Part Time Academy Physio/Sports Therapist

Academy Physiotherapist, Sports Therapist, Rehabilitator

Department:  Academy Sport Science and Medicine

Location: The Cliff Hill Training Ground, Sidmouth Road, Clyst St. Mary, Exeter, EX5 1DP

Contract Type: Part-time, permanent

Reports to: Academy Head of Sport Science and Medicine / Lead Academy Physiotherapist (U9s – U16s) / Lead Academy Physiotherapist (U18s)

Core Team Relationships: Academy Head of Sports Science & Medicine, Academy Operations & Performance Manager, Lead Phase and Age Group Coaching Staff, Lead Academy Strength & Conditioning Coach, Physiotherapists/Sports Therapists – Casual Workers, Club Doctor, Playing Staff, Parents, Host Families (where appropriate), EFL and FA Staff. 

In line with our 5 goals, we endeavour to create a sustainable, high performance environment where we take care of each other, set clear objectives, ensure adequate resource and invest in developing our team.

The purpose of the role is to provide medical support to all Academy players under the direction of the Lead Academy Physiotherapists. This will primarily be with U9-U16 age groups but will include assistance with U18 age group when the opportunity is available.

The position will predominantly involve providing pitch side cover for evening and weekend activities (matches and training etc.). This may extend to daytime activities in school holidays and there may also be opportunities to cover evening clinics (if appropriate qualifications are held) as well as national and international tournaments. 

Uphold and demonstrate the values, standards and behaviours expected by ECFC both inside & outside the Club.

The key responsibilities of this role are:  

• To provide a first aid cover for training sessions and the Cliff Hill Training Ground and follow ECFC’s Academy teams to away fixtures including national and international tournaments providing pitch side cover as required.
• To conduct or assist in injury assessment and evidence-based person-centred treatment and rehabilitation for players in conjunction with other medical staff members.
• To be responsible for the organisation and completion of all necessary documentation and handovers associated with the role as requested by coaching and admin staff as well as the Sport Science and Medicine staff.
• Produce regular reports regarding the progress of each player within the Academy, ensuring that comprehensive medical notes are completed within 24 hours of assessment or injury onset to Kitman Labs (notes database).
• To support the sport science and medicine programme.
• To support injury prevention and athletic development programmes as well as growth and maturation assessments.
• To maintain all legal and professional qualifications in relation to their position within the club. As well as undertake personal CPD as appropriate to meet the demands of the role. Attend (paid) CPD provided by the Club.
• Comply with all legislation, company policies and procedures and maintain the highest standards and confidentiality at all times.
• Ensure compliance with all up-to-date health and safety regulations and procedures maintaining safe working practices and conditions.
• Leading by example to deliver excellence across all areas of the company.
• Maintain honesty and integrity at all times when working with players at the Club.
• Upholding and promoting the Club’s policies and procedures, including Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities
• Be an integral part of the operations team.
• Promote and implement good practice and positive engagement with colleagues which a culture that builds a satisfied and motivated workforce that results in minimal attrition.

• Ensure all relevant EFL/EPPP Rules are met at all times.
• Contribute to the accurate diagnosis and prognosis of injured players and provide evidence-based player treatment and rehabilitation programmes, documenting everything in a timely and accurate manner. • Effective communications with the Medical Department Members, squad Managers’, Coaches, Players and their families as required.
• Complete all necessary records of activity using the KML system within required timescales and to a high standard of relevant detail.
• Maintain all personal professional qualifications through continuous professional development.
• Ensure all player information is documented, be it injury diagnosis, rehab programmes, analysis or fitness sessions.
• Ensure all certification relating to safeguarding & other regulatory requirements are up to date.
• As a minimum, meet all Category 3 requirements at all times, but aim to achieve Category 2 requirements in every aspect of work as often as possible.
• Communicate with other Club staff and players in a professional and timely fashion.
• Inform parents/guardians of each injured Academy player’s progress on a sessional basis.
• Inform coaching staff of each injured player’s return to play status.
• Where necessary, attend tours and training camps as necessary.
• Place player safety and welfare as a top priority at all times.
• Ensure that all medical equipment is in good working order before use and notify the Lead Academy Physiotherapist / Head of Sport Science and Medicine of any issues.