Academy Performance Coach (Rehab)

East Midlands Source: WhatJobs

See advert for pay

Organisation : Derby County Football Club

Location : Moor Farm, Morley Rd, Oakwood, Derby DE21 4TB

Closing date for applications : 10/05/2026

Derby County are seeking to recruit an Academy Performance Coach (Rehab) to join the Academy Coaching Department at Moor Farm Training Centre. The successful candidate will be responsible for acting as the vital bridge between the medical and physical performance departments, as well as the crucial link across player pathways (YDP to PDP, and PDP to 1st Team). Reporting to the Head of Academy Medicine and Physical Performance & the Physical Performance Lead, you will spearhead the “Return to Performance” strategy for the Professional Development Phase (PDP). Your mission is to minimise the disruption to a player’s Long-Term Athletic Development (LTAD) during injury. By utilising comprehensive objective testing and athletic profiling to guide decision-making, you will seamlessly bridge the gap between the physio room and the training ground. You will treat rehabilitation as a strategic developmental window, designing individualised programs that ensure every player returns to the squad not just “fit,” but physically upgraded, highly robust, and perfectly aligned with the club’s long-term athletic strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Departmental Integration (Medical & Performance): Act as the vital bridge between the physical performance and medical departments. Partner with the Lead Physiotherapist and Lead Physical Performance Coach to design and execute rehabilitation programs that seamlessly blend clinical recovery with athletic development.
On-Pitch Rehabilitation: Work closely with Physiotherapists & PDP Performance Coaches to deliver early and late-stage on-pitch conditioning, ensuring a seamless and data-backed transition from the treatment room and gym to full team training and match play.
Pathway Transitions (YDP to PDP & PDP to 1st Team): Act as a critical physical bridge across the club’s pathway. Facilitate the physical “step-up” for players transitioning from the Youth Development Phase (YDP) into the Professional Development Phase (PDP), as well as preparing players for the demanding physical transition from the PDP into the 1st Team environment.

Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in Sports Therapy, Sports Science or Strength & Conditioning (or other relevant discipline).
Postgraduate degree in Strength & Conditioning (or other relevant discipline).

Desirable Qualifications

UKSCA accreditation (working towards) or industry-recognised equivalent i.e. ASCA. Or have attended workshops run by the UK Strength and Conditioning Association and be able to achieve accreditation (or industry-recognised equivalent) within six months.
BASES accreditation (or working towards).
UEFA coaching qualifications.

Salary is competitive, dependent on experience.

This is a full-time role, and due to the demands of professional football, there is a requirement for weekend and evening work, as well as regular national travel.

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