Academy Athletic Performance Scientist

Organisation: Southampton Football Club
Salary: Competitive
Location: Southampton
Contract type
Closing date: 12 October 2025
Job Description: Be part of our journey...
Location: Staplewood Campus

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Permanent

Criminal Record Check: DBS Enhanced with Childs Barred List

What is the role?
The role is responsible for managing the data processes that support both athletic development and performance programmes throughout the Academy. A key focus will be supporting the Professional Development Phase teams by collecting, collating, interpreting, and using data to inform and enhance coaching practices. This position also involves assisting with the delivery of Academy Athletic Development sessions, using an individualised approach that maintains a constant focus on long-term athletic development.

Additionally, the role requires upholding the innovative and impactful practices of the Southampton Athletic Development department, with an emphasis on understanding and advancing physical development. The successful candidate will be expected to actively contribute to a sports science department that is recognised as a centre of excellence for player development, as well as for cutting-edge medical and scientific research.

What will you be doing?

You will be responsible for building and maintaining the data processing systems used across performance support services to inform and evaluate practice. This includes designing dashboards that make data accessible to the medical department, coaching staff, and management, as well as automating recurring analytical workflows to ensure consistency and efficiency across the academy. Supported by the Academy Performance Manager and the Performance Support research group, you will drive projects that address performance-related questions, particularly those focused on bridging the gap between academy and first-team physical performance, and enhancing youth physical development and talent retention.

In addition to research and data management, you will support rehabilitation and return-to-play sessions, contributing to the planning, delivery, and evaluation of on- and off-pitch sessions, with a strong focus on long-term data monitoring. Collaboration will be key, as you will work across various phases within the department, assist with managing player transitions, and share expertise where required. You will also support the delivery of Athletic Development sessions throughout the Academy as needed, while helping to mentor and develop departmental work placement students.

You will foster strong relationships with Academy staff to enable a fully integrated, interdisciplinary approach to player development. Working closely with technical staff, you will support both daily and long-term training strategies to enhance athletic and player development. You will be expected to contribute to knowledge sharing across all departments, upskilling staff in youth athletic development practices. Furthermore, you will attend and contribute to meetings, providing player development insights and reports to key stakeholders, including Academy management. As with all roles in the department, you will help maintain and drive high-performance standards among staff, players, and across the Academy environment.

Is this you?

You must demonstrate a strong interest and curiosity in youth athletic development, with the ability to engage and inspire young players. A thorough understanding of long-term athletic development programmes, as well as prior experience positively influencing player development within such frameworks, is required.

Essential Skills & Experience

A qualification at degree level (or equivalent) in sports science or a related discipline.
A qualification at Masters level in sports science or a related discipline. (Desirable)
UKSCA & BASES accreditation or ability to attain within agreed timeframe.
Extensive expertise in data analytics and reporting skills including excel and Powerbi.
Experience in conducting applied research to support developing testing and training practice.
Demonstrable enthusiasm and curiosity in youth athletic development, with an ability to engage and inspire youth players.
Knowledge and experience of impacting player development working within long term athletic development programmes.
Experience of successfully integrating into established multidisciplinary teams.
Experience of coordinating, delivering, and developing sports science services within elite youth sports.

How this benefits you…

If you are successful, you can look forward to a healthy benefits package;

Access to x2 free match tickets for every home league game
Access to our staff Health & Wellbeing initiatives (Mental & Physical Health).
Discounted Southampton Football Club merchandise.
25 days holiday per year excluding bank holidays plus your birthday off each year.
Contributory Pension Scheme.
Worldwide Travel Insurance for you and your family.
Learning & Development opportunities - supporting you to develop your potential and achieve in your career.
Free onsite parking.
Cycle to Work Scheme.
Collaborative & inclusive working culture.
How can I apply?

Just click on the apply button, enter your details and answer a quick pre-screening questionnaire, then attach your CV.

The closing date for this role is the 12th of October 2025.

*We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if a high volume of applicants are received. *
How to apply: https://saintsfc.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/SFC001/details/Academy-Athletic-Performance-Scientist_RQ-034202