AWFC Academy Performance Lead

The role

This position is for an accomplished Academy Performance Lead to oversee and coordinate the medical and sports science support delivered across the Women’s Academy. Reporting to the Women’s Academy Manager, the role is central to building an environment that gives young players guidance, backing and motivation.

You will direct a multidisciplinary group covering medical care, physiotherapy, sports science, strength and conditioning, nutrition and education. The purpose of the role is to improve sporting outcomes while reducing injury risk. By working closely with colleagues in the Academy and the Women’s First Team, you will help develop the next generation of first-team players and keep performance support operating at an excellent standard.

About the club

The club is one of the best-known names in world football, with a long history and a strong tradition of success. It also places great value on its local community and offers a wide range of opportunities and career paths behind the scenes. Its purpose is to support a winning team, culture and community by staying brave in the pursuit of progress, backing the community and one another, and doing the right thing even when nobody is watching.

Safeguarding and background checks

The organisation is committed to providing safe and inclusive environments for children, young people and adults at risk. Successful candidates must complete a DBS check and any other required background screening before starting employment. The level of DBS check may be basic, standard or enhanced depending on the role’s responsibilities.

Day-to-day responsibilities

• Direct academy performance services by overseeing the medical and sports science requirements across the academy, with a focus on player welfare, health and performance.
• Lead, support and grow a multidisciplinary team across physiotherapy, medical, strength and conditioning, nutrition and education so they can deliver high-quality services.
• Promote injury reduction and availability by driving best practice in screening, rehabilitation, recovery and performance tracking.
• Protect standards by reviewing the quality of medical and performance provision and ensuring professional and ethical expectations are consistently met.
• Build and apply performance systems, methods and physical development models that align with the academy vision and long-term player progression.
• Create tailored physical development plans for high-potential players to support their advancement through the pathway.
• Encourage ongoing improvement by fostering a high-performance culture and overseeing staff learning and development opportunities.
• Work in partnership with the Women’s First Team and research and development colleagues to maintain continuity and introduce innovation across performance services.

What the role requires

• Relevant experience in elite sport, with a strong background in providing physiotherapy, sports science or strength and conditioning services in high-performance settings.
• Proven leadership capability, including confidence in guiding multidisciplinary teams and building a culture of accountability, collaboration and elite standards.
• Solid professional credentials, including a BSc in Sports Science and registration as a Physiotherapist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC); postgraduate study is preferred.
• Strong technical knowledge of sports science and medicine, including performance, recovery, injury prevention and athlete development.
• Experience in football or comparable major sporting environments, with women’s football experience considered an advantage.
• Understanding of development pathways, including the FA Girls’ Talent Pathway and the WSL Academy structure, and the role of performance services in long-term athlete development.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities for working effectively with multidisciplinary colleagues and wider stakeholders.
• A proactive, high-performance approach, with a commitment to continuous improvement and the ability to serve as a positive role model for players and colleagues.
• Ongoing compliance with Club and FA safeguarding learning and training due to the position of trust and regular direct contact with children and young adults.

Benefits and rewards

• An engaging reward and recognition programme.
• Holiday entitlement that becomes more generous with length of service.
• Access to strong internal learning and development opportunities.
• A flexible hybrid working arrangement.
• Priority access to apply for match tickets.
• A competitive package of health and wellbeing benefits.
• Access to a leading employee assistance programme.
• Discounts with selected partners.
• The chance to contribute to ED&I work through an employee network.

Equality, inclusion and accessibility

The club is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion so that everyone connected with it feels part of the Arsenal family. It also welcomes applications from people with disabilities and long-term health conditions. If recruitment adjustments are needed, candidates can indicate this in their application. Those who meet the definition of a disabled person under the Equality Act 2010 may also be eligible for an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme; any health or disability information shared will not be used in recruitment decisions.

Application notes

The closing date for applications is Monday 13 July 2026. The organisation may close the vacancy early if application numbers are especially high, so early applications are encouraged. Updates about application progress will be sent by email, and candidates should check spam and junk folders regularly in case messages are filtered there.