YDP/FP Physical Development Coach

Key Responsibilities:

• As a key member of the FP and YDP programs, plan, deliver, and review physical development (on-pitch, off-pitch, Return to Play) on a whole-squad and individual player basis as needed. Assist with the delivery of other age groups, Return to Play, and Complex Cases as required.

*           With direction from the Head of Physical Development and Lead YDP PDC, ensure the implementation of the Multisport Curriculum, Exercise Competency Curriculum, and Movements that Matter Competency Curriculum, so that we produce trainable athletes (Competency, Character, Capacity).

*           Assist the planning, delivery, and reporting of physical profiling to the YDP age groups, Return to Play, and Complex Cases in line with department methodology.

*           Implement the department system of monitoring (workload, well-being, growth and maturation, growth-related injury monitoring) with the YDP age groups including data collection, analysis-interpretation, and feedback/reporting to inform MDT communications and decision-making, in line with department methodology.

*           Work in partnership with the Phase Lead and age group coaches to ensure a collaborative approach to session design and delivery that achieves both technical/tactical and physical outcomes.

*           Support matchday physical performance support to YDP age groups including performance preparation, nutrition provision, and supporting the coaching team.

*           Work closely with other YDP physical development staff to ensure that YDP players are transitioning into the next phase with the appropriate level of physical capabilities to thrive within that programme.

*           Be an ambassador for the physical development team, by playing a role in improving department and academy philosophies, systems, and processes. Work collaboratively with staff to develop ideas to contribute to department alignment, best practices, and iterative improvement.

Essential qualifications and skills

 * BSc Sports Science/Strength & Conditioning (or other relevant disciplines)

 * UKSCA Accreditation (Or currently working towards)

 * Experience of working with elite junior athletes as individuals and in a team setting

 * Excellent communication skills with the ability to build meaningful relationships with MDT, players and parents

 * Excellent pitch and gym-based delivery skills

 * The ability to demonstrate good session planning and strong organisation skills

 * Willingness to work evenings & weekends and the ability to travel independently

 * Excellent IT skills 

 Desirable qualifications and skills

 * MSc in relevant field * Experience working in Academy football

 * FA Emergency First Aid in Football

 * Sound understanding of growth & maturation and its implications on the development of young athletes

 * Experience working in a fast-paced multidisciplinary team

 * Experience collecting physical performance data

Equal Opportunities

West Ham United take equal opportunities seriously and we will always strive to ensure that we follow the below:

• Ensure that all recruitment in completed within an anti-discriminatory framework and to ensure that no decisions are taken on account of such factors such as race, gender, sexuality, disability, religion, sexual orientation and age.

• To carry out work in a manner which promotes equality of opportunity for both staff and clients.

• Employees will be recruited and selected, promoted and trained on the basis of objective criteria.

• Research indicates that men will apply to a role when they only meet 50-60% of the descriptions, however, when looking at women and other minority groups, they can look for up to a 99% match in order to apply to a role, don’t worry if you don’t tick every single box. We’d still love to hear from you. We encourage underrepresented talent to apply to all our roles and support accessibility needs. 

 Safeguarding 

• All staff must evidence a commitment to the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults who are at risk regardless of their age, gender, language, religion, ethnic background or sexual identity. They must also ensure the safety and protection of all children, young people and adults at risk taking part in any activity arranged by or in the name of the Club.

• It is a requirement for staff to follow the Club’s Safeguarding reporting procedures to report without delay, allegations of abuse, poor practice or which is or may, impact on the welfare of a child, young person or adult at risk. After contacting and taking guidance from the Safeguarding Team, staff must use the Club’s Child Protection Online Management System (CPOMS ) to record the concern within 24 hours unless directed to do otherwise.