Job Description
JOB TITLE: Academy Sports Therapist
Responsible to: Lead Academy Sports Therapist
2. MAIN PURPOSE
To provide medical support to all Academy players under the direction of the Senior Academy Physiotherapist. This is primarily for U9-U16 age groups but will include assistance with U18 age group.
Focus will be on the development of the following areas of support;
• Strength and conditioning
• Physiotherapy, including hydrotherapy and sports massage
• Medical services, including the prevention and treatment of injury
• Diet and nutrition
• Sports science, including physiology, biomechanics, physical testing and measurement
3.RESPONSIBILITIES
3.1 Specific Responsibilities
• Assist in line with the Club’s strategic objectives and the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP).
• Ensure that the necessary medical support services are present at Academy training sessions and games.
• Ensure that the management of injuries effectively meets the Club’s commitments to players, coaches and senior management through clinical audit and accurate documentation.
• Ensure that appropriate recovery and injury prevention strategies are adopted after games and on recovery days.
• Multi-disciplinary communication between staff, players and parents to ensure optimal well-being and development of all players.
• Meet all EPPP guidelines including the recording of all injuries suffered and rehabilitation undertaken by Academy players, and to be responsible for meeting criteria relating to the National Audit of Injury and Rehabilitation.
• Produce regular reports regarding the progress of each player within the Academy and to ensure that the appropriate sports science and medical information is added to each player’s Performance Clock.
• Undertake personal CPD as appropriate to meet the demands of the role.
• Maintain honesty and integrity at all times when working with players at the Club.
• Be presentable, smart and personable at all times when representing the Club.
• Undertake all reasonable tasks assigned by the Academy & Player Development Manager.
3.2 Health & Safety
• Your core Health and Safety responsibilities are as follows:
• Lead by example being diligent and observant at all times.
• Ensure safety & risk are considered within all projects alongside the Head of Academy Education & Welfare.
• Ensure a safe and respectable learning environment for all players and staff to maximise their holistic development.
4. QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
4.1 Essentials
a) BSc in Physiotherapy or Sports Therapy
b) HCPC registration or Society of Sport Therapists registration
c) Valid Intermediate Trauma Medical Management in Football (ITMMiF)
d) Valid FA Safeguarding Children Certificate
e) Valid enhanced CRC check
f) Ability to travel between venues as required
4.2 Desirables
a) Experience in using the PMA to record and report injury data
b) Experience of conducting maturation assessments for young athletes
c) Experience of conducting musculoskeletal screening for young athletes
5. PERSON SPECIFICATION
• Able to manage a diverse caseload, working individually and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Able to communicate effectively with players, parents and fellow staff members at all levels, with absolute discretion.
• Approachable, honest and assertive in decision making whilst ensuring upmost professionalism during all Club activities.
• Able to motivate oneself and others.
• Strong IT skills with the ability to use e-mail, Word and PMA to a high standard.
• Able to adapt to the demands of the job and needs of the players and staff.
• Willingness to take part in the delivery of the academy medical team in-service program.
• Dedicated to self-improvement and continuous professional development.
• Willing to follow and promote the philosophy of the Club.
• Be an ambassador for Luton Town Football Club, presenting the Club in a positive image at all times.
6. SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT
Luton Town FC is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees and volunteers to endorse this commitment. This post requires Enhanced Criminal Records Checks and may include checks against the Barred Lists, as such it is exempt from Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). Therefore, all convictions including spent convictions that have not been subject to filtering by the DBS should be declared. Relevant information and / or documents will be distributed as part of the recruitment process.
7. EQUALITY STATEMENT
The employee must at all time carry out their duties with due regard to Luton Town FC policies and procedures.
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.
The employee must contribute to encouraging equality and respecting diversity by embedding such values in the workplace and challenging inappropriate behaviour and processes.
How to apply
To apply for this exciting opportunity, please review the job description and submit an application form to Emily Howes, Academy Administrator, at emily.howes@lutontown.co.uk before 5.00pm on Wednesday 21st October.