Performance Coach (YDP/FDP)

About the Performance and MedicineTeam: 

Our mission is to support every athlete in reaching peak performance while reducing injury risk. 

Through a multi-disciplinary approach that blends sports science, nutrition, medicine, and psychology, we deliver personalised programs tailored to each player’s needs. 

We work closely with coaches to balance training loads, guide recovery, and provide insights into player readiness. Mental wellness is also a key focus, with sports psychologists helping athletes build resilience under pressure. 

The Opportunity: 

This is an exciting opportunity to join Sunderland AFC’s Performance and Medical team as a Performance Coach within the Youth Development Programme (YDP) and Foundation Development Phase (FDP). You will play a vital role in supporting the physical development of talented young players across the U9 to U16 age groups, helping to shape the future of Sunderland AFC’s academy players.

Within the framework of the club’s performance and medical support systems, you will design, deliver, and monitor high-quality performance support tailored to the needs of young athletes at different stages of their growth. Using an evidence-informed approach, you will ensure that all performance interventions are structured and periodised to promote optimal development and progression.

Working closely with coaching, medical, and performance staff, you will continually assess and adapt the performance support programme to ensure it consistently meets its goals and contributes positively to the wider objectives of the Academy and the club. Your daily activities will include delivering on-field and gym-based conditioning sessions, supporting coaching staff in session planning, assisting with injury rehabilitation, and leading the collection and analysis of growth, maturation, and GPS data to inform player development.

In addition to your technical responsibilities, you will mentor placement students, providing them with valuable learning experiences, and lead the development and delivery of the Academy’s pitch-based curriculum. You will also play a key role in ensuring the academy’s performance programme adheres to and exceeds the standards required for Category One status.

What We Ask For: 

You must possess a BSc in sports science or a related field such as strength and conditioning. An MSc in sports science or strength and conditioning, or current near completion of such a qualification, is also highly desirable. Accreditation with BASES, or being on the pathway to achieve this status, is essential. Additionally, candidates should have experience working within youth development in a professional football academy, demonstrating an understanding of the unique needs of young athletes. An enhanced DBS check, as provided by Sunderland AFC, is required.

Desirable attributes include experience working within a professional Category 1 football academy and familiarity with the PGAAC audit process. Accreditation with UKSCA or being on the pathway to achieve this is advantageous, as is holding additional qualifications such as ISAK accreditation or EFAiF.