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 5 October 2025
1. The Department
Our Boys Academy Department is proud to have achieved the prestigious Category One Academy status which reflects our commitment to delivering excellence across all areas of youth football including coaching, education, training, and facilities. We are dedicated to supporting and nurturing the next generation of elite footballers, as demonstrated in our memorable treble-winning 2024/25 season for our U18s as we topped the Under-18 Premier League Southern section table, the Under-18 Premier League national title and we lifted the prestigious FA Youth Cup.
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, working within the Professional Development Phase (PDP). In this pivotal role, you will assist the Sport Science provision for our U21/18 squads within the Academy, playing a vital part in nurturing, encouraging, engaging and supporting the next generation of elite players.
2. The Role
As the PDP Sport Scientist you will play a key supporting role in the delivery of the athletic development pathway for our PDP players. Under the guidance and support of the Lead Academy Sport Scientist and Senior Sport Scientist and the wider multi-disciplinary team (MDT) you will assist in the delivery of the athletic development pathway to our U21/18 squad players. Your expertise will help shape 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 training ground, you will assist with the delivery of engaging, age-appropriate athletic development and Individual Physical Development sessions. You will assist with physical testing, growth and maturation monitoring, and matchday preparation, as well as supporting rehabilitation programmes in collaboration with the Academy Medical team. Through a proactive and player-centric approach, you will assist with the delivery of comprehensive physical development programmes that cater to both group and individual needs. These programmes will empower our young players to harness their physical potential and excel in a high-performance environment, equipping them for the transition to the next phase of 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 Sport Science (minimum 2:1)
* MSc in Sport Science /Strength and Conditioning (or equivalent)
You will bring significant proven experience in assisting and delivering high-quality Athletic Development to elite youth athletes within a professional sporting environment.
You will have a thorough understanding of Sport Science principles, including strength and conditioning, growth and maturation, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and physical performance analysis and be able to apply these principles in both field and gym environments.
We are seeking a team player who thrives in a dynamic environment and has experience working collaboratively with Multi-Disciplinary Teams.
Ideally, you will have knowledge and understanding of the Elite Player Performance Plan (Category 1 Academy) and the unique demands of a Professional Development Phase environment.
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 license.
4. Why join us?
There has never been a better time to join Aston Villa Football Club. Our drive to succeed is visible on the global stage, 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, you will be asked to:
- Upload your CV
- Answer the following question (s):
a) Please outline how your relevant skills and experience aligns with the role profile, including an example of your relevant work and results achieved (400 words maximum)
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