Academy Lead Strength & Conditioning Coach

Complementary Training; Bristol; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent sports club in Bristol is seeking an Academy Lead Strength & Conditioning Coach to oversee U16-U21 strength and conditioning programs. The ideal candidate will possess a BSc in Sports Science and previous experience in a professional sports academy. Responsibilities include leading testing and training sessions, assisting in athlete rehabilitation, and ensuring best practices in conditioning services. This role is essential to the club's commitment to developing athletes for the first team.

Qualifications

• Previous experience within a professional sports academy environment.
• Competencies in creating training/testing reports.
• Willingness to obtain S&C accreditation within 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Lead S&C delivery of U16-U21 programmes.
• Conduct testing collection/analysis for U18 and U23.
• Assist in planning physiological training games.

Skills

Competencies in Microsoft Excel

Interest in Power BI

Experience with VALD

Experience with Gymaware systems

Education

BSc in Sports Science or relevant discipline

Basic First Aid for Sport Qualification

Job description

Academy Lead Strength & Conditioning Coach

With a vision to build a “1st team squad with a core of home grown talent”, Bristol City FC Academy have seen a record number of Academy players in our First Team squad in the last few years and we are now building our structure for future and continued success. Our First Team are a Championship side with big ambitions and a home for a Premier League team to be proud of. These are our most exciting times and we are looking for committed, exceptional people to join us on our unique journey.

We now require an Academy Lead Strength & Conditioning Coach to take an important role in our team and join our Academy Sports Science department.

Key Responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Lead the S&C delivery of U16-U21 Strength & Conditioning programmes and the Academy Medical staff in the design, planning and implementation of return-to-play programmes (U16-U21).
• Lead all U18 and U23 testing collection/analysis including;
  • Collection and analysis of daily condition monitors (wellness) and readiness to re-perform monitoring, applying appropriate interventions where necessary.
  • Execution of physical attribute testing procedures, data collation and analysis, including player reviews and relevant intervention prescriptions.
• Assist the academy sports science staff in the planning and implementation of physiological training games programme, monitoring external/internal/psycho-social training load through the use of GPS, heart rate and session RPE data where required, particularly in the return to play process.
• Assist the Academy Medical staff in the design, planning and implementation of return-to-play, pre-habilitation and rehabilitation programmes (U18 and U23).
• Contribute to the delivery of performance education sessions to all players (U18 and U23), parents and relevant staff.
• Ensure the Academy Strength & Conditioning services are consistently operating at best-practice standards.
• Maintain the professional standards of the Sports Science department at all times.
• Provide a clear link between players transitioning from academy to first team training, staying in constant communication with first team medical, sport science and coaching staff.
• Support department staff in maintaining sports science/strength & conditioning equipment and consumables.
• Contribute with verbal and written reports to Academy multi-disciplinary meetings and contribute to both Academy and first team departmental Continuous Professional Development (CPD) whilst conducting regular research into areas of contemporary sport and exercise science.

Qualifications

• Hold at least a BSc in Sports Science (or another relevant discipline) from a recognised university
• Hold a current Basic First Aid for Sport Qualification (or equivalent/higher)
• Previous experience within a professional sports academy environment
• Previous experience of long‑term athlete development
• Hold S&C accreditation or willingness to obtain within 6 months
• Competencies in Microsoft Excel, interest in Power BI, producing training and testing reports for players and staff.
• Experience with VALD and Gymaware systems.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a covering letter (max 1 page) to [e-mail].

Closing date for applications

Midday on Tuesday 6th January 2026.

Due to the high volume of applicants we receive, if you have not been contacted one month after applying, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.

Safeguarding Statement

Bristol City Football Club is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to endorse this commitment.

Note: Due to the nature of the role, any job offer is dependent on a DBS check. All information will be kept by the Safeguarding Officer in strictest confidence.

Equality Statement

The successful candidate must ensure a positive commitment towards equality and diversity by treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation or harassment of any description and to promote positive working relationships between all internal and external stakeholders.

Location: Leicester, City of Leicester, England, United Kingdom