Company Name:
Port Vale
Location:
Stoke on Trent
Vacancy Type:
Permanent
Position:
Academy Non-Coaching
Advertising End Date:
07 Sep 2026

About The Role

The PDP Lead Strength & Conditioning Coach / Sport Scientist will lead the physical development programme for Port Vale Academy's PDP players, with primary responsibility for preparing U18 players for the physical, technical and tactical demands of U21 and First Team football.

The role will be responsible for creating an individualised, evidence-informed physical development programme that supports player availability, robustness, performance and progression into senior football.

The post holder will also work closely with the Lead Sports Scientist U9–U16 to ensure there is a clear, progressive and consistent physical development pathway throughout the Academy.

The successful candidate will be expected to connect physical development with football development, ensuring that S&C and sports science are integrated into the Academy's overall playing and development philosophy.

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the physical development programme for PDP/U18 players, ensuring alignment with Academy and senior football demands.
  • Design and deliver age-appropriate, individualised strength and conditioning programmes tailored to each player’s needs.
  • Develop and track individual physical development plans, supporting progression towards U21 and First Team football.
  • Develop key physical qualities including speed, acceleration, strength, power, aerobic capacity, repeated high-intensity running and robustness.
  • Ensure physical development reflects each player’s position, playing style and the demands of senior football.
  • Work closely with First Team Sport Science and Performance staff to prepare players for successful transition into the First Team environment.
  • Ensure a clear and progressive physical development pathway from U9–U18, collaborating with Academy Sport Science staff on benchmarks and maturation data.
  • Plan and deliver progressive gym-based programmes that become increasingly individualised as players move towards senior football.
  • Lead physical testing, profiling and monitoring within the PDP, using GPS and performance data to inform player development and decision-making.
  • Consider growth, biological maturation and associated injury risks when planning and adapting individual physical development programmes.
  • Collaborate closely with coaching and medical staff to support injury prevention, player availability, physical readiness and return-to-play processes.
  • Educate and empower players to take ownership of their physical preparation and become self-sufficient footballers on and away from the pitch.

About The Candidate

Essential

  • Appropriate S&C qualification/accreditation.
  • Relevant degree in Sport & Exercise Science, Strength & Conditioning, Sports Science or equivalent.
  • Experience working within an elite youth football environment.
  • Strong understanding of youth physical development.
  • Experience working with U18/PDP players.
  • Understanding of the physical demands of senior professional football.
  • Experience of GPS and physical performance monitoring.
  • Strong understanding of growth and maturation.
  • Ability to design and deliver individualised S&C programmes.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
  • Strong organisational and planning skills.
  • Commitment to player development.

Desirable

  • Experience within a professional football academy.
  • Experience working with U21 or First Team players.
  • Experience supporting players transitioning into senior football.
  • UKSCA accreditation or working towards accreditation.
  • FA/UEFA qualifications.
  • BASES accreditation or working towards accreditation.
  • Experience using performance analysis/GPS platforms.
  • Experience of working within the EPPP environment.

About The Club

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.
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.

 

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