Job Title: Lead Foundation/Youth Development Phase Sport Scientist
Department: Football Division – Boys Academy Medical and Sport Science 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 23 March 2025
Interview Date: Week Commencing 31 March 2025
1. The Department
Our Boys Academy Department is proud to have achieved the prestigious Category One status, a testament to our commitment to delivering the highest standards of coaching, education, training, and facilities for youth football. This accolade reflects our dedication to excellence and our passion for developing future talent.
As we continue to build upon this success, we are delighted to announce an exciting opportunity for a Sport Scientist to join our expanding team. This is an exceptional opportunity to collaborate with some of the most promising young footballing talents in the country and to make a tangible impact on their physical development, preparing them for the transition to the professional phase.
In this pivotal role, you will lead the Sport Science provision for the Foundation Phase (FP) and Youth Development Phase (YDP) within our Academy, playing a vital part in nurturing, encouraging, and supporting the next generation of elite players.
2. The Role
As the FP/YDP Sport Science lead, you will take charge and be accountable for coordinating and delivery of the athletic development pathway to our FP and YDP players, with a primary focus on the U15-16s. Your expertise will be key to shaping a cutting-edge, evidence-based approach to player health, availability, and physical development, working collaboratively within our multidisciplinary Academy Medical and Sport Science Department.
Based at our world-class Bodymoor Heath Training Ground, you will play a vital role in periodising training cycles and athletic development sessions for this fundamental development phase. You will be responsible for scheduling testing and planning rehabilitation of injured players in collaboration with the Lead FP/YDP Physiotherapist. You will champion a proactive approach to physical development by designing and delivering tailored individual and group athletic development programs to help our players reach their full potential and thrive in a high-performance environment.
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 Sport Science (minimum 2:1)
* MSc in Sport Science/Strength & Conditioning (or equivalent)
To excel in this role, you will bring proven experience in leading and delivering high-quality Athletic Development to adolescent athletes within a professional sporting environment, specifically at the Youth Development Phase.
Your expertise will include a deep understanding of Long Term Athletic Development, Growth and Maturation alongside proficiency on the field/gym including rehabilitation of adolescent injuries. You will demonstrate advanced knowledge in areas such as training periodisation, injury prevention, and conditioning, all supported by outstanding scientific knowledge.
We are seeking a team player who thrives in high-pressure environments and has significant experience working collaboratively within Interdisciplinary and Multi-Disciplinary Teams.
While not essential, knowledge of the Elite Player Performance Plan (Category 1 Academy), experience mentoring junior practitioners, and an understanding of the unique demands of a Youth Development Phase environment would be highly advantageous.
You must also be available to work flexibly as this role will require you to work evenings and weekends, and you will need to hold a full, UK driving licence.
4. Why join us?
There has never been a better time to join Aston Villa Football Club. This season, we are celebrating our milestone 150th anniversary, our drive to succeed is visible on the global stage with our continued progression in the Champions League competition (currently reaching the Quarter-Finals!), we are building a family ethos and culture to be proud of, and realising our ambitious plans for the expansion and improvement of our world-class facilities. If you are already excited by this challenge and want to play your part in our historic Club, then you'll be pleased to hear about our amazing staff benefits you'll receive whilst working for us! See our Staff Benefits booklet to find out more.
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 the diversity of its Club and embrace 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 Club. 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 Club. For more information, please see Aston Villa Football Club | The official club website | AVFC - Safeguarding