FA Girls’ England Talent Pathway Physical Performance Coach and MSc by
Research studentship
Funded by: English Football Association and University of Gloucestershire
The studentship is part of an exciting collaboration between the English Football Association and the University of
Gloucestershire. The research student will be based at the University of Gloucestershire’s Oxstalls Campus, although
collaboration with, and travel to the South West Advanced Coaching Centres (ACCs) will be required. Applications
are invited for a one year part time research studentship (£6,000pa bursary plus tuition fees [£2950pa]) to undertake
an MSc by Research at the University of Gloucestershire. The studentship will be supervised by Prof Mark De Ste
Croix and Dr Jonathan Hughes (University of Gloucestershire).
The studentship is available to conduct research in the general area of injury risk and prevention in youth athletes
The key role of the Physical Performance Coach is to lead the development of the South West ACCs and Regional
Excellence Centre (REC) physical performance plan. This will involve delivering fundamental movement skills to 9-17
year olds that underpin athletic development and football performance in line with a strategic model of progressions.
This includes, but is not limited to, coaching technical aspects of good warm-up technique as well as patterns relating
to acceleration, deceleration, change of direction, jumping and landing, throwing and catching (GK’s). A full role
specification can be found below. The Physical Performance Coach will be managed by Sarah Lawler FA Elite
Women’s Coach Developer (South West) and Mr Luke Taylor (Physical Performance Coach (East). The position will
commence August 2015.
The Faculty would welcome applications from individuals who have the following qualifications, interests or
experiences:





first or upper second class (or equivalent) degree in a related subject area (e.g. Strength and Conditioning,
Sports Therapy, Football and Science, Physiology, Biomechanics);
the applicant to have demonstrable interests and some experience in football, preferably women’s football;
experience of working with external partners for data collection purposes.
experience of quantitative data analysis including use of Excel and SPSS
experience of conducting research with children
Applications are to be made online at:
http://www.glos.ac.uk/research/pages/apply-for-a-research-degree.aspx?courseCode=rssae
Applications should be accompanied by a CV, Equal Opportunities form and evidence (scan, photocopy) of your
bachelor/master’s degrees.
Please note that instead of a 2 page research proposal detailed on the application form, you should provide a
2 page supporting statement on the experience you have that will help you undertake the Physical
Performance Coach role and complete a research degree in the topic area.
For further information about the SW physical performance coach role please contact Luke Taylor
(luke.taylor@thefa.com) and for information concerning the MSc by Research project please contact Prof Mark De
Ste Croix (mdestecroix@glos.ac.uk)
Closing date for receipt of applications: Monday 20th July 2015
Interviews will take place at the University of Gloucestershire on: Monday 27th July 2015
Please ensure that you are available for interview on this date.
FA Girls’ England Talent Pathway Physical Performance
Coach
South West Region | July 2015
Title:
Physical Performance Coach (SW Region)
Purpose of Post:
To deliver fundamental movement skills that underpin athletic development and
football performance in line with a strategic model of progressions. Coach
technical aspects of good warm-up technique as well as patterns relating to;
acceleration, deceleration, change of direction, jumping and landing, throwing
and catching (GK’s).
Start Date:
August 2015
Responsible for:








Implementing a strategic programme of movement based competency
underpinning the athletic development of players in line with LTPD guidelines.
Providing high quality coaching and support
To support the technical coaching staff
To support the welfare of players within their designated age group
Communication regarding identified injury risk of players to centre
physiotherapist/ sports therapist.
Visits to Advanced Coached Centres within the region
Assisting in National Testing events
Continuing Professional Development.
Key skills and experience required:
Essential
 Sports Science or Strength & Conditioning Degree.
 Insured Status or UK Strength& Conditioning Association.
 FA Emergency Aid Certificate
 The FA CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check
 Knowledge and understanding of child protection issues including holding a
current FA Safeguarding Children Workshop certificate
 Evidence of continuing education in sports medicine, sports science or strength
and conditioning specific to the practitioner’s profession.
 Previous experience in analysing and coaching movement competency to
developmental athletes, with a knowledge of appropriate interventions for
managing dysfunctions.
 Willingness to work evenings and weekends.
 Ability to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
 Ability to travel independently.
 Ability to work in a team environment
Desirable





Understanding of the FA girls & women’s player pathway
Knowledge and understanding of working with young players
Previous experience of working in sport
Ability to organise and prioritise own workload
England Athletics – Certificate in Teaching Secondary Athletics (preferred) and/
or Primary Athletics.
Working days
4 Visits per ACC (0.5 per day)
12 days
SW Regional Excellence Centre Camps
12 days (including travel/accommodation/food)
12 Visits per ACC for testing (0.5 per day)
6 days
Administration
2 days