Academy Lead Sports Therapist

Who we are:

Blackpool Football Club is an English Professional Association Football Club based in the seaside town of Blackpool, Lancashire.

The Club was founded in 1887 and has a very storied history, from being a founding member of the Lancashire League in 1889, rising to the Top-Flight of the Football League (the old First Division) in 1930, to winning the FA Cup in 1953 and being promoted to the Premier League in 2010 (becoming the first Club to gain promotion from every division of the Football League via the play-off system).

The team are competing in League One, the third tier of the English Football League.

The Club have played their home games at Bloomfield Road since 1901.

Job Purpose:

The Lead Sports Therapist will oversee the medical provision for the Academy's schoolboy programme (Under-9 to Under-16) and support the Head of Sports Science and Medicine in providing medical cover for the Professional Development Phase.

This role requires a commitment to flexible working hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet the demands of the training and match schedules.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

Medical Provision for U9-U16 Programme:

• Design, implement, and manage medical services for the Academy's schoolboy Players, ensuring compliance with the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) standards.
• Conduct age-appropriate medical screenings, physical assessments, and injury prevention programmes.
• Maintain accurate medical records for all Players, documenting injuries, treatments, and rehabilitation progress.
• Communicate effectively with Players, parents, and coaching staff regarding injury statuses and return-to-play protocols.

Support for Professional Development Phase:

• Assist in providing medical cover for training sessions and matches for the Professional Development Phase teams.
• Collaborate with the Head of Sports Science and Medicine to ensure seamless medical support across all Academy phases.

Emergency Action Planning:

• Ensure that Emergency Action Plans are in place for all training and match venues, and that all relevant staff are familiar with their contents.
• Provide pitch-side first aid and primary care during training sessions and matches.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Work closely with the Sports Science and Medicine team to develop and implement injury prevention and rehabilitation programmes.
• Participate in regular interdisciplinary meetings to discuss Player progress and development.

General:

• To adhere to the Club’s Safeguarding Policy at all times.
• To promote a safe and healthy working environment for all Players and staff

·       To promote a professional image of the Club and themselves at all times.

·       To contribute to identifying and undertaking initiatives aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery.

·       To work with and support other team members as required ensuring effective and efficient service is developed and delivered.

• You will be expected to seek ways of updating and improving personal skills, knowledge and understanding relevant to your own job role.
• Additional duties as reasonably requested by the Head of Sports Science and Medicine.

The above job description is not intended to be exhaustive; the duties and responsibilities may therefore vary over time according to the changing needs of the Club

To apply for the position please submit a CV and a covering letter detailing how you meet the criteria for the role to HR@Blackpoolfc.co.uk or Blackpool Football Club, Bloomfield Road, Seasiders Way, Blackpool, FY1 6JJ.

We encourage early applicants as we reserve the right to close the application process at any time. 

This job will be subject to satisfactory references and Enhanced DBS procedures.

Closing date for applications is Friday 2 May 2025.

Safeguarding:  Blackpool Football Club Ltd and the EFL are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to endorse this commitment.  Posts advertised may require Enhanced Criminal Record Checks and may include checks against the Barred lists, as such it is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974).  Therefore, all convictions, including spent convictions that have not been subject to filtering by the DBS should be declared. 

Recruitment checks: You will also be required to provide details of referees for the previous five years’ working history or referees whilst in full-time education. 

Equality and Diversity:  Employees must always carry out their duties with due regard to Blackpool Football Club’s policies and procedures.  The employee must ensure a positive commitment towards equality and diversity treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation or harassment of any description and to promote positive working relationships between all internal and external stakeholders.

Inclusion and Anti-Discrimination Mission Statement: At Blackpool Football Club we aim to provide an enjoyable experience for all supporters and hold inclusion and anti-discrimination at the core of our values. We are committed to creating an environment which welcomes and respects people from all communities, promoting equality and diversity at Bloomfield Road and its associated premises. As a Club we recognise the nine protected characteristics (age, disability, gender re-assignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex and sexual orientation) under the Equality Act 2010 and will play an active role in supporting inclusion and putting an end to discrimination.  

The employee must ensure a positive commitment towards equality and diversity by treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation or harassment of any description and to promote positive working relationships between all internal and external stakeholders.

Blackpool Football Club is an equal opportunities employer.