Lead Academy Sports Scientist

Location: Port Vale FC, Vale Park, Hamil Road, Burslem, ST6 1AW (and other venues as required)
Reporting to: Head of Medical / Head of Academy Football
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
Hours: Minimum 37.5 hours per week (flexibility required)
Salary: Dependent on experience and qualifications

Role Overview

The Lead Academy Sports Scientist will be responsible for the design, delivery and oversight of the physical development programme for all Academy players aged U9–U18, including the Shadow Squad. The role involves leading strength and conditioning provision across all phases of the Academy pathway, supporting injury prevention and rehabilitation processes, and contributing to a multidisciplinary approach to player development.

The successful candidate will lead the day-to-day sport science delivery within the Professional Development Phase (PDP) and oversee physical programmes across the Foundation (FP) and Youth Development Phases (YDP), ensuring alignment with EPPP requirements and club philosophy.

Qualifications & Essential Criteria

• BSc (Hons) in Sports Science or Strength & Conditioning
• MSc in Sports Science or Strength & Conditioning (desirable)
• UKSCA or BASES accreditation (or ability to achieve within 6 months)
• FA Coaching Qualification (minimum FA Level 1; FA Level 2 desirable)
• In-date FA Safeguarding qualification
• In-date Emergency First Aid in Football (EFAiF)
• Enhanced DBS clearance
• Ability to travel independently
• Availability for evenings, weekends and matchdays as required

Key Responsibilities

General Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver the Academy physical development and strength & conditioning programmes across all age groups (U9–U18)
• Design and implement age-appropriate, individualised and periodised strength and conditioning programmes
• Work collaboratively within the MDT (coaches, medical staff, nutritionists and sport science colleagues)
• Monitor player development through testing, screening and performance data
• Maintain accurate records and reports in line with EPPP and club standards (PMA, FIP)
• Attend PDP and YDP training sessions and matchdays as required
• Contribute to Academy education programmes for players, parents and staff
• Undertake all required training, CPD and safeguarding responsibilities
• Act as an ambassador for Port Vale Football Club at all times

PDP / U18 Responsibilities

• Design and oversee U18 strength & conditioning and injury prevention (prehab) programmes
• Deliver individualised physical programmes for U18 players
• Plan and deliver in-season physical testing and monitoring
• Lead the design and implementation of off-season conditioning programmes
• Support the Academy Physiotherapist with rehabilitation where appropriate
• Collect, interpret and report player data including GPS, anthropometrics, hydration, wellness and body composition

FP & YDP (U9–U16) Responsibilities

• Lead the long-term athletic development (LTAD) programme across Foundation and Youth Development phases
• Design and deliver age-specific strength and conditioning programmes, including weekly provision for U15–U16 players
• Assist with rehabilitation of Academy players where appropriate
• Design, implement and report on strength and conditioning screening programmes
• Ensure all gym and physical sessions are accurately logged on PMA in line with EPPP guidelines

Performance Monitoring & Data

• Conduct anthropometric assessments and physiological testing across all Academy phases
• Use performance monitoring systems (e.g. VALD, Catapult)
• Produce daily, weekly, matchday and longitudinal load reports (e.g. OpenField Cloud, Power BI)
• Present clear and meaningful data to players and staff to inform decision-making

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience working within an Academy strength & conditioning environment
• Experience across all three Academy phases (U9–U18)
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent IT skills, including PMA and Microsoft Office
• Ability to manage workload and work to tight deadlines
• Strong communication skills with players, parents and staff
• Committed team player with the confidence to lead and make decisions

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about long-term player development
• Committed to continuous professional development
• Trustworthy, professional and confidential
• Adaptable to the changing demands of elite football environments
• Consistently demonstrates Port Vale FC values

This job description sets out current duties of the post that may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the post or the level of responsibility. 

It is necessary to undertake any training relevant to the post, including ongoing CPD training, be trustworthy and adhere to codes of conduct, ethics and confidentiality.

The position is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, appropriate references and a six-month probationary period. 

It is essential to be aware of the clubs Coaches Code of Conduct, Child Protection policy, Health & Safety policy and Emergency procedures and take responsibility for safety of those participating or under your guidance.

The nature of the role means that there are significant variations in the level of activity; this requires the job holder to work whatever hours are needed to meet the requirements of the role.

Safeguarding Statement 

Port Vale Football Club is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and adults at risk and require all employees to share this commitment and promote the welfare of these groups. 

Applicants will be asked about any previous convictions, cautions, reprimands, including those that are considered ‘spent’ as defined by the Rehabilitation Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amended 2013).  Appointment to this role is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS Check (with children’s barred list check) and references.

Health and Safety 

Your core Health and Safety responsibilities are as follows:

Lead by example always being diligent and observant.

Ensure safety & risk are considered within all projects alongside the Head of Academy Education, Safeguarding Lead & Player Care Officer and any other necessary staff.

Ensure a safe and respectable learning environment for all players and staff to maximise their holistic development.

Equality Statement

The employee must always carry out their duties with due regard to Port Vale Football Club policies and procedures.

The employee must ensure a positive commitment towards equality and diversity by treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation, or harassment of any description and to promote positive working relationships between all internal and external stakeholders.

The employee must contribute to encouraging equality and respecting diversity by embedding such values in the workplace and challenging inappropriate behaviour and processes.

Club policies and safeguarding processes can be found at: https://www.port-vale.co.uk/safeguarding/