Senior Academy Physical Development Coach

Organisation: Leeds United FC
Salary: £00,000
Location: Leeds
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 8 August 2026
Interview date: 6 September 2026
Job Description: We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Senior Academy Physical Development Coach to join our Academy Performance Department.

This is a key role within our Category 1 Academy, responsible for leading the planning, delivery, monitoring, and continual development of an evidence-based Physical Development Programme, primarily within the Professional Development Phase (U21s). You will play a significant role in preparing players for the demands of elite and First Team football through world-class physical preparation, athletic development, injury prevention, and return-to-performance practices.

Working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary environment, you will support the Academy Performance Plan and long-term player development strategy while helping to create an elite performance culture.

Physical Development Delivery

Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of the Physical Development Programme for the Professional Development Phase.
Deliver high-quality individual and group strength and conditioning sessions.
Develop individual athletic development plans based on maturation, positional demands, injury history, and performance objectives.
Prepare players for the demands of U21, First Team, and elite football.
Lead matchday preparation, recovery strategies, and post-match monitoring processes.
Integrate physical development into weekly multidisciplinary planning.
Performance Monitoring & Sports Science

Lead the collection and interpretation of performance data, including:
GPS
Force plate testing
Countermovement jump profiling
Speed profiling
Anthropometry
Wellness monitoring
Growth and maturation data
Internal and external training load monitoring
Develop player profiling reports and performance dashboards.
Benchmark players against Academy and elite football standards.
Provide evidence-based recommendations to optimise performance and reduce injury risk.
Medical & Performance Integration

Work closely with medical staff to deliver:
Injury prevention programmes
Return to Performance strategies
Load management plans
Rehabilitation progressions
Support players transitioning from rehabilitation back into full training and competition.
Attend multidisciplinary performance meetings and contribute to player reviews.
Player Development

Contribute to Individual Development Plans (IDPs).
Educate players on:
Recovery
Nutrition
Sleep
Lifestyle behaviours
Professional standards
Support the holistic development of Academy players.
Assist player transitions into U21 and First Team environments.
Leadership & Department Development

Support the Head of Physical Development in delivering departmental strategy.
Mentor graduate staff, interns, and developing practitioners.
Contribute to departmental policies, procedures, and quality assurance processes.
Drive innovation, research, and continuous improvement across physical performance provision.
Promote a high-performance culture focused on excellence and player development.
Recruitment & Talent Identification

Conduct physical assessments for trialists and recruitment events.
Provide physical profiling reports to support recruitment decisions.
Contribute to talent identification processes and player profiling frameworks.
Compliance & Governance

Ensure compliance with:
Premier League EPPP requirements
Safeguarding legislation
Health & Safety regulations
GDPR
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion policies
Maintain accurate records within PMA.
Support Academy audits and quality assurance reviews.
How to apply: https://www.leedsunited.com/en/club/careers

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Senior Academy Physical Development Coach