places look for trainers based on word-of-mouth, so don't hesitate to introduce yourself. If The Society is in your area, dropping by could be a golden opportunity!
✨Make Your Application Stand Out
When applying to places like The Society, consider including a personal training portfolio showcasing client testimonials, fitness plans, and your own fitness journey. This adds a personal touch and helps you stand out in the ever-crowded fitness market!
We think you need these skills to ace Academy Performance Coach (Rehab)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Trends:Stay ahead of the curve by mentioning any current fitness trends or methods you’ve incorporated into your training practice. If you've got experience in areas like HIIT, functional training or nutrition coaching, share that! It shows us you’re serious about your development and can adapt to meet client needs.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Society
✨Showcase Your Knowledge of Fitness Trends
Make sure you're clued up on the latest fitness trends and methodologies. We should be ready to discuss how your training philosophy aligns with modern practices, or how you can implement new techniques that could benefit clients at The Society.
✨Demonstrate Your Client Management Skills
Being a personal trainer isn’t just about knowing workouts; it’s also about how you manage and motivate clients. We should think of examples where you've developed personalised training plans or motivated clients to hit their goals, and how you can apply that at The Society.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to encounter practical scenarios in your interview, like demonstrating an exercise or discussing how you'd help a client overcome specific challenges. We should prepare for these by practicing key exercises and thinking through our coaching cues and support strategies.
✨Get to Know The Society's Clientele
Since it's a full-time gig, understanding the specific clientele The Society caters to is key. We should look into their target demographics and think about how our experience aligns with their needs, ensuring we can hit the ground running from day one.
