Strength and Conditioning Coach

DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION

Arsenal Football Academy is a residential programme based at both London Colney and Hale End, offering full time academics and football training for elite youth players.

The aim of Arsenal Football Academy is to centre each boy’s progression as a footballer by providing a World Leading Youth Development programme. The programme promotes the development of genuinely elite training environments to consistently outperform international competition. By placing players at the heart of the programme the aim is to develop and grow future premier league players in an environment which is challenging, developmental and inspirational.

The coaching programme is the core activity of the Academy which is supported by a fully integrated programme of Athletic Develoment, Education and Games.

JOB PURPOSE

Reporting to the Head of Sport Medicine and Athletic Development, the person appointed to this full time position will be responsible for the fitness and physical development of the players designated to the postholder. The postholder will aim to achieve the objectives laid out in a programme agreed with the Academy Manager.

To apply scientific principles and techniques with the aim of improving sporting performance, incorporating areas such as physiology, psychology, motor control and biomechanics and including nutrition and diet, sports technology, anthropometry, functional screening and performance analysis.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

To take the lead on Sport Science and Strength and Conditioning with the players and teams assigned by the Head of Sports Medicine and Athletic Development.

Ensure that the Arsenal Athletic Development Pathway is implemented in London Colney.

To design and present, for assessment and appraisal by the Academy Manager & Head of Sports Medicine and Athletic Development, strategies for individually improving the physical development of all boys aged 15 to 21 years attending London Colney Academy and ensure all agreed strategies are implemented within agreed timescales.

To meet with the Head of Sports Medicine and Athletic Development on a regular basis to report progress.

To prepare and submit for discussion with the Head of Sports Medicine and Athletic Development mid and full season progress reports with evidence of each player’s physical development.

To contribute to all players mid and full season reports with coaches.

To maintain discipline as set out in the Arsenal Football Club Code of Conduct ( Players, Parents Coaches)

To actively improve sport science programme and develop and manage the sport science curriculum.

An active member of the youth squad selection team, analysing the skills and capabilities of individual players.

Responsible for creating and developing the performance environment for youth players.

Responsible for helping deliver the agreed technical and competition program for youth football players.

To have an intuitive ‘feel’ for the sport and be able to prescribe effective training programs.

To identify resource needs and report as appropriate.

To maintain Arsenal Football Club’s Child Protection, Health, Safety and Equal Opportunity procedures as practice.

To adhere to a strict code of confidentiality in respect of any information relating to Arsenal Football Club and its operation.

To undertake any other duties as seen appropriate by the Head of Sport Science and Athletic Development.

To implement screening, testing, monitoring and assessment as laid out in the Arsenal Athletic Development Pathway Document.

To provide supervised appropriate strength and conditioning sessions as described in the Arsenal Athletic Development Pathway Document.

MAIN JOB REQUIREMENTS AND PERSON SPECIFICATION

Education/Qualifications/Training:

BSc degree in Sports Science or Strength and Conditioning or equivalent.

UK Strength and Conditioning Association Accreditation(UKSCA).

Broad knowledge of subject area and contemporary issues.

A valid driving licence

A valid passport

Specific Experience:

Required

Verifiable record of success of working with elite young footballers aged 15 years to 21 years

Experience of curriculum management and development.

A proven track record with a high level of experience in the provision of strength and conditioning services to athletes in elite level youthsports to improve performance.

Build and develop sport science within the coaching team.

Actively improving the sport science programme.

Experience of co-ordaining and delivering sport services.

Abilities/Skills/Knowledge:

An ability to produce verbal and written reports.

A willingness to work flexibly.

A proactive approach within agreed boundaries.

Highly motivated self-starter.

Detailed knowledge of current coaching and training processes.

Knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Premier League.

Sound knowledge of rules and regulations of Football Association (FA) and Club issues.

Understanding of Health and Safety and its application to a sporting environment.

Energy and enthusiasm, with the ability to enthuse and inspire youth squad.

Excellent role model for students.

Evidence of sound administrative, organisational and prioritisation skills.

To be responsible for own continuous professional development.

Experience of working collaboratively within a multi disciplinary team.

The successful applicant will be required to complete a self declaration and an enhanced CRB check.

The successful applicant will be required to attend The FA Safeguarding Children in Football Workshop and other appropriate CPD events.

The type of person/coach we are looking for

We are looking for a strength and conditioning coach who has a growth mind-set and is comfortable with reflective practice. They should have a great interest in the young player and his long term development. We have appreciation of a critical thinker who follows the principle of continuous improvement. As a department we like to be positive, supportive, confident, well-mannered and follow Arsenal values.

Arsenal FC is committed to the principle of equal opportunity and its policies for recruitment, selection, training, development and promotion are designed to ensure that no job applicant receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, ethnic and national origin, disability or gender reassignment.