Physical Performance Coach – Women’s Team

Physical Performance Coach – Women’s Team

Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, England, United Kingdom

Our team is committed to fostering a supportive environment that empowers female athletes to showcase their skills and reach their full potential.

We prioritise player development through tailored training programs that focus on technical skills, tactical understanding, and physical fitness.

The SAFC Women’s Football Team benefits from strong collaboration with our Coaching and Analysis teams, ensuring that our strategies and training sessions are informed by the latest insights and best practices.

We are excited to offer a challenging and rewarding opportunity for a passionate and skilled Physical Performance Coach to join the SAFC Women’s Football team. In this role, you will be instrumental in designing, delivering, and monitoring world‑class sports science and strength & conditioning support to the Women’s 1st Team, aiming to enhance their physical development and on‑field performance.

• Lead gym‑based strength and conditioning programmes that are evidence‑informed, structured, and tailored to the individual and collective needs of the players at various stages of development.
• Deliver on‑field and gym conditioning sessions, supporting injury rehabilitation and player wellness monitoring.
• Analyse GPS and other performance data and provide strategic advice to coaching staff for session planning and performance optimisation.
• Collaborate with coaching, medical, and performance staff to create a cohesive, adaptable support system that drives team success.
• Commit to ongoing professional development, working closely with the Head of Performance and Medical teams to maintain expertise and contribute to broader performance and medical objectives.

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in sports science or a related discipline.
• UK Strength & Conditioning Association (UKSCA) Accredited Strength and Conditioning Coach (ASCC) credential, or working toward it.
• Sound understanding of the key principles of physical development in female, adult, and youth athletes.
• Up‑to‑date FA Safeguarding certificate and full UK driving licence.
• Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check required.

Desirable criteria include accreditation as a UKAD Clean Sport Advisor, a Football Association Level 2 Emergency Aid in Football qualification, and an MSc in Strength and Conditioning or a related postgraduate qualification. Extra S&C‑related qualifications such as NSCA, BWLA, or FA Level 3 are also advantageous. Furthermore, being a BASES Accredited Sport Scientist would be considered a strong asset.

This role presents a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a forward‑thinking organization committed to excellence in women’s football, supporting player growth and team achievement at the highest level.