Academy Sports Scientist Volunteer

Comunidadlift; Northampton; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A professional football club in Northampton seeks a volunteer to support its sport science programmes for youth players. Responsibilities include leading training sessions, collecting performance data, and assisting with individual player programs. Candidates will gain valuable experience working with elite athletes and have opportunities for further development. This role is ideal for those looking to enhance their CV and gain insights into the sport science field.

Benefits

Practical experience with elite players

Opportunity for references for future roles

Research study arrangement if required

Qualifications

• Ability to assist in delivering sport science programmes to youth players.
• Knowledge of gym activities for youth development.
• Understanding of health and nutrition principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and delivery of sport science programmes.
• Conduct gym-based sessions for YDP players.
• Collect players' anthropometric data.
• Support sport science testing for schoolboys.

Skills

Sport science knowledge

Data collection skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Job description

The role

The physical demands of football are now incredibly important to support a player on their journey towards the professional game. Within the Academy, we look to support the physical development of our players at different ages through an age-specific sport science programme that helps develop the different physical capabilities players require as they progress on their Academy journey. The role will support with this programme, primarily in our schoolboy programme, by assisting and leading a variety of sport science sessions, as well as supporting in the data collection and testing processes that take place at different points of the year.

Hours

Schoolboy Academy training takes place on a Tuesday and Thursday between 5pm and 9pm and a Wednesday between 5.15pm and 7.30pm. Hours will be within those times. Additional matchday support may be available on a Saturday or Sunday morning. There may also be opportunities to assist with the Youth Team during day times Monday-Friday, opportunities for this can be discussed.

Specific responsibilities

• Assist and lead on the planning and delivery of the sport science programmes for the FP (U9-U12) and YDP (U13-U16) during training evenings
• Assist and lead on gym-based sessions for YDP players to educate them on different gym activities
• Support in the collection of players heights, weights and other anthropometric data as required
• Support the sport science testing of the schoolboys taking place 3 times per season
• Assist with the production of individual player programmes
• Opportunities may be available to assist with the delivery of the U18 sport science programme for the right applicants that can be available day times

Other requirements

• Comply with all company policies and procedures.
• Every placement volunteer is required to complete a DBS check if they meet the EFL threshold for needing one in the role. The level of the check required will be based on the activity of the specific job role and in line with legislation and EFL guidance.
• You will be required to complete an induction, including safeguarding and EDI online courses at the start of your placement.

About The Candidate

• Great chance to gain practical experience in the sport science field working with elite level players
• Opportunity to work with experienced staff to share knowledge and learn from
• Opportunities to work with players and support their learning
• Excellent chance to develop and build experience for your CV and gain more references for future roles
• Opportunity to complete a research study linked to your course (if required), please speak to us and this can be arranged.

About The Club

We are Northampton Town Football Club, currently operating in Sky Bet League One, the third tier of English football. We operate across different sites, including Sixfields Stadium and Moulton College. We strive for excellence in the workplace with a philosophy of high standards, professionalism, and a strong work ethic from our employees and volunteers. We are always looking to grow, diversify and build not just on the pitch but off it as well.