Be part of our journey...

Location: Staplewood Training Ground, Southampton

Hours: Full time – no set hours, required to work all Women’s First Team fixtures.

Contract Type: Permanent

Criminal Record Check: DBS Enhanced with Child’s Barred List

Southampton FC Women has seen a meteoric growth in the past few seasons. With a thriving academy already providing new talent for the club and the creation of a Women’s First Team ahead of the 2017/18 season, was the beginning of a prosperous rise into senior football.

Since 2017/18 the First Team won back-to-back promotions, most recently securing their place in the Barclays Women’s Championship, after beating Wolverhampton Wanderers in their play-off final, where they are just starting their third season.

Our Women’s first team are full time professionals based at the famous and well known Staplewood Campus and also play their home games at St Mary’s Stadium.

One of the youngest teams in the Women’s Championship, and with many of the current Women’s first team having risen through the academy ranks, with current England and other senior international players in the squad, the future is bright for the side as they compete at their highest level to date.

Our ambition is to become a competitive WSL team in the future and to be seen as leading not following. This role of Lead Sports Scientist (Women’s and Girl’s) will be critical in reaching our ambition and we would love for someone as equally passionate about the Women’s game to join us in this journey.

What is the Role?

To lead and deliver a first-class sports science and strength & conditioning provision to all Women’s & Girls players along with being responsible for all aspects of delivery within the Women’s 1st Team training programme, ensuring the team and individuals maintain the optimal performance to compete in the highest domestic league and at international level.

What will you be doing?

You will lead the delivery of applied sports science and strength and conditioning practices across the Women’s and Girl’s programme whilst managing and overseeing the delivery of applied sports science practices across all female teams including the recruitment, development and supervision of appropriate staff.

In association with the Head Coach and MDT you will organise the daily training performance programmes for the senior squads and collaborate with the Lead Physiotherapist to contribute to the player’s individual short and long term injury prevention programmes. In collaboration with technical staff you will also contribute to the return to pitch/training programmes, with specific rehab/technical sessions.

You will assist the Head of Sports Science in the strategic direction of a sports science department that is viewed as a forward-thinking and innovative department within professional football and be a part of a multi-disciplinary team, in charge of designing and supporting Individual Performance Plans (IPPs) as part of long term athlete development.

Other duties include but are not limited to:

• Liaising with international teams to ensure pre- and post- camp information is shared and integrated appropriately.
• Build relationships with all international performance teams to support player welfare and development throughout the domestic and international season.
• Maintain up to date individual player records in the PMA, including readiness to train data, training & match data, periodic test results and contribute to the development of appropriate research.
• Deliver performance based educational sessions for SFC players, staff, parents and host families.
• To undertake research and deliver educational workshops (i.e., Female Athlete Health).

Is this you?

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Knowledge and experience of working within long-term athletic development programmes.
• Experience of practical coaching in gym and field-based sessions.
• Experience of working within an interdisciplinary sports science and sports medicine team.
• BSc (Hons.) Sports Science, S&C or related subject.
• Recognised certification in S&C related competence (e.g., NSCA, UKSCA, ASCA etc.) or ability to attain within 6 months of employment.
• Excellent organisational and people management skills.
• Time management and project management ability.
• Good communication, recording and presentation skills.
• Ability to teach and instruct.
• Ability to adapt quickly.

How this benefits you…

If you are successful, you can look forward to a healthy benefits package;

• Access to x2 free match tickets for every home league game
• Access to our staff Health & Wellbeing initiatives (Mental & Physical Health).
• Discounted Southampton Football Club merchandise.
• 26 days’ holiday per year excluding bank holidays plus your birthday off each year.
• Contributory Pension Scheme.
• Worldwide Travel Insurance for you and your family.
• Learning & Development opportunities - supporting you to develop your potential and achieve in your career.
• Free onsite parking.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Collaborative & inclusive working culture.

How can I apply?

Very easy. Just click on the apply button below, enter your details and answer a quick pre-screening questionnaire, then attach your CV.

The closing date for applications is 18th September 2024.

*We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if a high volume of applicants are received.*