Academy Lead Sport Scientist

Join Wrexham AFC because history doesn’t write itself.

The Role

The role is to provide Wrexham AFC Academy players (U9 to U18) with high performance Sports Science / Strength & Conditioning services to help enhance performance and squad availability.

Main Responsibilities

• Deliver individual and group sports science / strength and conditioning sessions to all academy players ensuring all key physiological areas are covered and developed.
• Assist in the management of injuries and rehabilitation of players to enhance the return to play pathway following injury in collaboration with the Senior Academy Physiotherapist.
• Deliver varied on pitch sessions (warm-ups / CV conditioning / Gym / recovery) as required.
• Oversee physical performance screening / testing and monitoring of players during pre-season and in season.
• Providing reports and structured individual performance goals based upon individual needs as required by the EPPP.
• Assist with gym and pitch based rehab as and when required and in collaboration with the Senior Academy Physiotherapist.
• Improve performance through developing, implementing and evaluating strength and conditioning programmes that reflect scientific principles (adaptation, periodisation, peaking, tapering and injury rehabilitation).
• Record through the use of excel and other formats players adherence to all Sports Science Sessions / Strength and Conditioning programs.
• Work closely with the Senior Academy Physiotherapist to enhance and continue to develop injury prevention / performance / nutrition and recovery strategies.
• Produce and oversee players off season fitness programmes.
• Responsible for the collection and presentation of data where and when necessary (GPS / HR / RPE).
• Attend CPD and training sessions deemed appropriated by the club and Head of Performance.
• We are committed to ensuring everyone who engages with the Academy has a positive, safe, and supportive experience. Staff are required to comply with all aspects of the Club/Academy Safeguarding Policies and arrangements and to take personal responsibility and care to enable strong safeguarding practices to be embedded in the Academy and across the Club too.
• This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check (with Childrens Barred List).
• Take responsibility and care for the health and safety of yourself and other employees and members of the public who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work.
• To comply with all aspects of the Club’s Health & Safety Policy and arrangements, to enable the company to perform its civil and statutory obligations in relation to Health & Safety.

About you

You'll have

• Experience of training / rehabilitation principles and a sound understanding of rehabilitation process.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to liaise with players, MDT and coaches in a professional manner.
• Demonstrate consistent leadership and management skills.
• Ability to work in a high pressurised environment with a flexible approach to working hours and job role.
• Attention to detail, organisation and time management skills.
• Adaptability to changing environment at short notice.
• Ability to set and maintain high personal and professional standards.
• Evidence of being a strong team player.
• Competent use of IT programmes and online systems.
• Ability to display key data visually post sessions.
• Committed to, and an understanding of, equality and diversity in sport
• Byddai hyfedredd yn y Gymraeg yn fantais amlwg

Experience and Qualifications required

• BSc (Hons) Sports Science / Strength and Conditioning
• Previous experience in football, or elite sport environment.
• UKSCA Accredited or working towards

Why Work for Us

If you are looking for an organisation committed to building a strong, inclusive, high performing workplace where every individual is valued, supported and empowered to grow with fantastic benefits which include:

• Health Cash Plan
• EAP
• Enhanced holidays and long service days
• Enhanced pension
• Death in service
• Enhanced sick leave
• Health and wellbeing time off
• Volunteering day
• Salary sacrifice benefits and retail discounts