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

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.

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

• Lead and deliver the Academy physical development and strength & conditioning programmes across all age groups (U9–U18)
• Design and implement age-appropriate, individualised and per iodised 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

• 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

• 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

• 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. Open Field Cloud, Power BI)
• Present clear and meaningful data to players and staff to inform decision-making

• 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

• Committed to continuous professional development
• Trustworthy, professional and confidential
• Adaptable to the changing demands of elite football environments
• Consistently demonstrates Port Vale FC…