To deliver high-quality physiotherapy services across the Foundation Phase (FP) and Youth Development Phase (YDP) squads (U9–U16) within a multidisciplinary team environment. Provide medical support on match days, during clinics, and at tournaments, ensuring optimal care and performance outcomes for academy players. Assist in the implementation of injury prevention strategies and rehabilitation programmes aimed at maximising performance, enhancing recovery, and minimising injury risk. Support the effective transition of players from the FP and YDP into the Professional Development Phase (PDP) by contributing to a comprehensive and cohesive medical pathway.
Ideally, the Casual Academy Therapist will:
The following is a non-exhaustive list of the responsibilities of the role:
• Provide medical cover for FP and YDP players during match days (primarily Sundays, with some midweek fixtures), evening clinics, and domestic or international tournaments.
Requirements
The Casual Academy Therapist must:- BSc degree in Physiotherapy, Sports Therapy, Sports Rehabilitation.
- Be a member of the appropriate governing body – CSP, SST, BASRaT
- FA Level 4 ITMMiF • Experience working in a sports medicine environment.
- Experience working in a multidisciplinary team.
- FA Safegurading • Be able to work as part of a team
- Available to work on a flexible basis including evening and weekends
Ideally, the Casual Academy Therapist will:
- FA Level 5 ATMMiF
- Experience and understanding of paediatric sports medicine
- Experience working within a Category 1 football academy
Responsibilities
The therapist will play a key role in the delivery of medical services to academy players across the Foundation and Youth Development Phases. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, they will support all aspects of injury management, contribute to player development through preventative care strategies, and ensure effective communication and documentation across all stakeholders.The following is a non-exhaustive list of the responsibilities of the role:
• Provide medical cover for FP and YDP players during match days (primarily Sundays, with some midweek fixtures), evening clinics, and domestic or international tournaments.
- Support the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries in collaboration with the full-time U9–U16 physiotherapist, ensuring appropriate return-to-play protocols are followed.
- Contribute to the planning and delivery of injury prevention strategies, including individual and group-based sessions tailored to player needs.
- Liaise effectively with coaching staff to support player load management during key stages of physical development.
- Communicate and coordinate with parents, external medical providers (NHS/private), and internal staff to facilitate appropriate ongoing care.
- Maintain accurate, up-to-date medical records on the PMA system and ensure clear handovers between staff for all FP and YDP players.
- Assist in the transition of players from FP/YDP into the PDP phase by sharing relevant medical and movement history with appropriate personnel.
- Engage in internal CPD, contribute to research and development within paediatric sports medicine, and undertake relevant professional development to support continuous improvement.