Job Description
Nottingham Forest Academy have an exciting opportunity to join their successful Sports Science and Medicine Department as Head of Academy Strength and Conditioning. The right person will work closely with our existing performance team to develop, coordinate and implement a physical development programme to optimise the availability and athletic development of our Academy players.
The role is primarily based at the Nigel Doughty Training Ground in Nottingham. The Nottingham Forest Academy operates at a fast pace across 7 days a week, including evenings and therefore, it requires a highly motivated, committed and flexible approach and attitude to working.
Responsibilities
The focus of this role is to optimise player availability and athletic development through the design, monitoring and passionate delivery of an evidence-based physical development program, in line with the Academy’s performance syllabus. You will assist in the development of protocols and research for all areas of performance throughout the Academy. Therefore, it is essential for you to be able to work collaboratively and effectively with a network of clinical specialists, university links and other stakeholders.
We are looking for someone who can drive the development and periodisation of all Strength & Conditioning matters relating to u9s-u23s alongside existing performance staff while leading the delivery of all professional development phase (u18s & u23s) Strength & Conditioning sessions. Reporting to the Head of Academy Sports Science and Medicine, you will work directly with the u18s squad on a day-to-day basis regarding all aspects of sports science provision.
Within the Club’s performance framework, you will facilitate the organisation of regular age-appropriate physical testing of Academy players, analysing and reporting the results from screening to identify the needs of both groups and individuals.
This role requires regular research and report writing on training loads and schedules to avoid under or over-training on a group or individual. It also requires strength programs and testing of all u18 and u23 players, for the senior Academy staff to review and record. Furthermore, you will liaise with the u9-16’s Physical Development Coach to develop similar reports to track LTAD. Therefore, it’s crucial you have excellent verbal and written communication skills with a confident and enthusiastic approach to delivering information and training programs.
While always maintaining player and staff confidentiality and acting within the professional codes of conduct, you will actively be involved in an interdisciplinary approach to monitor recovery, readiness and response to training and matches, pitch-based injury rehabilitation and mitigation. Including the planning and delivery of effective recovery protocols for u18s players.
All members of staff are responsible for the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults during work and while on Club grounds. This role requires you to support and liaise with the Club’s Lead Designated Safeguarding Officer with safeguarding concerns and promoting the welfare of children. The Club enforces a strict Safer Recruitment policy. Therefore, CRB/ DBS checks will be carried out on all roles that involve working with U18s or are based in the Academy.
Essential Skills & Qualifications
UKSCA Accreditation
Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team within an elite sporting environment
Excellent understanding of physiology and principles of athletic performance, with reference to the younger athlete and long-term athletic development
Excellent knowledge of injury prevention and recovery strategies
BSc (Hons) in Sports Science or related
MSc Sports Science, Strength & Conditioning or related
Valid Basic First Aid for Sport qualification, current EFAiF or higher
Valid FA Safeguarding Certificate
FA CRB Enhanced Disclosure
Professional Indemnity
Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills
Competent in operating industry specific equipment and software including Statsports, Vald Nord, GymAware
Desirable Skills & Qualifications
ISAK Accreditation
BASES Accreditation
Playing experience to a high level in any sport
Excellent Microsoft Office skills
This role is a full-time, permanent contract with a notice period of 3 months.
You may be asked to undertake additional duties to those above, either on a temporary or permanent basis, which the Club reasonably believes you are capable of carrying out, or for which you will be trained.
Nottingham Forest Football Club is an equal opportunities employer who are passionate about creating and promoting a diverse workforce. The Club welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons, regardless of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marital / civil partnership status, pregnancy / parental leave, race, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected characteristic.
The welfare of young people and adults at risk is paramount within our Club and the safeguarding of all children, adults, staff, and visitors is everyone’s responsibility. All staff have a responsibility to act on a suspicion or disclosure that may suggest a young person or adult is at risk of harm. All staff are expected to familiarise themselves with the Club’s HR and Safeguarding policies and procedures including the Safeguarding team and how to report a concern.
We make recruiting decisions based on your experience, qualifications, and skills alone.
How to apply
Application is via CV with a one page covering letter to jobs@nottinghamforest.co.uk Please include your name and the title of the role in the email subject bar when applying. Please include your current or expected salary in your covering letter. Closing Date: 12pm on Friday 5th March 2021 Interview date: TBC – March 2021