Job Title: Lead U9-16s Physiotherapist
Reports to: Senior Academy Physiotherapist and Head of Academy Performance
Location: Brentford Training Ground – Jersey Road
Department: Academy Performance
Sub-department: Academy Medical
Salary: Competitive
The Club
Brentford FC is a bit different from other Premier League football clubs. We put our fans first, we are a true community club and while we are financially sustainable, we are not afraid to take calculated risks. We take huge pride in our environment and culture within the Club which focuses on development, inclusion and not being afraid to think differently.
Being progressive, humble and respectful while sticking together as one team across the Club guides how we work and the decisions we make each day.
We also firmly believe that a diverse workforce is a better workforce which will help us develop ideas, solve problems and ultimately grow Brentford FC.
We play in a new stadium, 15 minutes from Heathrow in vibrant west London.
We will never forget where we have come from, but we are excited about the future that lies ahead.
Job Overview
Working within the Academy Medical Department, and reporting to the Lead Academy Physiotherapist and the Head of Academy Performance, the Lead U9–U16s Physiotherapist will be responsible for the strategic leadership, development and delivery of physiotherapy services across the Foundation and Youth Development Phases (U9–U16).
The role will oversee injury prevention, assessment, rehabilitation, return-to-play and player availability processes across all U9–U16 squads. Underpinned by the Academy’s vision of ‘being admired as the most caring and progressive Academy in the world’, the successful candidate will ensure best practice, aligned with Category 1 standards.
In addition, the successful candidate will lead, mentor, and support physiotherapists and casual therapists working within the U9–U16s programme, ensuring consistent standards of care, effective communication and ongoing professional development across the department.
We are seeking a highly motivated, proactive individual with strong leadership skills, excellent clinical reasoning, and a forward-thinking approach, who is committed to developing both players and staff within a high-performance academy environment.
Key Responsibilities
Main Accountabilities
Lead the planning, delivery, and ongoing development of physiotherapy services across all U9–U16s academy squads, ensuring a consistent and high-quality standard of medical care.
Line-manage, mentor, and support physiotherapists, sports therapists, and casual staff working within the U9–U16s programme. This includes onboarding, CPD support, and performance feedback.
In collaboration with the Head of Academy Performance and the Lead Academy Doctor, contribute to the development and maintenance of medical policies, procedures, and best practice guidelines in line with EPPP standards, safeguarding requirements, and club values.
Management of Injuries
To be responsible for the musculoskeletal diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of all upper Youth Development Phase players whilst supporting other therapists with lower Youth Development and Foundation Phase athletes.
To provide, or ensure provision of Academy training and matchday cover, home and away, as required.
To perform clear and structured injury assessments to ensure accurate injury diagnosis and associated detailed rehabilitation plans.
To provide gym and pitch-based rehabilitation and work as part of an inter-disciplinary team to ensure optimal transition from rehabilitation into the technical program.
Injury Prevention
Lead the design and implementation of age-appropriate injury prevention and physical development strategies, with specific consideration of growth, maturation, and long-term athlete development principles.
Understanding of growth and maturation and its implications on the development of athletes.
Assist in the delivery of an age-appropriate medical education curriculum.
To work as part of an inter-disciplinary team including doctors, performance staff and coaching staff to optimise player physical development and performance.
Medical Provision at Matches, Training and Tours
Oversee physiotherapy staffing rotas across the U9–U16s programme, ensuring appropriate medical cover for training, matches, tournaments, and ad-hoc academy activities, while effectively managing staff availability and workload.
General Medical Dept Accountabilities
To maintain up to date medical records using the Kitman Labs/PMA medical records system.
Ensure individual qualifications, training and CPD requirements are kept up to date and in line with any applicable regulations. Awareness of the expectations of Category 1 Academy according to the EPPP.
To support the risk-assessment processes surrounding games and Tours as directed by the Academy Leadership Team.
Ensure all key administrative tasks are completed and appropriately managed.
Any other relevant tasks and duties as directed by senior Football Department management and Academy Leadership Team.
Ensure that all players’ specific medical information is provided to the parent/guardian of individual players as appropriate.
Continued Professional Development
Take responsibility for continued personal professional development and keep an up-to-date portfolio of achievements.
Take an active role in delivering regular departmental CPD sessions for full and part-time staff.
Strive to advance working practices both within the Medical Department, and in the wider sports physiotherapy setting by promoting and performing clinical research.
Mandated Knowledge
Mandated: Chartered Physiotherapist with HCPC and CSP registration.
Mandated: Valid ATMMiF/ITMMiF trauma qualification (or equivalent).
Mandated: Strong knowledge of Growth Related Injuries in young athletes.
Desirable Specialist Skills
MSc in relevant subject would be an advantage.
Experience of working in professional sports environment (preferably football).
Experience working with young athletes and paediatric MSK.
Strong knowledge in LTAD of adolescents within an academy system.
Able to drive with access to own vehicle
FA Safeguarding Certification
Evidence of CPD portfolio
People Skills
Ability to work a flexible schedule with unsociable hours, including weekend and evening cover
Proactively takes on new responsibilities and seeks out opportunities to learn new skills
Highly organized with strong communication and time management skills
Key Internal Relationships
Academy Medical Department
Academy Sports Science Department
Academy Human Development Department
Academy Nutrition Department
Academy Coaches
Academy Leadership Team
External Impact
The U9-U16s Lead Physiotherapist will be expected to act as a professional representative for the club.
Decision Making
As the U9-U16s Lead Physiotherapist you will be required to lead the YDP/FDP medical team on important internal the external decisions.
Innovation
Identify and introduce new approaches and ideas to further drive the Academy towards its goal of becoming ‘admired as the most caring and progressive Academy in the world’.
Continuously seek to improve the department’s efficiency and impact.
General Club Accountabilities
To comply with all Club policies, including health and safety, data regulations and other legal, ethical and social requirements.
To build and maintain good working relationships while maintaining a professional image .
To keep confidential any information gained regarding the Club and its personnel.
To always maintain a flexible approach to work.
Inclusion Statement
Brentford FC is proud to be an organisation that values equity, diversity and inclusion. We strive to create a culture that celebrates difference and ensures fairness, safety, representation, and belonging.
We recognise that some groups remain underrepresented in our workforce and are actively working to change this. As part of that commitment, we strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds — particularly those from ethnically diverse communities, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and disabled people.
We’re committed to a fair and inclusive recruitment process, with all decisions made based on merit and suitability — regardless of background or protected characteristic. Should you be selected for interview, we welcome the opportunity to discuss any specific arrangements, accommodations or reasonable adjustments you may require to be made.
Safeguarding Statement
Brentford FC is fully committed to promoting equality, and to safeguarding the welfare of all children and adults at risk. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and is a core part of the Club’s culture. All staff and volunteers share a collective duty to create and maintain a safe and supportive environment, both on and off the field.
To ensure this, all staff are required to complete regular safeguarding training appropriate to their role. This training supports a proactive and informed approach to safeguarding practice.
The successful candidate will be expected to understand, adhere to, and actively uphold all relevant safeguarding policies and procedures. This includes recognising signs of abuse or harm, responding appropriately, and reporting any concerns in a timely manner to the Club’s Safeguarding Team.
Brentford FC operates safer recruitment practices. We remind individuals that it is a criminal offence for a person barred from engaging in regulated activity to apply for a role that involves such activity.