Academy Physical Development Coach – Tottenham Hotspur

Job Purpose

To assist and support the Head of Academy Sport Science to meet the objectives and vison of the Sport Science Department and Academy Management.

The successful candidate will be responsible for implementing individualised Sport Science and Strength & Conditioning support within the academy with a specific focus on the Youth Development phase, under guidance from the Head of Academy Sport Science and the Lead Academy Physical Development Coach; work within an multidisciplinary team to deliver programmes in-line with Tottenham Hotspur’s academy game model.

The working hours will be 35 hours per week, with some flexibly expected, which will be across Monday – Sunday on a rota basis. This will involve some unsocial working hours due to fixtures which may be across bank holidays or seasonal holiday periods.

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead on the physical development of the under-15 age group. This will include the planning, delivery and evaluation of both on-pitch and gym-based physical development and conditioning programmes in-line with the demands of the academy game model.
• Lead on the pitch and gym-based rehabilitation of players within the YDP to ensure that players are returning to training in peak physical condition, whilst using any potential window within the rehabilitation of an individual as an opportunity to enhance physical attributes.
• Provide individual sport science and S&C support to key players within the academy set up, to ensure that emerging talents are being provided with an industry leading service.
• Create a close working relationship with the coaches to maximise player development within the football programme, including the seamless integration of players returning from injury.
• Have an excellent understanding of growth & maturation (G&M) to allow the planning and implementation of gym and pitch-based programmes specific to biological age and the Football needs of each individual.
• Deliver injury and physical development-specific S&C programmes with injured players.
• Oversee all testing (on and off pitch) and screening protocols/procedures for all injured players within the YDP. This is not limited to data collection, but also the ability to process, synthesize and report the information to create individual programmes underpinned by rigorous objective data collection.
• Provide Sport Science/S&C support at home and away matches, plus relevant Academy National/International tournaments and training camps.
• To execute duties in a professional and conscientious manner and be an impressive member of staff.
• To be aware of emergency procedures and the Health and Safety at Work Act relating to the various sites.
• Ensure a strict code of confidentiality in respect to any information linked to Tottenham Hotspur.
• Any other duties commensurate with the position/grade as required by the department.

Person Specification 

• Proactive in nature and able to generate innovative ideas
• The ability to blend sport science into applied practice
• Values & respects others, builds relationships, collaborates
• Gets things done, delivers to highest of standards, takes responsibility and is able to be flexible.
• Exceptionally high degree of personal and professional integrity.
• A strong team ethos with demonstrable abilities in building and maintaining productive relationships with both coaching and playing staff within a high-performance environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with clear and adaptable communication skills that foster productive working relationships at all levels.

Skills & Experience 

• Degree in Sports Science or Strength & Conditioning or equivalent.
• Experience (post-internship) working within the Youth Development Phase (desirable).
• Postgraduate Degree in Sports Science or Strength & Conditioning or equivalent (desirable).
• FA/UEFA Coaching in Football Qualification (desirable).
• UKSCA Accreditation (desirable).
• Current Safeguarding Children certificate and First Aid (desirable)
• Excellent IT skills.