Academy Performance Scientist

Job description

To deliver and support the physical performance provision across the Youth Development Programme (YDP), with a primary focus on the Foundation Phase (FP), working collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team (MDT) to support the club’s values and culture within the Fulham FC Academy Performance Department. The post holder will play an important role in supporting the physical development of academy players through age-appropriate, evidence-based sport science and strength and conditioning practice.
 
Alongside the primary delivery focus, the role will contribute to the Performance Department’s data strategy, supporting an evidence-based approach to the collection, analysis and visualisation of data to inform practice and decision-making across the department. The post holder will work collaboratively with Performance Department staff to improve the accessibility, interpretation and application of data within day-to-day practice and the ongoing evaluation of the academy performance programme.

Job responsibilities

This role will primarily support the delivery of the physical performance programme across the Youth Development Programme (YDP), with a particular focus on the Foundation Phase (FP). The post holder will work closely with the multidisciplinary team (MDT) to support the physical development of individual players through age-appropriate, evidence-based practice. Alongside applied delivery, the role will contribute to the Performance Department’s data strategy, supporting the effective collection, analysis and visualisation of data to inform player development, practitioner decision-making and ongoing evaluation of the programme.
 
The following is a non-exhaustive list of the responsibilities of the role: 

• Deliver high-quality physical performance support across designated FP and YDP age groups, across both pitch and gym-based environments.
• Support the Lead Academy Performance Coach (U9-U16) with the design, delivery and ongoing evaluation of the FP physical development programme, ensuring provision is age and developmentally appropriate.
• Collaborate with coaching, medical and wider MDT staff to develop and deliver individual physical development priorities aligned to players’ Individual Learning Plans (ILPs).
• Contribute actively to MDT meetings and player review cycles, ensuring relevant physical performance information is appropriately interpreted and used to inform player development.
• Lead the planning, delivery and reporting of physical performance testing within the FP and support testing provision across the wider YDP as required.
• Support the collection, monitoring and interpretation of growth and maturation data, ensuring relevant information is effectively communicated and used to inform individual player programming and training decisions.
• Collaborate with medical and performance staff to support the planning and delivery of late-stage rehabilitation and return-to-performance programmes within the YDP.
• Support the physical preparation and development of players transitioning between age groups and phases, ensuring appropriate communication and continuity of individual programmes.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the Performance Department’s data strategy, supporting consistent and evidence-based approaches to data collection, analysis, reporting and visualisation.
• Support the development of effective dashboards, reporting tools and data visualisations that make relevant performance information accessible and meaningful to practitioners and the wider MDT.
• Work collaboratively with Performance Department staff to identify meaningful performance metrics and ensure data collection is purposeful, reliable and aligned to player and programme needs.
• Analyse and interpret physical performance data to provide relevant insights that support individual player development, programme planning and practitioner decision-making.
• Support the development of processes that improve the quality, consistency and efficiency of data collection and reporting across the Performance Department.
• Contribute to the ongoing evaluation of the physical performance programme, using relevant data and evidence to identify trends, inform practice and support departmental learning and development.
• Maintain effective communication and collaborative working relationships with Performance, Medical, Coaching and wider Academy staff to support an integrated approach to player development.
• Contribute to Academy Performance Department targets, projects and improvement initiatives, supporting their monitoring and review where appropriate.
• Support Academy events, including player and parent inductions, education sessions and workshops, where required.
• Complete relevant administrative and operational duties associated with the role, ensuring records, reports and performance information are accurate and maintained appropriately.
• Support and collaborate with all members of the Performance Department, consistently upholding the department’s philosophy, standards and culture.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all player information and club matters.
• Demonstrate the highest standards of safeguarding practice, adhering to all relevant club policies, procedures and requirements.

Job requirements

The Academy Performance Scientist must have: 

• BSc Degree in Sports and Exercise Science or relevant subject.
• MSc in related subject area.
• BASES Accreditation.
• Proficiency and experience in using Power Bi for data visualisation. 
• Previous experience working with elite athletes, specially within the ages 9-16. 
• Demonstratable experience working collaboratively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment. 
• Current EFAiF or the ability to obtain prior to start date.
• Current FA Safeguarding Children Certification

 
Ideally, Academy Performance Scientist will: 

• Knowledge of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) and the corresponding expectations associated with working at a Category 1 Academy.   

Closing Date

We expect to close applications on Friday 25th September, but if we receive a high level of interest, we may close the vacancy sooner. To avoid disappointment, please submit your application at the earliest opportunity.