SUW U21's Physical Performance Coach

Organisation: Sheffield United Football Club
Salary: Dependent on Experience
Location: Sheffield United Training Academy, Shirecliffe, Sheffield
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 23 May 2025
Job Description: Contract Type: Full Time
Hours: 40 Hours Per Week
Location: Sheffield United Training Academy, Sheffield Hallam Sports Park
Line Manager: 1st Team Physical Performance Coach
Salary: Dependent on experience
Post Reference: SUW052025-PPC

Sheffield United Football Club is seeking a knowledgeable and experienced Under 21s Physical Performance Coach to lead the planning and delivery of the Academy's Physical Performance Strategy. This key role involves delivering high-level sports science support to the Under-21 squad, working under the guidance of the First Team Physical Performance Coach and in close collaboration with the Club's Head of Physiotherapy.

The successful candidate will also contribute to the First Team's physical performance programme, supporting the delivery of a comprehensive, sports science provision. Working within the Club's Game Model, the role will ensure players are physically prepared to meet the demands of professional football, with a strong emphasis on development, collaboration, and performance.

Key Role Responsibilities:

- Deliver the physical performance programme to all the players within the Club's Under 21's provision, including gym-based programmes, on-pitch conditioning programmes, recovery techniques and individualised rehab.
- Provide match day support at Under 21's fixtures, warm up the team and support the substitute warmups.
- Design individualised position specific strength and speed programmes based off physical testing.
- Construct an integrated research-based programme that will cover all aspects of strength and conditioning and recovery.
- Be responsible for the delivery of testing and measuring to all Under 21's players, as well as overseeing the delivery for the Club's Academy, in accordance with the testing and measuring framework.
- Ensure that appropriate Physical Performance data is recorded and stored with regular reports produced for the Clubs Academy, in line with the Physical Performance Strategy.
- Implement and maintain Club appropriate standards, practices and procedures, referred to as 'The Blades Way', for the safe and effective operation of the programme, creating a high-performance environment and values-based culture that maximises the potential of players and staff.
- Establish and maintain, through the use of Kitman Labs and other club systems, the comprehensive and up-to-date records of players within the Academy.
- Work with the Club's medical team, in relation to the fitness and medical treatment of all players in the Academy and to work closely to help deliver return to play protocols.
- Work with the Academy Player Support team (Safeguarding, Player Care, Education and Psychology) in relation to all relevant Player Care, Wellbeing and Safeguarding matters relating to the Academy.

Other Duties:

- Act and behave at all times to project a proper professional image of Sheffield United Football Club and act in the best interests of the Club.
- To carry out/take part in training requests and CPD as directed by the Club.

Club Wide Responsibilities:

- Adhere to all Sheffield United Football Club's Safeguarding Policies and Procedures to foster an environment which protects from harm those defined as children and adults at risk.
- Report any concerns of a Safeguarding nature to the relevant parties and remain fully compliant with any applicable Safeguarding checks and due diligence and recognise your responsibility to the Club's Safeguarding agenda.
- Report any concerns of discrimination to the relevant parties and promote a welcoming and inclusive club environment for all.
- Adhere to the Club's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies, supporting the Club to create an environment which is inclusive and all-encompassing.
- Carry out/take part in training requests as directed by the Club.
- Any other reasonable requests as directed by management.

Essential Criteria:

- BSc or MSc in Sport Science/Sport Coaching/Strength & Conditioning or related discipline
- Working towards UKSCA qualification with the ability to complete within 6 months
- Excellent IT Skills and knowledge of Excel and Power BI
- Knowledge and experience of using testing equipment such as force decks and Nordboards
- Ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team with the coaching and medical department
- Knowledge and experience of designing and delivering gym and pitch sessions
- Empathy with young players with an ability to inspire
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to build meaningful, strong strategic relationships with club staff at all levels including 1st team
- Understanding of learning, development and high performance with a proven ability to create optimum learning environments for players
- Aware of diversity and equality challenges in football
- Empathy and commitment to the long-term development of the game
- Completion of an Enhanced DBS Check upon offer acceptance

Desirable Criteria:

- Experience of and enthusiasm for coaching female elite youth players
How to apply: Application Process Please download and save the application form before inputting information. If you require a paper copy please contact the HR department careers@sufc.co.uk or call 0114 253 7200. Completed application forms must be submitted via email to careers@sufc.co.uk stating the vacancy title in the subject or posted to HR, Sheffield United Football Club, Bramall Lane, Sheffield, S2 4SU. Closing Date: Friday 23rd May 2025 Please note that in the instance of high volumes of applications we may close this vacancy earlier than the closing date noted above. Sheffield United Application Form Please download and save the application form before inputting information. Eligibility for Employment in the UK In accordance with current legislative requirements the successful applicant must produce documentary verification of their eligibility to work in the UK and will not be allowed to start work until this has been received. Equality and Diversity Sheffield United FC is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment and its employment policies for recruitment, selection, training, development and promotion are designed to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, ethnic and national origin, disability or gender reassignment. Sheffield United FC are a Disability Confident Committed Employer. If you would like further information regarding the scheme and how we are able to support disabled persons within the workplace, then please contact our HR team at careers@sufc.co.uk Safer Recruitment Sheffield United FC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. The successful applicant will be required to undertake appropriate safeguarding checks as well as providing proof of right to work in the UK. For further information on the Club's Safeguarding Statement please access the following link: sufc.co.uk/club/policies/safeguarding-policy