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. The Person

There has never been a better time to join us, we are celebrating our 150th anniversary, showcasing Aston Villa Football Club in all its glory to a global audience, and are determined to continue our growing success, both on and off the pitch. We currently offer a range of fantastic benefits* including:

• Offers on tickets for Men and Women’s matches (subject to match and ticketing arrangements)
• Pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Free staff breakfast and lunches
• Club Shop discount
• Adidas discount
• Travel discount
• Death in service benefit
• Free Will writing
• Free eye tests
• Mobile network discounts
• Gym discount

*Please note these are subject to change at any time

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