Senior Physical Performance Coach – Men’s Team

TC

Oxford United have an exciting opportunity for an individual to join the Club as a Senior Physical Performance Coach – Men’s First Team.  

We are evolving the way that Medical and Performance Services are delivered at Oxford United Football Club.  Every player requires an individualised, integrated, outcome-focused team behind them. We are developing as a department, and we are building an innovative, insightful and collaborative team to meet this challenge.  Our commitment to excellence on and off the pitch requires a world-class approach to physical performance, ensuring our players are in peak physical condition.

We are looking for a highly motivated physical performance coach to join our Medical and Performance Department. As part of the Club Physical Performance strategy, the ideal candidate will have a proven track record of delivering elite-level physical performance coaching in football and possess a relentless drive to achieve world-class standards.  

This role will involve working with first-team players and the highest priority U23 players, so some experience working with youth athletes is an advantage. You will be responsible for delivering gym and pitch-based aerobic, strength, power, speed, speed endurance and football-specific conditioning programmes bespoke to the individual player(s).

What will you be doing?

  • Individual Player and First Team High-Performance Coach / Mentor: Be the responsible member of the Performance Team to ensure “World Leading Support” for a set number of first team players & high-potential U23 players. This involves prescribing, administering, monitoring and refining each player’s highly individualised performance programme.
  • Construct & communicate a physical review for each player in the group that are the responsible High-Performance Coach on a 4-weekly basis.
  • Deliver & analyse the pre-season and in-season physical testing/re-testing for strength, power, speed, movement and endurance capabilities.
  • Deliver pitch-based “Football Fitness Sessions” with the team, individuals, small groups & contribute to rehabilitating players.
  • Conduct daily physical assessments evaluating the physiological readiness status of individual players in collaboration with the Performance Department.
  • Deliver gym-based “Strength/Power Sessions” with the team, individuals, small groups & contribute to rehabilitating players.
  • Deliver gym- and pitch-based “Injury Prevention Sessions” with the team, individuals, small groups & contribute to rehabilitating players.
  • Innovate: You will be required to explore an area of physical performance and update the wider team regularly on this specific innovation project.
  • Assist with individual & team-based recovery sessions.
  • Be involved with every aspect of planning and preparing sessions.
  • Pack and prepare the kit and equipment for team travel.
  • Attend tours and fixtures as necessary.
  • Contribute to the Club’s sports science research strategy.
  • Undertake Continued Professional Development personally and organised by the Club.

Who are we looking for?

  • Knowledge of the physical and physiological demands of elite football, which will ideally be gained from at least five years’ experience working in football at first team or academy level.
  • Completion of an MSc in sport science or a related discipline is essential. 
  • UKSCA accreditation or BASES accreditation, or being in the process of attaining these accreditations, is essential for a successful application.
  • The completion of UEFA coaching badges would be looked upon favourably.
  • You will be required to have knowledge and expertise in using a wide array of strength, power and speed diagnostic testing modalities. This may include using an invisible gym testing apparatus, such as linear position transducers. Knowledge and experience of conducting and interpreting movement screenings are desirable in this role.
  • It is essential that you can build good relationships and rapport quickly with players, coaches and other staff throughout the club. Our relationships represent and reflect on the whole department.  
  • You will be a clear communicator with the ability to explain big concepts in small words. You will regularly be required to present your opinions to the MDT.
  • You will have a passion for applying research into practice in both the gym and on the pitch, and a desire to be an innovator in your field of expertise. You will have the opportunity to show your drive, ambition and curiosity if you successfully join our team.

How to Apply

  • Please apply by sending a cover letter and CV to vacancies@oufc.co.uk. Applications will close at 5:00pm on Sunday 16 August.

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 involved 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.