Academy Sports Scientist (Part Time)

About The Role

The Academy Sport Scientist will co-ordinate and liaise with the Lead Academy Sport Scientist (LASS), Lead Academy Strength & Conditioning Coach (LASC) and Head of Academy Sports Science & Medicine (HASSM) to deliver a sports science support service to all players in the U9-U16 age groups (with particular focus on the U9-U14 squads).

Key Accountabilities:

• To co-ordinate and implement sports science support services to players within the Reading FC Academy in conjunction with all academy sports science staff and in liaison with the LASC & HASSM
• To deliver on-field and gym based athletic development sessions, Pre-hab and rehab sessions in line with the RFC Physical development model and as directed by LASC, LASS, HASSM and age group appropriate medical staff.
• To set-up, download and present training and game load data using Heart rate and GPS technologies.
• To oversee weekly training intensities and devise long-term programmes for players with reference to age group specific needs in association with LASC, LASS, HASSM, academy sports science staff and academy medical staff
• To conduct physiological testing at least 4-times per season with all players as directed by LASC and LASS.
• To conduct & assist in Pre-Training Assessments and screening as directed by LASC and LASS.
• To assist the LASC & LASS in the development and management of trialling (Trialists) procedures and testing for potential academy players in conjunction with HASSM and all other academy sports science and medicine staff in conjunction with the academy recruitment team.
• To write training programmes in conjunction with appropriate team staff (Coaches, Physiotherapists, and HASSM) and in conjunction with the individual players’ needs analysis.
• To employ recovery strategies that ensure optimal training and match time.
• To assist the LASC, LASS and Nutritionist with delivery of Nutrition & Lifestyle education syllabus to PDP players, parents, guardians, and host families through seminars during the season.
• To ensure players are prepared physiologically for the task ahead – be it a game or training through structured appropriate warm-ups and activation sessions in relation to the RFC Physical Development Syllabus as appropriate to age group concerned.
• To establish and maintain links to other divisions of the support team (physiotherapy, sports psychology and Professional Development Phase).
• To occasionally travel with relevant age groups to matches and tournaments to assist in the delivery of elite performance provision.
• To contribute to the development of resources and educational aids as directed by HASSM, LASC & LASS.
• To contribute to and actively participate with the clubs internal CPD programme.
• To maintain up to date records on the club PMA (performance Management Application) in conjunction with EPPP/ Premier League Requirements and Regulations.
• To contribute where appropriate to all age group training as directed by LASC, LASS & HASSM.
• To liaise and maintain communication links to other members of the Reading Football Club support team.

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About The Candidate

Person Specification:

Qualifications: Essential - BSc (Hons) Sports Science, Strength & Conditioning or related degree; FA EAFiF; FA Safeguarding Children

Desirable - MSc Sports Science or related subject; BASES Accreditation (or working towards)

Experience: Essential - Experience working in Elite Sport – Preferably in the Academy setting

Knowledge: Essential - An understanding of EPPP process; An understanding of GPS systems

Skills: Essential - Computer literacy, Including MS Office and Excel; Encourage, develop and manage elite footballers; Excellent communication and team working skills.

Attitude: Essential - An understanding and commitment to equal opportunities in employment and sport; Strong commitment to developing elite athletes; Ability to work irregular and unsocial hours as required involving work outside normal office hours, at evenings, weekends and bank holidays