At a Glance
- Tasks: Support elite physical development for the 1st Team at West Ham United.
- Company: Join the prestigious West Ham United Football Club.
- Benefits: Monthly travel allowance, club kit, and meals on site.
- Other info: Over 60% of staff started as placement students; build your professional network.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in elite sport with hands-on experience.
- Qualifications: Must be part of a degree programme ending after January 2027.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Location: Rush Green
Contract Type: Work Placement
Start Date: July 2026
End Date: July 2027
Hours: Full-time, including evenings and weekends
Department: Sports Science & Medicine
Responsible To: Head of Sport Science & Innovation
DBS Check: Enhanced with Child’s Barred List
About The Role
West Ham United Football Club is offering a unique placement opportunity to join the 1st Team Sports Science & Medicine Department for the 2026/27 season. This placement provides hands-on experience supporting the delivery of the elite physical development programme within a Premier League First Team. You will assist with planning, organisation, delivery, and review of on-field, gym, and rehabilitation sessions. Additionally, you will contribute to player monitoring, testing, and data collection, and work under the guidance of a Performance Nutritionist to deliver sessions aligned with the Club’s nutrition philosophy. The Club has a proud tradition of developing placement students into full-time staff, with over 60% of current performance staff having previously completed a placement at West Ham United.
Requirements
- Must form part of a degree programme ending after January 2027.
- Ability to commit to the full 2026/27 season.
- Enhanced DBS check with Child’s Barred List required.
- Ability to travel between multiple Club venues.
What We’re Looking For
- Strong knowledge of strength and conditioning principles.
- Confident, adaptable, and professional coaching approach.
- Demonstrates the Club’s values in all activities.
- Collaborative and proactive mindset.
- Commitment to using the placement as a springboard to a career in elite sport.
Safeguarding Commitment
We’re committed to safer recruitment and safeguarding children and adults at risk. This role is subject to enhanced DBS checks.
What We Offer
- Access to an Individualised Learning and Development Programme.
- Monthly travel allowance (up to £500).
- Club kit provided.
- Breakfast and lunch on site.
- Opportunity to build a professional network within elite sport.
EDI Statement
The successful candidate must demonstrate a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, aligning with the organization’s business and tactical approach to eliminating barriers and addressing inequity. You agree to actively contribute to creating a discrimination-free and inclusive environment, ensuring equitable access to opportunities and benefits, while fostering a culture of dignity and respect that enables everyone to perform and achieve their potential.
How To Apply
Please submit your CV (maximum two sides of A4). Closing Date: Wednesday 10th December 2025 (Please note: this vacancy may close early if a high volume of applications is received.)
Physical Performance Coach Placement – 1st Team employer: West Ham United FC
West Ham United Football Club is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for aspiring Physical Performance Coaches to gain invaluable hands-on experience within a Premier League environment. With a strong commitment to employee development, over 60% of current performance staff have transitioned from placements, and the club fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, providing access to tailored learning programmes, networking opportunities, and essential benefits such as a monthly travel allowance and on-site meals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Physical Performance Coach Placement – 1st Team
✨Get in the Game with Sports Events
One of the best ways to land a placement in sports and recreation management is to get out there and attend local sports events. Whether it's a match or a community sports day, you can network with professionals and showcase your enthusiasm for the industry. Plus, it gives you a chance to meet people who work for clubs or organisations that might be hiring!
✨Join Sports Management Communities
Don't underestimate the power of community! Join sports management groups or forums online where industry insiders share job openings and advice. Participating in discussions not only boosts your visibility but can also lead you to hidden placement opportunities that aren’t advertised elsewhere.
✨Utilise University Career Services
Since you’re on the hunt for a placement, make sure to tap into your university’s career services. They often have partnerships with local sports teams and organisations looking for placements. You could even find exclusive job fairs that focus specifically on sports and recreation.
✨Show Off Your Passion Online
Make sure your social media presence reflects your passion for sports and recreation! Share insights, articles, or even create content related to sports management. This not only shows potential employers your knowledge but can make you more approachable for placement opportunities—and don’t forget to reach out about placements directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Physical Performance Coach Placement – 1st Team
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Sports:This is your chance to shine a light on your love for sports and recreation. In your cover letter, include any relevant experiences like volunteering at local sports events or managing a team. Let us know how these experiences have sparked your passion for the industry and what you aim to learn on this placement!
Highlight Relevant Skills:Make sure to highlight skills that are key in sports and recreation management like organisation, teamwork, and communication. If you've taken any courses or received certifications related to sports management, definitely mention those in your CV to show off your knowledge and commitment!
Include Your Achievements:We love to see quantifiable achievements! If you’ve organised events, led teams, or improved participation in a sports programme, include those stats in your application. This not only showcases your impact but also indicates you know how to achieve results in a practical setting.
Tailor Your Documents for Us:Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter specifically for West Ham United FC and the Physical Performance Coach Placement – 1st Team role. Use the job description as a guide to highlight your experiences and skills that align with what we’re looking for. A personalised application shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested!
How to prepare for a job interview at West Ham United FC
✨Show Off Your Event Management Skills
In sports-recreation management, they're likely going to want to hear about any experience you have in organising events. Be prepared to discuss any projects you've worked on – even if they were uni-based or volunteer roles. Sharing specific examples of how you managed logistics or engaged participants can really set you apart!
✨Know the Trends in Sports Management
Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and challenges in the sports and recreation sector. During the interview, demonstrate your knowledge about current issues within the industry, like community engagement or sports analytics. This shows that you’re not just passionate about sports but that you also understand the broader context of the field.
✨Highlight Your Enthusiasm for Learning
Since this is a placement, let’s not forget that the hiring team is eager to see your potential and willingness to learn. Make sure to showcase your motivation and how you’re looking forward to gaining experience at West Ham United FC. Share how this opportunity fits into your career goals and what skills you hope to develop.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Be ready for scenario-based questions where they may ask how you'd handle specific situations, like managing a conflict during an event or motivating a team. Think of examples from your studies, part-time jobs, or volunteer experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure. This is where you can really shine!
