Job Description
South Shields Football Club are looking for an experienced Physiotherapist / Sports Therapist who will lead the efficient and effective functioning of the medical support services provided to our domestic and international academy squads and support the performance ambitions of the club by leading and delivering professional care to players.
Location
- Leisure United Downhill, Kingsway Road, Sunderland, SR5 4BB.
Working Hours
- Usually 40 hours per week, to be agreed with your Manager / Supervisor
Required Travel
- Travel to fixtures, meetings and other events in conjunction with the performance of the duties detailed below.
Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Lead and oversee the day-to-day medical provision for the Domestic and International academy squads, ensuring high standards of care and consistent service delivery across all squads, including cover for training and both home and away match-day fixtures where required.
- Assess any injury, issue or complaint raised by Domestic and International Academy players, relevant to their musculoskeletal health and well-being.
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with academy coaching, sport science and strength and conditioning staff regarding player availability and those participating with training restrictions.
- Ensure effective communication with players, parents/carers and other relevant stakeholders regarding injury management, rehabilitation progression, availability and medical recommendations.
- Design all return-to-play programmes collaboratively with sport science, strength and conditioning, and coaching staff to optimise players’ physical and football outcomes.
- Analyse and utilise player availability and injury data to identify trends and support injury prevention strategies, rehabilitation planning and performance outcomes.
- Actively contribute to player Individual Development Plans where necessary.
- Attend external player medical consultations as required.
- Ensure accurate recording of injuries on OPN Play and maintain comprehensive documentation of all treatment and rehabilitation interventions in accordance with HCPC, BASRaT or other relevant regulatory body standards.
- Develop and review Emergency Action Plans for all Domestic and International training venues and home fixtures, ensuring all emergency medical equipment are checked and maintained appropriately.
- Ensure all medical equipment, consumables and clinical areas are maintained to appropriate standards and comply with health and safety, infection control and clinical governance requirements.
- Contribute to the audit, monitoring and continuous improvement of medical services through regular review of injury trends, service outcomes and key performance indicators.
- Adhere to a strict code of confidentiality in respect of any information relating to South Shields Football Club and its operation.
Skills and Experience:
Essential:
- MSc / BSc Physiotherapy or Sports Therapy
- MCSP / HCPC / BASRaT / other relevant regulatory body registration
- ITMMiF qualification
- 2 – 3 years of post-graduate musculoskeletal experience.
- Computer literacy
- Full UK Driving License
- DBS Clearance
Desirable:
- Experience working in a medical role within professional football / team sport.
- Experience of working with young athletes
- Experience of using online performance intelligence platforms
If you would like to apply for this position, please forward a copy of your CV together with a covering letter advising why you feel you are a suitable candidate for the role to jamie.sinclair@southshieldsfc.co.uk. Please use the subject "Academy Therapist Vacancy - South Shields Football Club" when applying for this role via email. The closing date for applications is 6pm on Monday 20th July 2026.
About South Shields Football Club