Academy Physiotherapist/Sports Therapist

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated physiotherapist to work within a FT football academy environment, supporting the physical development, rehabilitation, and wellbeing of young athletes, primarily between the ages of 9-16yrs. This role will work as part of an established and experienced MDT with opportunities to grow and develop naturally associated as a result.

Main duties

• Lead and co-ordinate the medical provision for U9s to U16s
• Assist the delivery of therapy provision for the U18s and U21s when required
• Support the pool of Consultancy staff to ensure the effective provision of therapy/medical services throughout the wider Academy as required
• Lead rehabilitation clinics for injured Academy players (U9s to U16s)
• As part of a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) contribute to the development, organisation and implementation of treatment, rehabilitation, injury prevention and performance enhancement plans for all academy players
• Collaborate as part of an MDT to provide continual evaluation of individual development plans, reviewing and amending in line with the 6-week review process
• Support a holistic approach to player development
• Where directed by the Head of Academy Medical provide pitch side immediate care at training and matches throughout the programme. This will include match days (home & away).
• Accompany players to any emergency medical treatment that may be required post training or games, and to accompany players to any planned consultant appointments
• Using Kit Man Labs, keep accurate medical records in accordance with standards set by HCPC and ensure that all data is stored and shared in accordance with GDPR
• To be responsible for completing a thorough audit process including 6 weekly and end of coaching phase audits. Use this information to reflect, track and monitor trends to provide interventions to improve player availability and feedback to MDT
• Compile weekly health status updates for the u9s to U16s squads and disseminate this information to the Academy MDT
• Assist the Head of Academy Medical with the co-ordination of mandatory medical screening programmes
• Ensure that all medical equipment is in full working order and is at the appropriate venues
• Ensure that the medical rooms at all venues are clean/tidy and comply with all Health and Safety regulations
• Influence decision making and enhance the program by maintaining regular communication with the Coaching staff, Head of Academy Medical, Academy Doctor, Academy Medical Department, Sports Science Department
• Communicate effectively with players and parents regarding injury status and the rehabilitation process
• To help organise and deliver CPD/medical/health education programmes for players, coaches and medical staff
• To be responsible for delivering evidence-based practice by remaining current with research and innovative technologies
• To be responsible for planning and undertaking personal CPD activities as appropriate to meet the demands of the role and the HCPC
• With honesty and commitment, you will actively participate in the process of performance appraisals and agreeing your professional development plan with the Head of Academy Medical

• Attend all meetings, briefings, courses, in-service training days and seminars as required by the club and EPPP regulations
• Adhere to a strict code of confidentiality in respect of any information relating to Cardiff City Football Club and its operation
• Ensure compliance with Cardiff City Football Club’s Safeguarding (Child Protection), Health and Safety and Equal Opportunity procedures and practice
• Uphold the Club’s Vision and Values
• Any other task deemed relevant and appropriate by the Head of Medical/Academy Manager or Head of Academy Performance

Essential

Desirable

Qualifications

- BSc (Hons) degree in Physiotherapy/Sports Rehab/Sports Therapy

- ITMMiF Qualification or equivalent

- A member of the CSP or equivalent membership board

- HCPC registration if Chartered.

MSc Degree in Physiotherapy/Sports Rehab/Sports Therapy

ATMMiF

(Depending on timing and course availability, this may be completed in post)

Experience

- Newly qualified practitioners welcome

-Experience and knowledge of the football environment

- Previous experience working in a sporting environment

-Experience working with Sports Science/GPS systems/technology

Knowledge

-Organised in planning,

preparation and execution of

advanced treatment and rehabilitation programs

-Demonstrable competency in administration, analysis, and evaluation

- Ability to deliver information to players and staff through a

variety of means on and off the field

- Ability to work and utilise relevant technology (GPS, Force Plates, etc)

- Functional IT skills in relevant

software (Microsoft Office,

FiP, GPS Software)

Skills

-Adaptability to be effective in a dynamic, fast-paced

environment

-Strong communication skills in a variety of settings

-Ability to work as part of a

broader multidisciplinary team

- Open-minded approach to

adopting best-practice and

current evidence-based approaches

-Self-awareness and

reflective skills as part of a

professional development

process

Attitude

-Passionate and hard working

-Proactive ‘can-do’ approach to work and those around them and someone who buys into our WE not ME ethos.

-Self-motivated within a team

and capable of motivating

those around them