Academy Strength & Conditioning Coach

Job Purpose

To design, implement, and monitor age-appropriate strength and conditioning programs that enhance the physical development, athletic performance, injury prevention, and long-term player development of Al Ain FC Academy players across all age groups.

The Strength & Conditioning Coach will work closely with academy coaches, sports science staff, physiotherapists, medical personnel, and performance analysts to ensure players are physically prepared to meet the demands of elite football.

Key Responsibilities

Physical Development

• Design and deliver periodized strength and conditioning programs for academy players.
• Develop age-specific physical development plans aligned with the club’s football philosophy.
• Improve players' speed, agility, acceleration, power, endurance, mobility, and athleticism.
• Ensure physical development follows long-term athlete development principles.

Performance Monitoring

• Conduct and analyze physical performance testing throughout the season.
• Monitor training loads and player wellness.
• Maintain performance databases and player physical profiles.
• Produce regular reports on player development and performance trends.

Injury Prevention & Return to Play

• Implement injury prevention programs across all academy age groups.
• Collaborate with medical and physiotherapy staff on rehabilitation and return-to-play protocols.
• Monitor players returning from injury and ensure safe progression to full training.

Training Delivery

• Lead gym-based and field-based conditioning sessions.
• Conduct pre-training activation and warm-up programs.
• Deliver recovery sessions following training and matches.
• Ensure all sessions are conducted safely and professionally.

Collaboration

• Work closely with academy coaches to integrate physical objectives into football training.
• Attend technical meetings and contribute to player development discussions.
• Support talent identification processes by evaluating physical attributes of prospective players.

Education & Development

• Educate players on nutrition, recovery, hydration, sleep, and professional habits.
• Promote a high-performance culture throughout the academy.
• Stay updated with current sports science research and best practices.

Administration

• Maintain accurate records of testing results, attendance, workloads, and player progress.
• Prepare monthly and seasonal performance reports.
• Ensure compliance with club policies and safeguarding standards.

Qualifications

Essential

• Bachelor's Degree in Sports Science, Strength & Conditioning, Exercise Physiology, or related field.
• Accredited Strength & Conditioning Certification (NSCA-CSCS, UKSCA, ASCA, or equivalent).
• Minimum 3 years of experience in elite youth football or professional sports environments.
• Strong understanding of football-specific physical development.

Preferred

• Master's Degree in Sports Science or related discipline.
• Experience working within a professional football academy.
• FIFA Diploma in Football Fitness or equivalent qualifications.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong planning and organizational abilities.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary performance team.
• Data analysis and reporting skills.
• High standards of professionalism and integrity.
• Ability to motivate and inspire young athletes.
• Strong knowledge of sports science technology and performance monitoring systems.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Improvement in academy physical testing benchmarks.
• Reduction in non-contact injury rates.
• Successful implementation of player development programs.
• Compliance with performance monitoring protocols.
• Quality and accuracy of performance reports.
• Positive feedback from coaches and academy management.
• Successful return-to-play outcomes for injured players.