Lead Academy Physiotherapist

The Lead Physiotherapist will lead, coordinate and deliver the Academy's physiotherapy and rehabilitation services across all age groups from Under 9 to Under 18 in accordance with the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP), Football Association (FA), Premier League and Club requirements.

The postholder will provide clinical leadership for the Academy medical department and be responsible for ensuring high-quality medical provision, injury prevention, injury management and rehabilitation services for all Academy players. The role will also act as the Lead Physiotherapist for the Under 18 squad, providing hands‑on assessment, treatment and rehabilitation support.

The Lead Physiotherapist will line manage all Academy physiotherapists, therapists and rehabilitation staff, ensuring consistent standards of care, professional development and operational effectiveness throughout the Academy programme.

You will report toHead of Academy Performance.

Based at Leyton Orient FC stadium, Chigwell training ground, Various training and match venues.

The nature of the role requires flexibility to meet the needs of the Academy programme. Regular evening and weekend work will be required, including attendance at training sessions, fixtures, tournaments, tours and Academy events.

Key Tasks:

Clinical Leadership:

• Lead and manage the Academy physiotherapy service across all Academy age groups (U9-U18).
• Ensure medical provision meets all EPPP, FA, Premier League and safeguarding requirements.
• Develop and maintain clinical governance processes, policies and procedures.
• Promote best practice in injury prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.
• Lead departmental meetings and facilitate effective communication amongst performance and medical staff.
• Oversee clinical standards and ensure evidence-based practice is embedded across the department.
• Manage and maintain appropriate emergency medical procedures and protocols.

• Coordinate physiotherapy cover across all training sessions, fixtures and Academy events.
• Ensure all age groups have appropriate access to physiotherapy assessment, treatment and rehabilitation services.
• Monitor injury trends and implement strategies to reduce injury incidence and recurrence.
• Establish and maintain effective referral pathways with external healthcare providers and specialists.
• Ensure accurate and timely completion of all medical records and reporting requirements.
• Support multidisciplinary decision‑making relating to player health, development and availability.

• Act as primary physiotherapist for the Under 18 squad.
• Conduct clinical assessments, injury diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Design and deliver individual rehabilitation programmes.
• Provide match‑day and training medical support for the Under 18 team.
• Monitor injured players through all stages of rehabilitation and return‑to‑play processes.
• Liaise with coaches, players and parents regarding injury management and recovery plans.

• Line manage Academy physiotherapists, sports therapists, rehabilitation staff and students.
• Conduct regular supervision, appraisal and performance review meetings.
• Support recruitment, induction and retention of medical personnel.
• Develop staff CPD programmes and learning opportunities.
• Foster a positive, collaborative and high‑performance departmental culture.
• Allocate staffing resources effectively across age groups and programmes.

• Lead the development and implementation of injury prevention strategies across the Academy.
• Work collaboratively with strength and conditioning staff to reduce injury risk.
• Ensure rehabilitation programmes are progressive, evidence based and appropriately…