Academy Head of Sport Science

Football

Oxford United Football Club are looking for an experienced and motivated Academy Head of Sport Science to lead the physical performance programme within the Boys Academy.

This is a senior, hands-on role responsible for shaping how we monitor, develop, and support the physical progression of our Academy players, from the Foundation Phase through to the Professional Development Phase. The successful candidate will work closely with coaches, medical staff, and the wider performance team to help maximise player availability, support long-term development, and prepare players for the demands of professional football.

The role requires someone who is comfortable leading people, confident working with data, and able to build strong working relationships across disciplines.

Title: Academy Head of Sport Science                 
Department: Academy Performance Support
Location: Oxford United Training Centre, Horspath Road, Oxford, OX33 1RT
Type of Role: Full-time
Accountable to: Head of Academy Sport Science & Medicine
Reports to: Head of Academy Sport Science & Medicine
Type of Role: Full-time (40 hours per week)

Typical Hours of Work:
Monday: 8:30am - 4:30pm 
Tuesday: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Saturday: 8:30am - 4:30pm

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategy

  • Lead the planning and delivery of the Academy sport science programme in line with Club philosophy and EPPP requirements.
  • Oversee sport science provision across all age groups, ensuring consistency while allowing for age-appropriate practice.
  • Contribute to the Academy Performance Plan and the ongoing development of the Club’s player pathway.

Monitoring and Load Management

  • Oversee day-to-day monitoring of training and match loads across the Academy.
  • Use GPS, wellness, and growth and maturation data to support appropriate decision-making.
  • Work with coaches to manage physical loading in a way that balances performance, development, and injury risk.

Testing and Insight

  • Design and deliver physical testing programmes suitable for different age phases.
  • Ensure data is collected accurately and used meaningfully, rather than simply reported.
  • Present information clearly to coaches and staff, helping turn data into practical actions on the training pitch.

Working as Part of a Multi-Disciplinary Team

  • Work closely with the Head of Academy Sport Science & Medicine to align physical performance and medical processes, particularly around injury reduction and return-to-play.
  • Support coaches with the physical planning and review of training sessions.
  • Liaise with First Team performance staff to support player transition where appropriate.

Staff and Student Support

  • Line manage Academy sport science staff and support interns or placement students.
  • Provide mentoring, feedback, and opportunities for professional development.
  • Assist with the recruitment and induction of performance staff as required.

Player Welfare and Standards

  • Ensure all work prioritises player welfare, safety, and long-term development.
  • Maintain high standards of professionalism, confidentiality, and safeguarding.

Administration and Compliance

  • Ensure sport science processes meet EPPP audit requirements.
  • Keep clear and accurate records, reports, and documentation.
  • Contribute to MDT meetings, case discussions, and season reviews.

Person Specification

Essential

  • Postgraduate qualification (MSc or equivalent) in Sport Science, Strength & Conditioning, or a related field.
  • UKSCA accreditation or working towards accreditation (or equivalent).
  • Proven experience delivering sport science support in an elite football academy or professional football environment.
  • Strong understanding of youth physical development, including growth and maturation.
  • Experience using GPS and athlete monitoring systems.

Skills and Attributes

  • Strong leadership and people-management skills.
  • Able to communicate clearly with coaches and support staff.
  • Confident working with data and applying it in practical settings.
  • Organised, reliable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
  • Aligned with Oxford United's values and approach to player development.

Desirable

  • Experience working within an EPPP Category 1 or 2 Academy.
  • Experience supporting players across multiple age groups.
  • Further study or research experience in a relevant area.

How to apply:

Applications should be made by email to the Head of Academy Sports Science & Medicine, Sam Coleman, at scoleman@oufc.co.uk before 5:00pm on Friday 2 January 2026 and should include a CV and covering letter.

Suitable applicants will then be sent an application pack, after which they will proceed to the next stage. 

About The Club

Code of Conduct

Oxford United Football Club expects the highest standards of integrity and conduct in all matters concerning the Club and its employees. The Code of Conduct makes clear the standards of conduct expected from its employees and explains the responsibilities of the Club as the employer. All employees are expected to always act wholeheartedly in the interests of the Club. Any conduct detrimental to its interests or its relations with its customers, suppliers, the public, or damaging to its public image shall be a breach of Club rules and policies. Discriminatory, offensive, and violent behaviour is unacceptable, and any complaints or concerns will be dealt with and acted upon.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Oxford United Football Club are committed to ensuring that equality, inclusion, and diversity of opportunity are at the very heart of everything we do to ensure we provide fair and non-prejudicial access to the services across the Club. We uphold everyone’s freedom of rights and choice to be different and aim to provide opportunities for everyone to succeed. It is the policy of the Club that no person, whether player, job applicant, employee, volunteer, or customer, shall be discriminated against. The Club opposes all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination, either direct or indirect, or harassment, on the grounds of the following ‘protected characteristics’: Age, Disability, Gender Reassignment, Marriage & civil Partnership, Pregnancy & Maternity, Race, Religion or Belief, Sex and Sexual Orientation. Anyone who is found to be in breach of this could receive disciplinary action, which may well include suspension and dismissal.

The Club is fully committed to the EFL Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Standards, and as we are underrepresented in these areas, we particularly welcome ‘entry level’ applications from women, individuals from Black and Minority Ethnicities, the LGBT community, and anyone with a disability.

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment

Oxford United Football Club are committed to and has both a moral and legal obligation to ensure that all children and vulnerable adults are protected and kept safe from harm whilst engaged in services organised and provided by the Club, and believes that the general wellbeing, welfare, and safety of all children and vulnerable adults engaged in Club activities is of the utmost importance. The Club will fulfil its responsibilities by ensuring it displays best practice in safeguarding matters – including Safer Recruitment - carried out in a spirit of partnership and openness with the child or vulnerable adult, families, and the relevant local authority.