Arsenal are seeking a new strength and conditioning coach to work with young players at Hale End.

The advertisement, which was posted on Arsenal’s job site, said “The primary purpose of this role is to be responsible for the fitness and physical development of the players designated by the Head of Sport Medicine and Athletic Development. Additionally achieving the objectives laid out in a programme agreed with the Academy Manager and applying scientific principles and techniques with the aim of improving sporting performance.”

Arsenal have undergone an overhaul at all levels of the club and with Per Mertesacker taking charge of the Academy more changes are expected.

The person hired will work with the u9 – u16 group.

Key Responsibilities

  • To take the lead on sport science and Strength and Conditioning for the players assigned to the Coach
  • Ensure that the Arsenal Athletic Development Pathway is implemented in Hale End
  • 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 9 to 16 years attending the Hale End 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
  • To maintain discipline as set out in the Arsenal Football Club Code of Conduct ( Players, Parents and Coaches
  • To actively improve sport science programme and develop and manage the sport science curriculum
  • Provide strength and conditioning services to youth squad to improve performance.
  • Build and develop sport science within The Academy
  • Be 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
  • To have an intuitive feel for the sport and be able to prescribe effective training programs
  • Responsible for delivering the agreed technical and competition program for football youth players
  • Engaging with new youth squad members and setting realistic goals for squad members
  • To take initiative and be able to prescribe effective training programmes for the sport
  • 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 required

  • 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 UK/EU driving licence

Specific Experience asked for

  • Verifiable record of success of working with elite young footballers
  • 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 sports to improve performance
  • Knowledge of how to build and develop sport science within the coaching team
  • Actively improving the sport science programme
  • Experience of co-ordinating and delivering sport servicesProven experience for sport science coaching youth football squads

Abilities/Skills/Knowledge required

  • 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 (F) 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 high 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 attend The FA Safeguarding Children in Football Workshop and other appropriate CPD events

Hours of Work

The role requires individuals to work mainly evening and weekend work but could involve some weekday sessions.

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.

If you are interested in applying for this job, you can do so here. The closing date for applications I 11.59pm on 14 September 2018.

Among other posts, Arsenal are also seeking to recruit an Academy Football Analysis Assistant (based at Hale End) and an Arsenal Gap Year Volunteer Coach to work with Arsenal in the Community.