Job Description
Our mission is to support every athlete in reaching peak performance while reducing injury risk. Through a multi-disciplinary approach that blends sports science, nutrition, medicine, and psychology, we deliver personalised programs tailored to each player’s needs. We work closely with coaches to balance training loads, guide recovery, and provide insights into player readiness. Mental wellness is also a key focus, with sports psychologists helping athletes build resilience under pressure. The opportunity to join Sunderland AFC as an Academy Athletic Development Coach represents a unique chance to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of young talent within a prestigious football environment. Within the framework of the sports science programme, you will have the responsibility to design, deliver, and monitor high-quality sports science support tailored to the developmental needs of players aged U9 to U16. This role offers the chance to utilize an evidence-informed approach, ensuring that training and support are structured and periodised effectively across different stages of physical development, thereby fostering optimal athletic growth. You will work closely with coaching staff and medical teams to continually assess and adapt the programme, ensuring it aligns with the club’s objectives and contributes meaningfully to the broader performance and medical strategies. Daily activities will encompass delivering conditioning sessions, supporting injury rehabilitation, analyzing growth, maturation, and GPS data, and providing valuable insights to players and staff. Additionally, the role involves mentoring placement students, contributing to the club’s long-term athlete development plans, and maintaining compliance with Category One standards. This position offers a dynamic environment for professional growth, with opportunities to engage in ongoing CPD, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and contribute to Sunderland AFC’s vision of developing resilient, well-rounded athletes at every stage of their journey.
