Academy Head of Physiotherapy

Summary of Position

• To deliver a high standard of assessment, treatment and rehabilitation to all Professional Development Phase players (U17 – U19)
• To provide match-day cover for all Professional Development Phase teams (U17 – U19)
• To manage, co-ordinate and support part-time physiotherapy / medical cover for Foundation Development (U9 – U11) and Youth Development (U12 – U16) Phase squads training sessions, matches and tours in accordance with the Football Association guidelines and the Academy Elite Player Performance Plan
• To manage the Academy Sports Science & Medicine department

Roles and Responsibilities

Injury Management

• To support & oversee the development, co-ordination and implementation of all medical musculoskeletal matters in relation to the Foundation Development & Youth Development Phase playing staff (U9-U16’s)
• To have particular responsibility for all Medical/Health related matters pertaining to all Professional Development Phase players (U17-U19’s)
• To liaise with Head of Sports Medicine concerning all medical/health related matters for Academy players when required.
• To provide evidence based treatment and develop injury rehabilitation guidelines.
• To accompany players to medical consultations, possibly at short notice, ensuring the player receives optimal care and advice at all times.
• To be involved in the counseling process of all Academy players covering medical/health related matters.

Injury Reduction Strategies

• Alongside the Head Sports Medicine, organise, develop and implement a comprehensive Physiotherapy & movement screening assessment of all Academy players based on the departmental philosophy.
• To be responsible for the continued running of injury prevention programmes on a day to day basis utilising the Academy Sport Science, Strength & Conditioning and coaching staff.
• Liaise effectively with the Academy coaching staff on a daily basis in order to keep them informed of players’ availability for Academy matches and training.
• To educate players on responsible management of injuries and injury prevention strategies.
• To provide appropriate training for part time physiotherapists on the Physiotherapy and movement screening assessment.
• Work alongside the Sport Science team in order to deliver first class recovery and injury prevention strategies to all players both immediately after games and on recovery days

  Medical Provision of Matches, Training Sessions & Tours

• To provide Physiotherapy match day cover for all Professional Development Phase squads
• To provide ‘on field’ first aid to injured players and aid in their removal and dispatch to appropriate facility
  • To be responsible for the organisation of part-time physiotherapy/medical cover for Foundation Development (U9 – U11) and Youth Development (U12 – U16) Phase squads training sessions, matches and tours in accordance with the Football Association guidelines and the Academy Elite Player Performance Plan
• To ensure all medical equipment and procedures are regularly reviewed and maintained at the training ground

  Management Responsibilities

• To contribute to the recruitment of all Academy medical staff.
• Take an active role in all medical meetings and other planning meetings.
• To supervise the Foundation Development & Youth Development Phase part time Physiotherapy staff.
• To facilitate clinical forum for discussion of all medical related matters, including external support where necessary.
• To be responsible for the maintenance and storage of up to date medical records of all Academy players.
• To be involved in the briefing of Academy players on medical screening, FA doping controls programme and medical research and obtaining written consent.
• To evaluate current practice on a regular basis.
• To attend briefings, courses and seminars at the Football Association Medical Education Centre when necessary.
• To actively participate in personal continuing professional development in keeping with CSP guidelines