Head of Academy Medical Services

Job Purpose:

We are seeking an exceptional individual to lead the Academy Medical Department and
drive the strategic and operational delivery of medical services across all Academy age
groups (U9-U21). This is an exciting opportunity to shape and develop an innovative,
evidence-based and player-centred medical provision that supports both player welfare and
long-term player development.

Reporting to the Academy Director, the Head of Academy Medical Services will provide
leadership and direction across all aspects of the Academy's medical provision, ensuring the
highest standards of injury prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and player
wellbeing.

Working collaboratively with coaching, performance, education and safeguarding
colleagues, the successful candidate will play a key role in developing players capable of
progressing through the Academy pathway and ultimately into First Team football, whilst
ensuring compliance with EPPP, FA, EFL and professional standards.

Working collaboratively across all departments, the successful candidate will embody The
Blackpool Way by placing people, development and excellence at the heart of everything we
do.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

Leadership & Management

• Lead and manage the Academy Medical Department across the Foundation, Youth
Development and Professional Development Phases.
• Line manage Academy Sports Therapists, supporting recruitment, induction,
supervision, performance management and continuing professional development.
• Develop, implement and regularly review the Academy Medical Strategy, ensuring
alignment with the Club's football philosophy and Academy Performance Plan.
• Establish departmental objectives and monitor performance against agreed medical
and performance outcomes.
• Promote a culture of professionalism, collaboration, accountability and continuous
improvement.
• Lead departmental meetings and contribute to wider Academy strategic planning.

Medical Provision

• Develop and implement age-appropriate injury prevention programmes across all
Academy age groups.
• Implement player screening, movement assessments and physical monitoring
processes appropriate to each phase of the Academy.
• Develop individual rehabilitation programmes that support safe and effective return
to training and competition.
• Promote best practice in recovery, hydration, nutrition and sleep education
throughout the Academy.
• Monitor player availability, injury trends and rehabilitation outcomes, using data to
inform continuous improvement.
• Develop and monitor age-appropriate medical and performance objectives across
each Academy phase, using injury surveillance, player availability, physical
monitoring and rehabilitation outcomes to evaluate departmental performance and
drive continuous improvement