Lead Academy Physiotherapist

Lead Academy Physiotherapist

Permanent | Full-Time (37.5 hours per week)

Location: Knighthead Performance Centre, Redhill Road, Birmingham, B38 9EL

Birmingham City Football Club is on the rise.

With an incredible history dating back to 1875, Birmingham City Football Club is entering an exciting period of accelerated growth and modernisation. The Club is playing a central role in a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help transform England's second city through the Sports Quarter project.

With significant investment across our football, commercial and community operations, we are rebuilding the Club for long-term success, both on and off the pitch. Our journey is focused on strengthening our structures, elevating our performance environments, growing our teams, and investing in the people, processes and culture that will define the next chapter of Birmingham City FC.

About the Department

The Academy Performance Support Department plays a vital role in the development of our young players, delivering an integrated and player-centred approach across physiotherapy, sports medicine, sports science, strength and conditioning, nutrition, psychology and performance analysis.

Working within a highly collaborative multi-disciplinary team, the department is committed to optimising player availability, enhancing performance and supporting the long-term development of Academy players from Foundation Phase through to Professional Development Phase. Our ambition is to create an elite performance environment that prepares players to fulfil their potential and progress into the First Team.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Lead Academy Physiotherapist to play a key role in the delivery and development of physiotherapy services across our Professional Development Phase (PDP) programme.

Working closely with the Head of Academy Physiotherapy, Lead Academy Doctors and wider Performance Support team, you will lead the assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and ongoing management of academy players, ensuring the highest standards of medical care and injury prevention are maintained. You will also contribute to the development of evidence-based performance support practices that enhance player availability, wellbeing and long-term athletic development.

Key Responsibilities

• Work alongside the Head of Academy Physiotherapy, Lead Academy Doctors and Academy Physiotherapists to develop and deliver physiotherapy services across Academy squads, in line with the department's injury prevention and performance enhancement philosophy.
• Lead the assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of assigned injured players within the PDP squads.
• Provide high-quality training, matchday and pitch-side medical cover for PDP players, adhering to Academy Medical Emergency Action Plans (EAPs).
• Ensure all medical records are accurate, confidential and uploaded to Kitman Labs within 24 hours.
• Maintain comprehensive and up-to-date records within Kitman Labs and SharePoint, including medical notes, rehabilitation programmes, prehabilitation plans, screening results, attendance and individual performance targets.
• Manage, design and implement medical, orthopaedic and movement screening programmes for U21 players in conjunction with the Head of Academy Physiotherapy and Medical Team.
• Collate, analyse and communicate relevant medical information to appropriate staff, including injury updates, rehabilitation progress, return-to-training and return-to-play timelines, while maintaining medical confidentiality.
• Design and deliver individual injury risk reduction and injury minimisation programmes.
• Liaise with Academy Emerging Talent staff regarding medical information, screening and consent processes for trialists.
• Conduct appropriate medical screening of trialists to support recruitment decisions.
• Provide medical cover for U21 training sessions and fixtures as required.
• Contribute to player performance reviews through Kitman Labs.
• Work collaboratively with the wider Performance Support Multi-Disciplinary Team to deliver an integrated approach to player development and performance enhancement.
• Support the development and implementation of Emergency Action Plans for all home training and matchday venues in collaboration with the Lead Academy Doctor.
• Identify opportunities for service improvement and work with key stakeholders to continually enhance performance support provision.
• Assist in the management of injuries across PDP players and support the wider Academy physiotherapy provision where required.
• Contribute to the management and monitoring of injuries within the U9-U16 age groups when required.
• Conduct 10-week player reviews, identifying areas of physical excellence and opportunities for development.
• Complete SCAT6 concussion assessments and impact screening for PDP players and support concussion screening programmes across younger age groups.
• Coordinate cardiac screening for PDP players where appropriate.
• Undertake any other duties reasonably required by the Academy Managers or Head of Academy Performance Support, commensurate with the level and responsibilities of the role.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy.
• Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) membership.
• HCPC Registered Physiotherapist (or equivalent recognised registration).
• FA Advanced Trauma and Medical Management in Football (ATMMiF).
• FA Safeguarding qualification.
• Demonstrable leadership and organisational skills.
• Experience working within an elite sporting or professional football environment.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary team.

Desirable

• MSc in Sports Medicine, Advanced Physiotherapy, or currently working towards a relevant postgraduate qualification.
• Certificate in Strapping and Taping.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Ability to develop and contribute to both internal and external professional networks.
• Ability to apply evidence-based practice and effectively share knowledge with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Experience of clinical audit, quality improvement projects or service evaluation.
• Experience using athlete management systems such as Kitman Labs.

The Benefits of Being Blues

At Birmingham City Football Club, we put people at the heart of everything we do. When you join the Club, you become part of the Blues family — and that comes with a range of benefits designed to support you both inside and outside of work.

· Matchday Tickets

· Blues Store Discount

· Life Assurance

· Volunteering Day

· Pension Scheme

· Eye Care Voucher

· Cycle to Work Scheme

· Help@Hand

Safeguarding

Birmingham City Football Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. The safety and wellbeing of all individuals within our care is paramount, and all staff are expected to share and uphold this commitment.

All successful applicants will be subject to appropriate pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check, and will be required to complete safeguarding training as part of the recruitment and induction process.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Birmingham City FC is proud to be an Equal Opportunities and Disability Confident employer.

We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to ensuring a fair and inclusive recruitment process. Candidates are assessed solely on merit, regardless of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or caring responsibilities.

We value diversity and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. If you require any adjustments to support you during the recruitment or interview process, please let us know when applying.