Academy Lead Sports Scientist
- Cheltenham Town FC
- Cheltenham, UK
- 19 Jun, 2025
Job Description
About The Role
Due to an internal promotion of staff, Cheltenham Town FC Academy is welcoming applications for an Academy Lead Sports Scientist who will oversee the planning and implementation of our Academy Sport Science strategy and have responsibility for day-to-day management of the professional development phase, sport science planning and delivery.
The role would suit someone seeking to gain full-time experience within an Academy setting. The ideal candidate will hold a minimum BSc in Sport Science (essential) and Emergency First Aid in Football (EFAiF) (you must be willing to complete the course). The role is full-time (35 hours a week). The role requires flexibility to work around the PDP schedule and work midweek evenings. At present, the role would be paid in line with the national living wage.
The successful candidate will be joining an ambitious Category 3 Academy with a dedicated and experienced staff that is striving to be the best they possibly can be.
Responsible to: Academy Manager
Direct Reports: MRES Studentship and Casual Sport Science Staff
Build Relationships with
Internal: Academy Manager, Lead PDP coach, Head of Coaching, Lead Sports Therapist, Lead Phase Coaches, Coaches (Part Time), Heads of department, First Team staff, Player Care Manager and Players.
External: Premier League & Football League, FA, Universities/colleges, FAYCD, and PFA.
Salary: In line with national living wage
Location: Cheltenham Town FC Training Ground, Cheltenham, GL51 9RX
Working Pattern and Work base: Full Time (35 hours)
- Flexible working arrangements/hours
- Required to work outside of normal office hours, at evenings and weekends, on bank holidays and public holidays.
- Required to work across different bases
Travel: Regular travel to fixtures, meetings and other events in connection with the performance of the duties detailed below.
Overall purpose of the job
Responsible for overseeing the physical and athletic development of young athletes in an academy setting, including designing and implementing strength & conditioning programmes, collaborating with the multidisciplinary team, and monitoring player progress. The Lead Sport Scientist will have responsibility for the day-to-day PDP sport science delivery
Key Tasks & Responsibilities
- Undertake self-development to ensure knowledge in relation to all aspects of physiotherapy is up-to-date and forward-thinking.
- Develop and implement innovative strength and conditioning programs tailored to the specific needs of young athletes
- Update physical individual learning plans and player profiles
- Using data analysis and other methods to track player progress and identify areas for improvement (GPS, Teambuildr, KML iP)
- Completion and reporting of anthropometric assessment and physiological fitness testing across the season for U9-U18 squads
- Prepare young players for the demands of senior football
- Foster a high-performance environment that supports the physical, mental and emotional well-being of young athletes
- Contribute to the delivery of the SEP apprenticeship programme
- Ensure the Academy EFL Youth Development Rules are satisfied and documented on the club's audit tool
- Record all data and update KML iP in line with the EFL Youth Development Rules and Academy Performance Plan
- Manage placement students, studentships and casual staff within the Academy Sports Science dept
- Attend, lead and contribute to organised meetings
- Working closely with coaches, nutritionists, medical staff and other professionals to ensure a holistic approach to player development.
- Ensure all activities are conducted safely and in accordance with the relevant regulations and best practices.
About The Candidate
Qualifications
- BSc (Hons) in Sport Science or similar (essential)
- Hold or be working towards accreditation by the UK Strength and Conditioning Association (or equivalent workshops run by an equivalent body)
- Hold Emergency First Aid in Football (EFAiF) (essential, willing to work towards)
Required Experience
Experience of working in at least 1 of the following roles:
- A football club
- A sports club
- University
Knowledge and/or experience of at least 1 of the following:
- Capturing physical testing data
- Designing physical curriculum and programming
- Working with young elite athletes
- Working as a member of multi-disciplinary team
ICT experience of PMA, excel, word and any other software as required to carry out the duties required for the job.
Personal Qualities
- Work Ethic, Integrity, Solutions, Enjoyment and Responsibility
Other Requirements
- Have a full clean driving licence
- DBS clearance
Safeguarding
To have due regard for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to follow the child protection procedures adopted by the FA and the club.