Lead Academy U19 Physiotherapist

Training Ground

Oxford United are recruiting for a Lead Academy U19 Physiotherapist who will play a key role within the Academy’s medical and performance team, providing high-quality physiotherapy support to our U19 players. This role is responsible for leading the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries, ensuring players receive the highest standard of care to optimise performance and long-term development.

Title: Lead Academy U19 Physiotherapist
Department: Academy Medical Department
Location: Oxford United Training Centre, Horspath Road, Oxford, OX33 1RT
Type of Role: Full-time
Accountable to: Head of Academy Medical
Reports to: Head of Academy Medical
Type of Role: Full-time (40 hours per week)

Key responsibilities

  • Oversee and deliver physiotherapy programme for U19 players.
  • Lead medical contact for U19s and parents/guardians.
  • Medical lead for U19 match-days & training sessions.
  • Scheduling of U19 injured players.
  • Manage and complete all medical record keeping for U19 squads on the PMA system.
  • Support & develop part-time physios, students, and volunteers.
  • Contribute to the multi-disciplinary support of players in line with Individual Learning Plans.
  • Attend MDT meetings.
  • Communicate daily injury status of the U19 squad to the Academy Head of Medical and 1st Team staff.
  • Distribute weekly injury & match minutes reports to Academy Head of Medical and 1st Team staff.
  • Contribute to the Academy medical CPD programme.
  • Contribute to the player, parent, and coach education programme for the academy.
  • Attend U19 medical appointments as needed.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

  • BSc (hons) Physiotherapy.
  • Full membership of the CSP and registered with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC).
  • Must have FA ITMMiF as a minimum (or willingness to work towards ASAP).
  • Outstanding communication and organisation skills.
  • Physical competency level to demonstrate a lead gym and field-based rehabilitation sessions.
  • Experience of pitch-based rehabilitation, return to play protocols & safeguarding compliance.
  • Confident, self-motivated, and able to work under pressure.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with players, parents. and staff.
  • Outstanding clinical knowledge in sports physiotherapy.
  • Sound knowledge of Microsoft Excel/PowerPoint/Word.
  • Full-time experience providing physio support in an elite sporting environment.
  • Right to work in the UK.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience

  • MSc (hons) Physiotherapy or Sports Medicine or working towards.
  • FA ATMMiF.
  • A clear understanding of the Premier League’s Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP).
  • FA Safeguarding qualification.
  • 3 years full-time experience providing physio support in an elite sporting environment.
  • Awareness of the FIP management software for the Academy Audit process.
  • A full driver’s licence and access to your own vehicle.
  • Lives within a 60-minute radius of the training centre.

Person Specification

  • Ability to work in a high-pressure, elite performance environment.
  • Ability to meet deadlines with a high level of precision and reliability.
  • Willingness to contribute to the Academy running with a sense of adaptability and co-operation.
  • High character individual who will represent the values of the club at all times.
  • Willingness to work weekends and evenings as required by the role.
  • Keen interest in evidence-based, preparation, and performance strategies in youth football.

Remuneration Package

  • £27,500 annually.
  • Comprehensive internal and external CPD programme.
  • Opportunity to receive tickets for OUFC home games.

How to apply

Applications should be made by email to the Head of Academy Sports Science & Medicine, Sam Coleman, on scoleman@oufc.co.uk before 5:00pm on Friday 14 November, and should include a CV and covering letter. Suitable applicants will then be sent an application pack before proceeding 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.