Lead U9-U16s Sports Therapist

Job Title

Lead U9-U16s Sports Therapist

Department

Academy

Reports to

Lead Academy Physiotherapist, Head of Academy Performance & Assistant Academy Manager

Location

Training Ground, The Cledara Abbey Stadium & Other Academy Venues

Salary

£25,397 to £26,437

Hours

Minimum 40 hours per week, including evenings and weekends

Role Summary

As the Lead Sports Therapist for the U9 - U16 age groups, you are responsible for overseeing and delivering all aspects of medical provision, including injury prevention, assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, and return-to-play protocols, in line with EPPP and club standards.

In collaboration with the Lead Academy Physiotherapist, the postholder will manage medical staffing for training and matchdays, ensuring consistent cover across all age groups. You will also supervise part-time therapists and interns (where applicable), providing clinical guidance to uphold high standards of care.

Working closely with coaches, parents and performance staff, you help deliver a holistic, child-centred approach to player health, with a strong focus on safeguarding, wellbeing, and long-term athletic development.

You will also support the U18s medical provision as required, promoting continuity and consistency throughout the Academy pathway.

Key Job Outcomes

·       Lead and manage medical provision for the FP-YDP, including age-appropriate injury prevention, movement and postural screening, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation.

·       Supervise all part-time staff and Interns in conjunction with the Lead Academy Physiotherapist.

·       Provide weekly updates on player availability and rehabilitation progress to the entire Academy MDT in a timely manner.

·       Conduct monthly, quarterly, and annual injury audits to identify trends, inform injury prevention strategies, and support continuous improvement in medical provision.

·       Liaise with the Lead Academy Physiotherapist to optimise return to play guidelines, movement and postural screening and any other processes required.

·       Provide pitch-side emergency care and maintain ITMMiF certification.

·       Collaborate with the Lead Academy Sport Scientist to evaluate Wellness, Growth & Maturation and GPS data to make objective decisions on a player’s training load and match exposure.

·       To accompany players to medical consultations as required.

·       Ensure regular medical equipment checks are carried out, and contribute to the production, maintenance and stress testing of EAPs.

·       Provide support in the planning and coordination of cardiac screening with the Lead Academy Physiotherapist.

·       Maintain clinical records in line with HCPC and GDPR standards; ensure all notes are logged within 24 hours.

·       To ensure all clinical examinations and therapeutic interventions are documented via KitmanLabs and communicated to relevant staff.

·       Build and maintain strong interdisciplinary relationships with staff in Performance, Coaching, Education, Player Care, Operations and Recruitment.

·       To assist in departmental CPD training programmes.

·       Support the PDP medical programme when required to ensure continuity across age groups.

Skills, Knowledge, Qualifications & Experience

Required

Desirable

FA ITMMiF

P

FA Safeguarding Children

P

IT Skills, including Outlook, Word and PowerPoint

P

Experience using athlete management systems, testing equipment and player monitoring tools

P

Experience in delivering injury prevention and rehabilitation programmes to youth athletes

P

Competence in emergency care and pitch-side trauma management

P

 Familiarity with EPPP and Academy football environments

P

Ability to maintain accurate clinical records and uphold data protection standards.

P

Experience of working with player/parents in football environments

P

Experience in working in a multi-disciplinary team

P

Personal Qualities/Attributes

Hardworking and enthusiastic

P

Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail

P

Reliable and committed

P

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

P

Able to communicate effectively and relay information clearly

P

Willingness to work weekday evenings and weekends

P

Excellent team player, collaborator and motivator

P

Proactive in identifying areas for development and problem solving

P

Passionate about the holistic development of young individuals

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

4th January 2026

Interview Date(s)

w/c 5th January 2026

Start Date

To be discussed during interview

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.

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