Academy Physical Performance Coach

Salary: Please state your expectations within your application

Contract: Full Time, 42 hours a week

Location: The Nigel Doughty Academy, Nottingham, NG2 7SR

Working Arrangements: On site

Closing Date For Applications: 10th January 2025

This post is expected to optimise the availability and athletic development of Academy players through the provision, monitoring and passionate delivery of an evidence based physical development programme, in line with the Nottingham Forest Football Club Academy performance syllabus. As part of an MDT, work directly with the professional development phase (PDP) regarding all aspects of Sports Science and Performance on a day-to-day basis, to exceed the requirements of a Category 1 Academy as determined by EPPP. This role is primarily working with the U18 age group and the transition of players from the U16 group prior to their scholarship, providing on-field performance support and assisting in the off-field athletic development programme. It may also require the physical preparation of senior professional players and players across the U9-U16s.

The Perks of the Job:

• Opportunity to access tickets for events at The City Ground.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Access to high street and gym discounts.
• Discount within our Club shop.
• Free on-site parking.
  
  

Key Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Provide professional and world leading physical performance support for all registered Academy players including individual programmes and long-term athletic development plans.
• In association with the academy coaches, organise the weekly training plans and long-term programmes for academy age group players with a primary responsibility for the Under 18 team. This should include responsibility for players transitioning between the U16s, U18s, B team squads for training and matches.
• Work closely across the Academy Performance department in supporting the transitions of U16s to full-time (U18) football.
• Ensure Sport Science & S&C provision including session plans, gym sessions and testing are uploaded into the appropriate AMS within 24 hours.
• Manage all pitch related physical performance in co-operation with other MDT team members
• Ensure testing and monitoring practices are consistently implemented and evaluated to inform practice
• Assist in Talent Identification protocols and contribute to the trialling procedures and testing for potential academy players
• Educate staff to ensure the maintenance of age specific best practice including the provision of in-service training and appropriate development methodologies
• Collaborate across the Academy Performance department, aligning programming with synonymous athletic development methodologies
• Assist where appropriate other members of the performance and medical departments across all NFFC squads and teams, including rehabilitation support
• Work with the wider medical team to provide an integrated approach to performance enhancement regarding injury rehabilitation and return to training/play criteria.
• In conjunction with the medical department, develop age-related prehab and appropriate rehab to minimise injury risk and maximise player availability
• Use appropriate databases to monitor and manage player loading, working closely with the multi-disciplinary team to individualise player plans
• To provide physical performance support at home/away matches across academy squads, primarily the under 18's
• To support with evidence-based departmental projects
  
  

Skills, Experience and Knowledge:

• Experience in the provision of Strength & Conditioning services to elite athletes.
• Experience of football programming and periodisation
• Significant experience in paediatric physical development.
• Worked as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• BSc in Sports Science or equivalent.
• UKSCA or equivalent (or ability to obtain within 6 months).
• Valid Basic First Aid for Sport Qualification.
• Valid FA Safeguarding Certificate.
• BASES accreditation or currently undergoing supervised experience
• Ability to accurately measure and monitor essential physical components with elite youth athletes using a range of applied technologies.
• Provide accurate and informative written and verbal reports to a range of key stakeholders.
• Managing and developing databases to inform the above.
• Competent user of data management platforms (e.g. PowerBi, Tablea, Microsoft Excel)
• Coach youth athletes across a range of fundamental movements and multi-sport activities.
• Exhibit age-appropriate communication techniques.
• Excellent problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to navigate through courageous and challenging conversations.
• Innovative and creative with the ability to think outside the box.
  
  

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Nottingham Forest Football Club is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons, regardless of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marital / civil partnership status, pregnancy / maternity leave, race, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Nottingham Forest Football Club is a signatory of the FA’s Football Leadership Diversity Code. We are committed to developing policies to promote equal opportunities and diversity within our workforce. To monitor our progress against these commitments, we require all applicants to provide accurate diversity data during the application process.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

As part of the Club’s commitment to safeguarding, the successful applicant may be required to undergo a Disclosure Barring Service (“DBS”) check or an enhanced DBS check. The results of a DBS check will be considered on an individual basis, and the Club will act in a proportionate manner when deciding whether or not to proceed with the appointment.

An FA Enhanced DBS disclosure is required for all relevant new appointments to the Club. Individuals will be asked to declare any convictions, cautions or reprimands, warnings or bind-overs that may have been incurred. The Club reserves the right to carry out risk assessments where content has been disclosed on a DBS disclosure if it feels that it is relevant to the job requirements. Failure to satisfy the Club and the PL's safeguarding requirements may lead to the job offer being withdrawn or, if they have already started employment, summary termination of the employment.