Department: Boys Academy Sport Science and Medical Department

Hours of Work: Full-time (with flexibility to work during evenings and weekends, including matchdays)

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: Attractive Remuneration Package depending on experience

Location: Bodymoor Heath Training Ground

Closing Date: Sunday 22 September 2024

Interview Date: Week Commencing Monday 30 September 2024

1. The Department

Our Boys Academy Department has been awarded the prestigious category one status accolade demonstrating that we provide the highest level of quality coaching, education, training and facilities for our youth football provisions. The volume of Emerging Talent players produced from the set-up requires a ‘performance support’ team focused on the long term development of the individuals that are both in the building and on a short term loan.

To continue to deliver our ambitious plans for nurturing, encouraging and developing talent at the highest level, we have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Rehabilitation to join the Emerging Talent and Loans Team which works across our Boys Academy and Men’s First Team.  This role actively seeks to engage with First Team players out on loan and our Emerging Talent from the Boys Academy providing performance support and helping with the transition of a player’s journey from Academy to the First Team environment.

2. The Role

We are currently seeking a highly experienced and qualified Physiotherapist who has a passion for performance rehabilitation and physical development to support players to surpass their potential.

This role will have a specific focus on leading, co-ordinating, supporting and delivering expert player centered rehabilitation and performance development specifically to our ‘First Team Loans’ and ‘Emerging Talent’ players. You will also collaborate with the Head of Athletic Development for formulating, obtaining and sharing relevant medical loan player information prior, during and post loan to all stakeholders.

You will also be responsible for devising and implementing the Academy injury rehabilitation management and return-to-performance pathway with clear phase specific return to play protocols for all common injuries in line with the wider Boys Academy Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT).

Through this role, you will contribute towards the Academy Sport Science and Medical Department’s vision of optimising player health, availability and performance through an multidisciplinary evidence-based medical provision.

This is an exciting opportunity to work with some of the best football talents in the country and to make a real difference in their development.

For further information about the Role, please see the Role Profile.

3. The Person

To be considered for this role, you will need to hold the following qualifications:

*         BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy (minimum 2:1)

*         MSc in Physiotherapy or a Sports Science related subject

*         Membership to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

You must have demonstratable experience in providing a high-quality physiotherapy provision to elite athletes in a full-time capacity within a professional sport either in the Professional Development Phase or ideally in a First Team environment. You will require an understanding of performance support principles, including strength and conditioning, injury prevention and player specific rehabilitation

You must be able to work in a challenging and time pressured team environment with previous demonstratable experience of working within Interdisciplinary and Multi-Disciplinary Teams.

Knowledge of the Elite Player Performance Plan (Category 1 Academy) and previous experience in managing and overseeing players out on loan would be desirable.

As part of your application, please ensure you upload your CV and Cover Letter.

Right to Close Vacancy Posting Early

The Club reserves the right to close any advertised vacancies earlier than the advertised closing date if sufficient applications have been received.

Equality Statement

Aston Villa Football Club celebrates diversity and embraces equal opportunities for all. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and fully support The FAs Football Leadership Diversity Code. 

We welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, race, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, sex and religion or belief.

Safeguarding Statement

Aston Villa Football Club is fully committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk across our Foundation. As such, we adhere to Safer Recruitment processes and for some roles a satisfactory enhanced disclosure via the Disclosure & Barring Service may be required prior to starting in a role at the Foundation. For more information, please see Aston Villa Football Club | The official club website | AVFC - Safeguarding