PDP Physical Performance Coach

Coventry City Football Club is seeking a PDP Physical Performance Coach to work full-time at the club’s academy.

Working within the Professional Development Phase, you will play a key role in the Academy’s Sports Science Department. You will lead the planning, delivery, and monitoring of the physical performance programme for U21 players, ensuring they are prepared for the demands of elite football and supported in their transition towards senior football.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, integrating physical development with technical, tactical, medical, nutritional, and psychological support to maximise player performance and wellbeing.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE

• Report daily to the PDP coaching staff and contribute to formal departmental and interdepartmental meetings. Be present and contribute to all U21 training sessions and matches.
• Lead in the planning and delivery of pre-training activation, one pitch athletic development, and pre-match preparation to ensure players are physically ready to perform.
• Work closely with PDP coaching staff to integrate physical development into the training cycle, aligning with football-specific objectives.
• Work closely with the 1^st Team Strength and Conditioning Coach on the off-field physical development programme, ensuring alignment with the 1^st Team and U18 programmes.
• Lead in the collation of physical profiling with all U21 players across the season in line with EPPP and club protocols.
• Collaborate with Club medical staff daily on rehabilitation and return-to-play programmes for injured players.
• Monitor training load live, including goalkeepers and pitch-based rehab, and report/advice effectively in real time.
• Record and monitor daily training/match load using heart rate and GPS monitoring systems, providing recommendations for individualised development.
• Produce reports for players, performance, and coaching staff detailing physical profiling, loads, and training status.
• Monitor U21 players on loan and/or international duty and provide relevant information as required.
• Work closely with first team sports science staff to support players training between sites.
• Ensure detailed records of all player activities are maintained in accordance with departmental operating procedures.
• Contribute to departmental research and CPD to support the evolution of best practice within the Academy.
• Carry out other duties as required to assist the smooth functioning of the Academy Performance Support Department, as directed by the Head of Academy Performance Support.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, CRITERIA

Essential

• Undergraduate Degree in Sport Science (or equivalent).
• FA Safeguarding Children (or willingness to obtain).
• Experience delivering physical development programmes in professional football or elite youth sport.
• Demonstrable coaching ability across gym and pitch-based environments.
• Experience using heart rate and GPS monitoring systems.
• Strong IT skills, including performance monitoring systems and Microsoft Office.
• Enhanced DBS check.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work within a multidisciplinary team.
• Flexible and willing to work evenings, weekends, and travel with the squad.
• Full, valid driving licence.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.

• Postgraduate Degree in Sport Science (or equivalent).
• UKSCA Accreditation. 
• FA Level 2 Emergency First Aid in Football (EFAiF; or equivalent).
• BASES Accreditation.

SAFEGUARDING

Coventry City FC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. We are committed to safer recruitment throughout the company. An enhanced DBS check is a requirement of this role.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

Coventry City FC is committed to the principle of equal opportunity and its policies for recruitment, selection, training, development, and promotion are designed to ensure that no applicant receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, ethnic and national origin, disability, or gender reassignment.

We operate a blind recruitment policy. We work in accordance with the EFL’s Code of Practice and are signatories to the FA’s Football Leadership Diversity Code.

Applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

The post-holder will be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement.