About the Opportunity
Exeter City Football Club is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic university student to join our Academy as a Sport Scientist intern. This placement offers a unique opportunity to apply academic knowledge in a practical setting with elite young football players, contributing to their athletic development and well-being.
Under the guidance of the Head of Academy Sport Science and Medicine and the Lead Academy Sport Scientist, you will work in a professional, multidisciplinary environment that aims to prepare young players for first-team football and beyond.
Role Responsibilities
1. Athletic Development: Support the delivery of athletic development sessions for Foundation Phase (FDP) and Youth Development Phase (YDP) players, as well as U18 gym and pitch-based strength and conditioning (S&C) sessions.
2. Integrated Sport Science: Assist with implementing a 6-strand model of Sport Science for players aged 9-18.
3. Testing & Analysis: Conduct anthropometric and physical testing, analysing results to assess player progress.
4. Stakeholder Education: Promote key concepts from the Elite Habits & Mindsets Programme.
5. General Support: Provide pitch-side aid, rehabilitation support, and other responsibilities as needed.
6. Personal Development: Continuously expand knowledge in sport science and medicine.
What We’re Looking For
Essential Criteria:
1. Currently studying a degree in Strength & Conditioning (S&C) or Sport Science.
2. A genuine passion for youth athletic development.
3. Strong desire to pursue a career in youth sports science.
4. Full, clean driving licence.
5. Valid FA DBS check, BFAS certification, and Safeguarding Children Certificate (or willingness to obtain).
6. ITMiFF or UEFA FDEP qualification.
7. Experience working with youth athletes.
8. Knowledge of growth, maturation, and related injuries.
Why Join Us?
1. Gain hands-on experience in a professional football environment.
2. Contribute to the development of elite young athletes.
3. Work alongside a team of dedicated professionals committed to player development.
4. Access opportunities for personal and professional growth through mentoring and learning initiatives.
Safeguarding Commitment
Exeter City Football Club prioritises the safeguarding, well-being, and safety of all participants. This role requires an enhanced DBS check (provided by us) and adherence to our Safeguarding Policy – training will be provided by us.
Job Description & Specific Role Requirements
Reporting To & Key Liaison with:
* Head of Academy Sport Science and Medicine
* Lead Academy Sport Scientist
Purpose & Role function:
* Support the running of all FDP and YDP athletic development sessions.
* Assist with U18 gym and pitch-based S&C sessions.
* Support the delivery of an integrated 6-strand model of Sport Science to Academy players aged 9-18 years.
* Uphold and demonstrate the values, standards and behaviours expected by ECFC both inside & outside the Club.
Other Key relationships
Role Summary:
* Support the design and implementation of activities to optimise the health, athletic performance, and well-being of all Academy players.
* Assist with anthropometric and physical testing and analysis to support accurate assessments of player progress.
* Educate stakeholders on key concepts from the Elite Habits & Mindsets Programme.
* Provide support and cover for Sports Science and Medical staff in pitch-side emergency aid, rehabilitation services, and other critical responsibilities as needed.
* Continuously develop knowledge in sports science and medicine.
* Undertake any other reasonable and relevant tasks as assigned.
Safeguarding:
* Attend seasonal safeguarding training as required by the Club.
* Adhere to all guidelines contained within the Club's Safeguarding Policy.
* Utilise the ‘MyConcern’ system to ‘recognise, respond, report and record’ any safeguarding incidents in a timely and detailed manner.
* Place player safety and welfare as a top priority at all times.
* Ensure all medical equipment is safe & stored securely.
About The Candidate
Qualities & Requirements
Essential:
1. Currently studying for a degree in Strength & Conditioning (S&C) or Sport Science.
2. Genuine passion for working with young athletes.
3. Strong desire to pursue a career in youth athletic development.
4. Full, clean driving licence.
Desirable:
1. Valid FA DBS check (current and in date; can be provided by us).
2. FA Basic First Aid for Sport (BFAS) certification (can be provided by us).
3. FA Safeguarding Children Certificate (current and in date; can be provided by us).
4. ITMiFF or UEFA FDEP qualification.
5. Additional certifications in S&C or Sport Science.
6. Experience working with youth athletes.
Qualities:
1. Strong desire to work hard and learn (essential).
2. Effective communicator and relationship builder (essential).
3. Ability to work collaboratively with players, staff, and others (essential).
4. Personable, approachable, and friendly manner (essential).
5. Good timekeeping (essential).
6. Commitment to continuous learning (essential).
7. Adaptability and flexibility (essential).
8. Willingness and enthusiasm to cooperate and take responsibility (essential).
Experience:
1. Knowledge of growth, maturation, and related injuries (desirable).
2. Previous experience in a professional sports setting (desirable).
Other:
1. High degree of personal drive and motivation (essential).
2. Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) certification (essential).
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