Lead Academy Physiotherapist

Department: Academy
Location: Poolfoot Farm Training Complex
Reports To: Academy Head of Medical / Academy Manager
Working Hours: Flexible, as required by the Academy Manager. Evening and weekend work will be expected.

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience 

Length: Permanent

Role Overview

Fleetwood Town FC is seeking a highly motivated Lead Academy Physiotherapist to lead the delivery of medical services across the Academy programme.

The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring Academy players receive high-quality medical care and support, overseeing the assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of injuries across all age groups. Working collaboratively with the Academy Head of Medical and multidisciplinary staff, the Lead Academy Physiotherapist will contribute to creating an environment that maximises player availability, wellbeing and long-term development.

The role will be responsible for ensuring the Academy’s medical provision is in line with EFL, Premier League, FA and EPPP requirements, maintaining accurate medical records, supporting player health and performance and ensuring compliance with all relevant medical, safeguarding and governance standards.

This role is ideal for an ambitious and forward-thinking practitioner seeking to make a significant impact within a progressive Academy environment and contribute to the development of future professional footballers.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

• BSc (Hons) Degree in Physiotherapy or equivalent recognised qualification
• Current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP)
• FA Advanced Trauma Medical Management in Football (ATMMiF) qualification (or willingness to obtain within an agreed timeframe)
• FA Safeguarding Children Certificate
• Enhanced DBS Check (or willingness to obtain prior to employment)

Essential Skills & Attributes

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with players, parents and staff
• Strong organisational and administrative skills with high attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to coordinate and support a multidisciplinary team
• Proactive and solution-focused approach to player care and service delivery
• Commitment to continuous professional development and evidence-based practice
• Flexible approach to working hours, including evenings, weekends and Academy fixtures
• Commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion
• Demonstrates the values, behaviours and professionalism expected within a high-performing Academy environment

Essential Knowledge & Experience

• Experience working within an elite sporting environment, preferably professional football and/or an Academy setting.
• Demonstrable experience in the assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal and sports-related injuries.
• Experience designing and implementing injury prevention and return-to-play programmes.
• Strong understanding of growth, maturation and long-term athlete development principles within youth football.
• Knowledge of EPPP requirements and the operational demands of Academy football.
• Experience maintaining accurate medical records and managing confidential player information.
• Understanding of safeguarding, welfare and duty of care responsibilities when working with children and young people.

Key Responsibilities

• Communicate effectively with Academy Head of Medical to ensure they are kept up-to-date on all medical matters relating to Academy players
• Concisely present information and data relating to injured players in the daily sports science and medicine meetings and weekly rehabilitation meetings
• Contribute to the injury reports that are communicated to all relevant staff weekly, ensuring concise and up-to-date information is provided
• Liaise closely with all Sports Science and Medical staff to ensure that an effective and efficient service is provided to the players
• Provide an excellent standard of assessment, treatment and rehabilitation to Academy players
• Review and provide further opinion on the management of all Academy injuries as required by the Academy Head of Medical
• Lead on the rehabilitation of injured players as required by the Academy Head of Medical
• Plan and deliver gym-based return-to-play sessions in conjunction with the Sports Science staff
• Attend all U18s or U21s squad home and away fixtures as required by the Head of Medical
• Accompany players to medical appointments as required
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date clinical notes in keeping with HCPC regulations.
• Carry out departmental administration tasks as required.
• Liaise with the Club Secretary regarding whereabouts of U18s and U21s players when absent from training.
• Keep an up-to-date knowledge of current sports injury research.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge in the assessment, treatment and diagnosis of sports injuries.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of rehabilitation and injury reduction strategies.
• Continuous development of knowledge of movement analysis and intervention strategies
• Carry out any other duties as directed by the Academy Manager and Academy Head of Medical 

Safeguarding Statement

Fleetwood Town Football Club is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all staff, volunteers, and applicants to share this commitment and uphold the highest standards of professional behaviour. The post is subject to relevant DBS checks and satisfactory references as part of our safer recruitment process. All appointments are made in accordance with the Club’s Safer Recruitment Policy.

Equality Statement

Fleetwood Town Football Club is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.