Assistant Foundation/Youth Development Phase Sport Scientist (Boys Academy)

Organisation: Aston Villa Football Club
Salary: Attractive Remuneration Package depending on experience
Location: Bodymoor Heath Training Ground
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 5 October 2025
Job Description: 1. The Department

Our Boys Academy Department is proud to have achieved the prestigious Category One Academy status which reflects our commitment to delivering excellence across all areas of youth football including coaching, education, training, and facilities. We are dedicated to supporting and nurturing the next generation of elite footballers, as demonstrated in our memorable treble-winning 2024/25 season for our U18s as we topped the Under-18 Premier League Southern section table, the Under-18 Premier League national title and we lifted the prestigious FA Youth Cup.

As we continue to build upon this success, we are delighted to announce an exciting opportunity for a Sport Scientist to join our expanding team. This is an exceptional opportunity to collaborate with some of the most promising young footballing talents in the country and to make a tangible impact on their physical development, preparing them for the transition throughout the development phases.

2. The Role
As the Assistant Foundation Phase / Youth Development Phase (FP/YDP) Sport Scientist you will play a key supporting role in the delivery of the athletic development pathway for our FP and YDP players. Working closely with the Lead Academy Sport Scientist and wider Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) you will assist in delivery of the athletic development pathway to our FP and YDP players, with a primary focus on the U9-14s. Your expertise will help shape a cutting-edge, evidence-based approach to player health, availability, and physical development, working collaboratively within our MDT Academy Medical and Sport Science Department.

Based at our world-class training ground, you will contribute to the periodisation of training cycles and the delivery of engaging, age-appropriate athletic development sessions. You will assist with physical testing, growth and maturation monitoring, and matchday preparation, as well as supporting rehabilitation programmes in collaboration with the Academy medical team. Through a proactive and player-centric approach, you will provide comprehensive physical development programmes that cater to both group and individual needs. These programmes will empower our young players to harness their physical potential and excel in a high-performance environment, equipping them for the transition to the next phase of their development.

For further information about the Role, please see the Role Profile.

3. The Person

To be considered for this role, you will need to hold the following qualifications:

• BSc (Hons) in Sport Science (minimum 2:1)

To excel in this role, you will bring proven experience in assisting and delivering high-quality athletic development to youth athletes within a professional sporting environment, specifically at the Foundation and Youth Development Phase. You will bring a strong understanding in long-term athletic development, growth and maturation, and be able to apply these principles in both field and gym environments.

We are seeking a team player who thrives in a dynamic environment and has experience working collaboratively within Multi-Disciplinary Teams. You will need to be able to adapt your communication style to build positive relationships with our players.

While not essential, knowledge of the Elite Player Performance Plan (Category 1 Academy) and an understanding of the unique demands of a Youth Development environment would be highly advantageous.

You must also be available to work flexibly as this role will require you to work evenings and weekends, and you will need to hold a full UK driving license.

4. The Person
There has never been a better time to join Aston Villa Football Club. Our drive to succeed is visible on the global stage, we are building a family ethos and culture to be proud of, and realising our ambitious plans for the expansion and improvement of our world-class facilities. If you are already excited by this challenge and want to play your part in our historic Club, then you'll be pleased to hear about our amazing staff benefits you'll receive whilst working for us! See our Staff Benefits booklet to find out more.

As part of your application, please ensure you upload your CV and Cover Letter.

As part of your application, you will be asked to:

1. Upload your CV

2. Answer the following question (s):

a) Please outline how your relevant skills and experience aligns with the role profile, including an example of your relevant work and results achieved (400 words maximum)

Right to Close Vacancy Posting Early

The Club reserves the right to close any advertised vacancies earlier than the advertised closing date if sufficient applications have been received.

Equality Statement

Aston Villa Football Club celebrates the diversity of its Club and embrace equal opportunities for all. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and fully support The FAs Football Leadership Diversity Code.

We welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, race, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, sex and religion or belief.

Safeguarding Statement

Aston Villa Football Club is fully committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk across our Club. As such, we adhere to Safer Recruitment processes and for some roles a satisfactory enhanced disclosure via the Disclosure & Barring Service may be required prior to starting in a role at the Club. For more information, please see Aston Villa Football Club | The official club website | AVFC - Safeguarding
How to apply: https://careers.avfc.co.uk/jobs