Assistant Academy Sports Scientist

JOB PURPOSE

The purpose of the role is to assist in the development and implementation of the Academy’s Sports Science plan in line with the Club’s overall strategy for developing elite players.

Focus will primarily be on the development of the following areas of support;

· Strength and conditioning – pitch & gym-based work.

· Diet and nutrition.

· Sports Science - including physiology, biomechanics, physical testing and measurement.

· Overall delivery of targets and the running of Luton Town Football Club 2020 Ltd (LTFC), with particular focus on the fitness of LTFC playing staff.

· To commit to the collective decisions of the Board.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

· To assist the Head of Academy Sport Science in delivering all relevant aspects in line with the Club’s strategic objectives and the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP).

· To work in tandem with all other Sports Science, Medical staff and Coaching staff.

· Provide sport science to U9-16 players on training days.

· Provide sport science support for U9-16 players undergoing the rehabilitation process.

· To ensure that the appropriate sport science information is added to each player’s Performance Clock.

· To assist the Head of Academy Sport Science in ensuring that all players graduating from the Academy whether into the Development/Professional squads, or leaving the Club, do so with a completed sport science player performance record as required by the EPPP guidelines.

· To undertake personal CPD as appropriate to meet the demands of the role.

· To assist the Head of Academy Sport Science with regards to sport science / strength and conditioning programmes for all age groups in the Academy, to monitor progress of players, and to ensure that the requirements of the EPPP in relation to National Testing initiatives are met. In particular, to deliver support to the Academy’s U9-16 players under the guidance of the Head of Academy Sport Science.

· To implement effective testing in the following areas;

- age appropriate physical screening

- anthropometric assessments - physiological/fitness testing

- movement and posture/functioning screening

- predictive testing of size and shape/maturation measurement.

Health & Safety:

Employee requirements:

· Maintain up to date knowledge of Health & Safety related guidance and processes within your role and in line with the Club’s Health & Safety Policy.

· Consider the Health & Safety implications of all actions and inaction within your role.

· Support and uphold agreed standards for Health & Safety compliance, including assisting in accident, dangerous occurrence and near miss investigations within your role.

· Follow and adhere to; safe management systems and working practices in line with the Club’s Health & Safety Policy.

· Ensure you have been briefed and are confident in using any equipment prior to use and seek guidance from your line manager as required.

· Regularly review risk assessments, safe working, and management systems associated with your role.

· Liaise regularly with the Club’s appointed Health & Safety representatives to support and maintain compliance

· Maintain records of all Health & Safety issues within your role and area of responsibility.

MAIN JOB REQUIREMENTS AND PERSON SPECIFICATION

Education/Qualifications/Training:

o Essentials

- BSc in Sports Science or sub-discipline.

- Valid FA Safeguarding Children Certificate.

- Hold an enhanced DBS check.

- FA Emergency First Aid in Football.

o Desirables

- MSc in a related discipline.

- BASES / UKSCA Accreditation or working towards. Specific Experience:

· Excellent IT skills and experience in use of all Microsoft Office products.

· Committed and driven by deadlines and results.

· Ability to turn ideas into deliverables with minimal supervision.

Abilities/Skills/Knowledge:

· Must Committed, enthusiastic and passionate about Luton Town Football Club.

· Ability to work as part of a team as well as using one’s own initiative.

· Able to communicate effectively with players, parents and fellow staff members at all levels.

· Able to adapt to the demands of the job and needs of the players / coaches.

· Willing to follow and promote the philosophy of the football club.

· Be an ambassador for Luton Town Football Club presenting the club in a positive image at all times.

Additional Information:

· This is a part time role (approx. 25 hours per week).

· Applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

The Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The Club has systems in place to ensure that the welfare of vulnerable groups is dealt with appropriately and sensitively. Everyone working at the Club has a duty of care to safeguard the welfare of children and young people by creating an environment that protects them from harm. Our standards of practice ensure all staff are fully aware and understand their responsibilities under safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance. The Club ensures that all staff that have a direct responsibility for children, young people or vulnerable adults, have been subject to the most stringent of recruitment practices which include Criminal Record Checks and reference checks. These staff are alert to signs of abuse or maltreatment and will refer concerns to the relevant Designated Safeguarding Officers using the agreed safeguarding procedures.

EQUALITY STATEMENT

The individual must at all times, carry out their duties with due regard to the Clubs policies and procedures and in particular the Club’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy. The individual 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. The individual must contribute to encouraging equality and respecting diversity by embedding such values in the workplace and challenging inappropriate behaviour and processes.