ROLE DESCRIPTION:
Founded in 1907, Rochdale AFC is an established professional football club, with the men’s first team competing in EFL League Two for 2026/27, and the women’s first team competing in the North West Women’s Regional League (Division One Central) for 2026/27. We are involved in a broad range of sporting, commercial, and charitable activities, with a controlling stake in the club acquired by The Ogden Family in May 2024.
To strengthen and further develop our women’s first team staff, we are looking to recruit a Physiotherapist / Sports Therapist, who ideally will have previous experience in a similar role. The role will be part-time, on a sessional basis, overseeing all women’s first team fixtures as well as providing medical support to the squad at least one training session per week. In addition, injury rehabilitation and gym-based work may be required.
The successful candidate will preferably be a graduate in Physiotherapy, however a suitably experienced Sports Therapy graduate may be considered. Demonstrable experience in a first team football environment would be extremely advantageous, although those from Academy backgrounds, or other sports, with the aspiration of transitioning to senior football are also encouraged to apply.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
o Lead on all women’s first team medical matters at Rochdale Association Football Club.
o Provide exceptional matchday medical cover at both home and away fixtures for women’s first team squad members, including on field treatment.
o Personally oversee at least one women’s first team training session per week.
o Ensure medical screenings are undertaken for women’s first team players, in conjunction with third parties when necessary (TIC Health, for example).
o Diagnose and rehabilitate women’s first team players who pick up injuries, with the aim of having high player availability throughout each season.
o Collaborate with other staff members to ensure that every player is being provided with bespoke support.
o Manage medical equipment and ensure key items remain well stocked.o Responsibility for communication with governing bodies on medical matters arising from time to time.
o Liaison with other medical staff across the club to ensure that support is provided for all teams.
o Commitment to undertaking continual professional development in order to maintain an up to date understanding of best practice.
PERSON SPECIFICATION:
ESSENTIALS:
o Degree qualification in Physiotherapy or Sports Therapy.
o Appropriate pitch side medical qualification.
o Experience of working with footballers.
o Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
o Able to work unsociable hours (e.g. commuting to away fixtures on Sundays)
‘NICE TO HAVES’:
o Senior football experience.
o Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team in a football environment.
o Experience of leading small gym-based sessions.
o Ability to lead collaborate with a multi-disciplinary staff team.
o Based in or around Greater Manchester.
From time to time, the successful applicant may be asked to assist with activity essential to club operations that is not outlined in the above day to day duties. The successful applicant must carry out his/her duties with due regard for Rochdale Association Football Club Limited policies and procedures, and act in the best interest of Rochdale Association Football Club Limited at all times.
The successful applicant must ensure a positive commitment towards equality and diversity by treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation or harassment of any description and to promote positive working relations.
The Rochdale AFC family is wholly committed to safeguarding, and promoting the welfare and safety of young people. We fully expect our Board, employees, and volunteers to demonstrate and communicate this commitment at all times. As such, a DBS check will be required in order to undertake this post.
Work Location: In person
