Nov 29, 2019
ACADEMY PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Ipswich Town Football Club is looking to appoint a full-time Academy Physiotherapist to join the Performance Support team within the Academy. The Academy has a rich history of developing young footballers and the successful candidate will perform vital work that contributes to the successful player journey, and have the opportunity to develop as a Physiotherapist to the highest level.
The Academy Physiotherapist will oversee the development, co-ordination and implementation of all medical musculoskeletal matters in relation to the Foundation Development Phase (FDP) and the Youth Development Phase (YDP) Academy players. The successful candidate will deliver screening, assessment, treatment and management of rehabilitation schedules of Academy players, whilst contributing to enhancing player development and sporting performance.
The successful candidate must have a thorough understanding of the sports medicine within a paediatric population and knowledge on training and performance of elite young athletes.
Reports to:
Senior Academy Physiotherapist.
Location
The normal place of work will be the Ipswich Town Football Club Training Ground, Playford Road, Rushmere, Ipswich IP4 5RQ. You will be expected to undertake travel as is necessary to fulfil your job requirements and to the satisfaction of Ipswich Town Football Club.
Hours
Flexibility is essential for this role. This is a full-time role requiring flexibility to work regular evenings and weekends, plus regular travel to away matches. Ability to work irregular and unsocial hours as required. Work may be subject to change with less than 24 hours notice on occasions.
Job Purpose
- To oversee the development, co-ordination and implementation of all medical musculoskeletal matters in relation to the Foundation Development Phase (FDP) and the Youth Development Phase (YDP) Academy players.
- To co-ordinate in conjunction with Head of Academy Sports Science & Medicine, Senior Academy Physiotherapist and Academy doctor all aspects of medical screening, assessment, treatment and management of rehabilitation schedules of Academy players, with particular responsibilities to the FDP and the YDP age groups.
- To be an integral part of the Elite Performance team, in conjunction with other medical, sports science, strength and conditioning, and psychology staff, in the development of both the Physical Development and Physical Performance pathways for the FDP and the YDP.
- To work within the multidisciplinary team to ensure elite player development.
Remuneration
Dependent on qualifications and experience.
How to Apply
To apply for the Academy Physiotherapist position at Ipswich Town Football Club, please send a covering letter and CV to
This job description is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. It is intended as an outline indication of the areas of activity and will be amended in light of the changing needs of ITFC. The Medical Department at ITFC is amalgamated with both senior and academy footballers, you may be asked to work within either department at short notice for the benefit of the club.
Ipswich Town Football Club is an Equal Opportunities Employer
Personal Specification
Qualifications
Essential
Desirable
· BSc/MSc (Pre-reg) Physiotherapy degree, HCPC registered Physiotherapist.
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Minimum of 2 years experience working with elite young athletes.
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· ITMMiF/Advanced pitch side first aid qualification
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ATMMiF Trained
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Skills, Knowledge & Experience
Essential
Desirable
· Experience in the provision of Physiotherapy to young elite athletes
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· Evidence of developing, implementing and evaluating Physiotherapy programmes for young elite athletes
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· Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team
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· An understanding of working in the football environment with previous experience of working (PT / FT) as a Physiotherapist in an academy setting
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· Experience of developing and implementing innovative ideas and putting them into practice
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· Experience of clinically assessing, diagnosing and rehabilitating a wide range of neuromuscular and orthopaedic conditions in young elite athletes
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· Experience of modifying training and rehabilitation programmes in order to address an individual’s needs, demonstrating advanced clinical reasoning skills
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· Experience of implementing profiling and screening methods for young elite athletes
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· Experience of utilising injury prevention strategies in a sporting environment
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· An understanding of the Elite Player Performance Plan including the audit process and categorisation of football academies
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· Experience of supervising staff
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Personal
Essential
Desirable
· Ability to communicate fluently (in English), demonstrating advanced communication skills in order to meet the requirements of an individual
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· Highly motivated individual that demonstrates a proactive attitude towards service development and demonstrates a passion for working as part of a MDT in professional sport
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· Excellent problem solving and decision making skills whilst working in a pressurised situations
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· Ability to prioritise own workload and that of colleagues
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· Excellent time keeping and organisational skills
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Key Responsibilities
Injury Management
1
To oversee the development, co-ordination and implementation of all medical musculoskeletal matters in relation to the Academy players.
2
To lead the provision of Physiotherapy services and be responsible for all Medical/Health related matters, alongside the Head of Sports Science & Medicine/Senior Academy Physiotherapist/club doctor, pertaining to the Foundation Development Phase (FDP) and the Youth Development Phase (YDP) age groups. To assist all other squads as necessary.
3
Implement evidence based practice and utilise advanced clinical reasoning skills during the rehabilitation process.
4
Demonstrate effective communication with all multidisciplinary staff members at all times, providing information regarding player injury status and rehabilitation progress (including weekly formulation of injury reports).
5
To develop injury rehabilitation guidelines.
6
To accompany players to medical consultations, possibly at short notice, ensuring the player receives optimal care and advice at all times.
7
To be involved in the counselling process of all Academy players covering medical/health related matters.
8
Ensure the management of injuries effectively meets its commitments to the players, coaches and senior management through clinical audit and accurate documentation.
Injury Reduction Strategies
1
Alongside the Head of Academy Sports Science & Medicine and Senior Academy Physiotherapist, organise, develop and implement a comprehensive Physiotherapy & movement screening assessment of all Academy players based on the departmental philosophy.
2
To be responsible for the continued running and development of injury prevention programmes on a day to day basis utilising the Academy Sport Science, Strength & Conditioning and coaching staff.
3
Liaise effectively with the Academy coaching staff on a daily basis in order to keep them informed of players’ availability for Academy matches and training.
4
To educate players on responsible management of injuries and injury prevention strategies.
5
To provide appropriate training for part time physiotherapists/sports therapists on the Physiotherapy and movement screening assessment.
6
Work alongside the Sport Science team in order to deliver first class recovery and injury prevention strategies to all players both immediately after games and on recovery days.
7
To assist in the collection and evaluation of ‘Readiness to Train’ measures, including RPE, well-being questionnaires and daily physiotherapy assessment.
8
To complete comprehensive injury audits as required.
Medical Provision of Matches, Training Sessions & Tours
1
To provide match day cover for the academy, with particular responsibility for the Under 16 squad.
2
To provide ‘on field’ first aid to injured players and aid in their removal and dispatch to appropriate facility.
3
To be responsible for the organisation of part-time physiotherapy/medical cover for the Schoolboy squads training, matches and tours in accordance with the Youth Development Rules, Premier League guidelines and the Academy Performance Plan.
4
To ensure all medical equipment and procedures are regularly reviewed and maintained at the training ground.
Management Responsibilities
1
To contribute to the recruitment of all Academy medical staff.
2
Take an active role in all medical meetings and other planning meetings.
3
Assist in the production and maintenance of emergency action plans and department procedure documents.
4
To supervise part time Physiotherapy and Sports Therapy staff.
5
To facilitate a clinical forum for discussion of all medical related matters, including external support where necessary.
6
To be responsible for the maintenance and storage of up to date medical records, gym sessions and injury prevention sessions of all Academy players, on the PMA.
7
To be involved in the briefing of Academy players on medical screening, FA doping controls programme and medical research and obtaining written consent.
8
To evaluate current practice and implement appropriate changes on a regular basis.
9
Take responsibility for continued professional development, ensuring that you attend regular courses/conferences and keeping an up to date portfolio of achievements.
10
Strive to advance working practices both within the Medical Department, and in the wider sports physiotherapy/sports therapy setting by promoting and performing clinical research.
SportsJobFinder
Playford Road, Rushmere, Ipswich IP4 5RQ.
Full time
