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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