Vacancy: Academy Physical Development Coach
Based at our Academy and Training Grounds, Thorp Arch, Wetherby
An exciting job opportunity has arisen at Leeds United FC for a Physical Development Coach based at our fabulous Academy and Training Grounds, Thorp Arch, Wetherby.
Leeds United Football Club is an English professional football club based in the city of Leeds, West Yorkshire and play at our fabulous stadium based on Elland Road, which has been the home of Leeds United since 1919 and remains one of English football's great theatres and is 'the only place for us' ever since. With a capacity of 37,890, it is England's 11th largest football ground in the Premier League.
Everyone at Leeds United is dedicated to working as one team and to be the best we can be.
Come be part of our fabulous team as we March on Together.
The ideal candidate would be responsible for leading the delivery of the Academy Physical Development Programme to ensure a first-class player experience for players across the 9-16 age groups of the academy and assisting with the delivery of the Academy Physical Development Programme for players in the professional development phase
Some of the main duties would include:
Deliver the academy physical development programme for players in age groups Under 9 to Under 16 age groups
Work closely with the Academy Physiotherapy Department on rehabilitation, injury prevention and load management.
Oversee the implementation of each Under 9 to Under 16 players individual development plan
Deliver physical development programmes to the Under 9 to Under 16 age group
Will be required to accompany selected teams on match days – predominantly U15 and U16 age groups
Complete all training and game physical monitoring and evaluations for the U15 and U16 age groups
Objectively measure U9 to U16 players physical development through the delivery of a systematic programme of data collection, interpretation and analysis across key physical performance indicators
Deliver physical testing and screening to meet EPPP requirements GPS data, anthropometrics, physical testing, medical screening
Support recruitment activity by delivering a programme of physical testing for trialist players
Utilise the PMA and ensure that all necessary fitness data is recorded and maintained
Work closely with the Education department to on the planning and implementation of the performance lifestyle programme.
Liaise with staff from other departments on the development of each player as part of the 6-12 weekly interdisciplinary review process
Contribute to the Academy internal CPD programme and engage in all external CPD as required by your role and your professional licence maintenance
Some of the Operational duties would include:
Working autonomously to an agreed level and in the best interests of the Academy
Forging positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders to benefit the Academy
Being visible to all internal and external stakeholders and supporting key staff when liaising with parents at critical moments
Championing all Club and Academy policy through ensuring best practice in areas such as safeguarding, health and safety and equality, diversity and inclusion throughout the coaching department
Living the values of the Club and championing our culture to help deliver the Academy performance plan and ultimately the vision of the Academy and the Club
The ideal candidate is required to have the following qualifications:
Undergraduate level education in Strength and Conditioning or Sport Science
FA Safeguarding children certificate
DBS check with children’s barred list check
UK Driving License
Some desirable qualifications may include:
Postgraduate level education in Strength and Conditioning or Sport Science
BASES Accreditation (or working towards accreditation)
UKSCA Accreditation (or working towards accreditation)
The ideal candidate is required to have the following experience:
A minimum of 2 years experience coaching youth athletes
Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team to support player development
Experience of working in a football Academy
Ideal knowledge needed for this role would include:
Understands the current Academy system and professional football culture and landscape
Possesses an applied knowledge of EPPP standards and working practices
Understands how a long-term, holistic development programme is structured
Understands the function of each facet in a multi-disciplinary team in an Academy
Possesses a demonstrable knowledge of health and safety policy and best practice
Possesses a demonstrable knowledge of safeguarding policy and best practice
Possesses a strong awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion
Ideal skills & behaviours we look for in team members include:
Creates positive learning environments
Plans and delivers challenging, age appropriate activities
Identifies and responds to the needs of the players by adapting their coaching practice accordingly
Uses accurate and age appropriate physical content
Communicates using a variety of methods and using an age appropriate vocabulary
Able to justify and reflect on their coaching practice and beliefs
Builds positive relationships with the players, staff and all stakeholders
Demonstrates outstanding listening, verbal and written communication skills
Competent with modern technologies that support the performance of their duties
Competent user of the performance management application (PMA)
Inspires others and is a positive role model
Is personable and able to connect and build relationships with others easily
Demands high standards and has an attention to detail
Shares the vision and values of the Academy and is motivated to achieve its objectives
Aligns with the Academy playing and coaching philosophy
Takes a long-term view of player development and align with the Academy approach to winning
Possesses a passion for talent development and are motivated to work with young players
Able to work in a high-profile environment with regular media coverage and public interest
Is responsible and acts in the best interests of the Academy
Is open minded, innovative and willing to explore new ideas/concepts
Enjoys facing challenges and have the resilience and resourcefulness to see complex tasks through
Is proactive and able to identify and mitigate risks
Is a collaborator and relishes the opportunity to work alongside others to overcome challenges and achieve goals
Willing to share their knowledge experience as part of a community of practice
Able to work with players, staff and other stakeholders of varying ages, experience, backgrounds and cultures
Committed to personal development and continuous improvement
Possesses a strong work ethic and are motivated to be the best they can be
Able to promote the positive image of the Academy and the Club
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