Lead Physical Performance Coach (First Team)

Job Title

Lead Physical Performance Coach (First Team)

Department

Football

Reports to

Head of Performance

Location

Cambridge United Training Ground and Stadium

Salary

£35,000 to £38,000 depending on experience

Hours

40 hours per week, full-time, worked flexibly, to include home and away matches

Role Summary

The Lead Physical Performance Coach is responsible for optimising First Team player availability, robustness and physical readiness through the delivery of a comprehensive, evidence-based physical preparation programme. Working as a key member of the multidisciplinary Performance & Medical Department, the role leads strength and power development, speed and conditioning work, GPS and force-plate monitoring, daily readiness assessments, individualised development plans, and on-pitch physical preparation. The post-holder collaborates closely with coaches and medical staff to integrate physical principles into the football programme, manage training load, support return-to-play conditioning, and ensure consistent high-performance standards across the season. Ultimately, the role exists to ensure players are physically prepared to perform at their highest level in training and competition while supporting long-term physical development.

Key Job Outcomes

1. Physical Preparation & Conditioning

• Plan and deliver individual and squad-based strength, power, speed, and conditioning sessions.
• Lead pitch-based warm-ups, speed exposures, conditioning blocks, and neuromuscular prep.
• Implement individualised physical development plans (IDPs) aligned with position, profile, injury history, and season periodisation.
• Develop acceleration, max-velocity, agility, and repeat-sprint programmes to enhance match-day physical outputs.

2. Performance Monitoring & Data Management

• Daily collection and interpretation of sports science data: GPS, heart rate, RPE, wellness, force plate metrics, and objective testing.
• Produce daily and weekly reports for coaches and performance staff, highlighting trends, red flags, and actionable insights.
• Contribute to ongoing R&D projects and evidence-based performance frameworks within the department.

3. Load Management & Return to Play

• Contribute to session design to ensure appropriate physical load across microcycles.
• Work with medical and rehab staff to plan and deliver RTP conditioning for injured players (Return-to-Pitch / Return-to-Train / Return-to-Play stages).
• Monitor acute: chronic load ratios, sprint exposures, and neuromuscular markers to guide decision-making.

4. Matchday Responsibilities

• Deliver physical prep, warm-ups, activation, and readiness protocols.
• Provide on-pitch conditioning for non-starters and returning players post-match.
• Assist with hydration, fuelling, and any in-game performance support as required.

5. Testing & Profiling

• Lead physical testing and fatigue monitoring protocols across the season (weekly and monthly)
• Use test results to update IDPs and guide training prescription.

6. Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with coaching staff to embed physical principles into tactical and technical training.
• Collaborate with medical, nutrition, psychology, and analytics staff to deliver integrated performance support.
• Attend MDT meetings and contribute to player planning, progression, and availability discussions.
• Provide clear, athlete-friendly communication to players regarding targets and expectations.

7. Professional Standards & Development

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practice in strength & conditioning, sports science, technology, and performance coaching.
• Uphold professional standards regarding safeguarding, confidentiality, and anti-doping practices.
• Contribute to the culture, values, and consistent behaviours within the performance department.

Skills, Knowledge, Qualifications & Experience

Required

Desirable

BSc Sports Science (related discipline)

P

MSc Sports Science (related discipline)

P

Professional qualification/registration (CASES, EXOS, UKSCA)

P

Introduction to First Aid qualification

P

FA Safeguarding children workshop

P

IT Skills, including Outlook, Word and PowerPoint

P

Experience of working in an analysis role within the First Team football environment at an elite level

P

Experience working with event data to pull relevant information for coaching staff and players

P

Experience of supporting match day preparation

P

Experience in leading/managing an area/people or teams

P

Highly competent in Catapult software

P

Experience working in a high performing business environment

P

Understanding of how elite players are developed

P

Personal Qualities/Attributes

Required

Desirable

Hardworking and enthusiastic with excellent organisational skills and attention to detail

P

Reliable and committed with the ability to work independently and as part of a team

P

Excellent team player and motivator with the ability to communicate effectively

P

An excellent understanding of technical and tactical analysis of teams and individuals

P

Positive outlook and looks for a solution when challenged

P

A high level of football knowledge, with an ability to contextualise this knowledge and produce player facing material

P

Application Instructions

Interested applicants should apply by submitting their application form, CV and Cover Letter, applications which do not include all documents will not be reviewed.

Application Closing Date

14th December 2025

Interview Date(s)

First Stage: 18th December 2025, Second Stage: 23rd December 2025

Start Date

February 2026

Mission, Vision & Values

Mission

Cambridge United aspires to compete at the highest level of the English Football League, whilst operating a financially sustainable football club embedded within the heart of its community.

We are custodians with a collective responsibility to protect and enhance the Club for future generations.

Vision

Creating Memories 

We engage current and future generations of supporters by creating memorable moments.

Driving Standards & Performance

We will evolve by driving standards and performance through self-reflection and education.

Enhancing Lives

We are an inclusive Club that is United in Endeavour to enhance lives through the power of sport. 

Values

We engage positive and inspiring characters who are committed to serving and strengthening our community, by adopting our 3 keys values.

Teamwork  

We achieve more through working together than alone and are United in Endeavour.

Hard Work

 We are committed to learning and working towards our pursuit of excellence in everything we do.

Humility  

We will celebrate each other’s successes and recognise that no individual is greater than the collective.

Employability Statement

Cambridge United FC is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff.  We aim to create a supportive and inclusive working environment in which all individuals can make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit.

Safeguarding Statement

Cambridge United FC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.

For those positions where a criminal record check (DBS) is identified as necessary, this will be carried out in line with other safer recruitment checks.

The post holder will be required to undergo Safeguarding training periodically.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Cambridge United FC is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from disabled candidates. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

We aim to create a supportive and inclusive working environment in which all individuals can make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit. We do not discriminate based on age, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religious or political belief or affiliation, trade union membership, gender, gender reassignment, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, sexual orientation, disability, socio-economic background or any other inappropriate distinction or characteristic covered by the Equality Act 2010.

https://forms.office.com/e/WkrhMHMzzL