First Team Physical Performance Coach

Organisation: Port Vale Football Club
Salary: To be discussed
Location: Stoke-on-Trent, UK.
Contract type: (Full time)
Closing date: 11 June 2025
Interview date: 16 June 2025
Job Description: Reporting To: Head of Physical Performance

Role Purpose: Port Vale Football Club is seeking a dedicated and experienced Physical Performance Coach to work with our First Team. This key role will focus on optimising players’ physical capabilities to ensure peak performance, supporting the team’s overall success on the pitch. The successful candidate will contribute to the development and implementation of evidence-based training programs tailored to the individual and collective needs of the squad.

Direct Reports: First Team Student Physical Performance Coach(s).

Key Accountabilities:
- Work alongside the Head of Physical Performance to help ensure consistency and alignment in the delivery of the first team physical performance programme.
- Practical delivery of on and off the pitch physical training required to develop the speed, agility, strength, power and fitness to compete in professional football.
- Implementation of the clubs monitoring, fitness testing, rehabilitation, and recovery strategies, alongside the collection, management, and analysis of performance data.
- Engage with the First Team Sports Scientist, medical and wider interdisciplinary team to deliver on and off pitch rehabilitation for injured players.
- Engage in team discussions/meetings on developing future approaches to improve the physical development and availability of players.
- In conjunction with other members of the performance and medical department, liaise daily with the coaching staff about optimal workload for all first team players.
- Pitch-based session delivery in latter stages of rehabilitation phase, prior to return to training activities in conjunction with medical staff.
- Execute additional tasks as required to meet the football club’s changing priorities.

Essentials:
- Undergraduate degree in Strength and Conditioning or a related field.

- UKSCA or BASES Accreditation; or clear demonstration of working towards this.

- More than 2 years experience working within elite sport (not necessarily football).

- Passion for coaching and improving athletes.

- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with players and staff.

- Eligible to work in the UK with a full UK Driving Licence.

- Flexibility of working hours to suit the nature of elite sport.

Desirables:
- Post Graduate qualification in Strength and Conditioning or related field.

- ISAK Level 1 Accreditation.

- Experience of using sport science technology including GPS and strength diagnostic products such as force plates.

- Relevant first aid qualification.

Enhanced DBS Check Required: Yes
Registered to Work in the UK: Yes
Full Clean Driving Licence: Yes

Safeguarding Statement
Port Vale Football Club is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and adults at risk and require all employees to share this commitment and promote the welfare of these groups. Applicants will be asked about any previous convictions, cautions, reprimands, including those that are considered ‘spent’ as defined by the Rehabilitation Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amended 2013). Appointment to this role is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS Check (with children’s barred list check) and references.

Equality Statement
Port Vale Football Club is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion or belief(s), gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age or with regards to pregnancy or maternity.
How to apply: To apply please send a copy of your CV and a cover letter to james.walsh@port-vale.co.uk