Charlton Athletic Football Club is more than a workplace. It is a club with deep roots in Southeast London, built on community, resilience and ambition.
Founded in 1905, Charlton has a proud history that includes an FA Cup triumph in 1947 and generations of supporters who see the club as part of their identity.
From our historic home at The Valley to our high-performance training ground at Sparrows Lane, every role at Charlton contributes to something bigger than a job – helping deliver elite performance on the pitch and unforgettable experiences for supporters.
We are proud to be a family club with ambition, where passionate and committed people can build meaningful careers in football.
“Working at Charlton means you’re part of something bigger than yourself. On a matchday you feel the energy of the supporters and know the work you do matters.”Simon Lenagan – Group Sporting Director
Job Details
Job Title: Academy Head of Medical
Location: Sparrows Lane Training Ground
Salary: £44,000
Hours: Full time / matchdays inclusive
We are looking for an Academy Head of Medical to join our team and play an important role in supporting the club’s continued growth and success.
Working within a fast-paced professional football environment, you will contribute to delivering high standards across the club while helping create an environment where players, staff and supporters can thrive.
Reporting Lines/ Responsibilities: U18 Physiotherapist, U9-16 Physiotherapist, Match-day medical staff (Paramedics / Doctor), Academy Doctor, Casual pitch side therapists, Interns and Student Placements (where applicable).
What You'll Be Doing
As Academy Head of Medical, you will lead the Academy Medical Department, overseeing the delivery of outstanding medical, physiotherapy and rehabilitation services across all Academy age groups. You will manage medical staff, lead the medical provision for the Under-21 squad, collaborate closely with the wider multidisciplinary team and ensure the Club meets all EPPP, FA and professional clinical standards while promoting player health, wellbeing and performance.
Your key responsibilities will include:
· Leading the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of Academy players, with particular responsibility for the Professional Development Phase (PDP) and Under-21 squad.
· Developing and implementing effective injury prevention, screening and rehabilitation programmes in collaboration with the Strength & Conditioning and Sports Science teams.
· Designing and delivering comprehensive pre-season screening programmes to establish baseline performance data and support safe return-to-training and return-to-competition decisions.
· Producing individualised corrective programmes based on screening outcomes and monitoring rehabilitation progress using objective clinical measures.
· Overseeing player medical care, including pre-signing medical assessments, cardiac screening programmes and specialist referrals where required.
· Supporting the Academy Doctor in coordinating cardiac screening programmes and ensuring all follow-up appointments are completed within required timescales.
· Managing medical provision for Academy training sessions, fixtures, tournaments and tours, ensuring appropriate pitch-side medical cover is in place.
· Maintaining accurate and confidential medical records, injury audits and rehabilitation plans in accordance with EPPP and legal requirements.
· Ensuring medical facilities, emergency equipment, consumables and clinical protocols are maintained to the highest professional standards.
· Working closely with the Academy Doctor, First Team Medical Department and Academy Management Team to provide regular medical updates and support player availability.
· Leading, supporting and developing full-time, part-time and casual medical staff through in-service training, CPD and best practice.
· Promoting a culture of excellence, professionalism and continuous improvement across the Academy Medical Department.
· Ensuring compliance with all Club policies, FA and EPPP requirements, health and safety legislation, confidentiality obligations and professional standards.
· Undertaking any other duties commensurate with the level and responsibilities of the role.
· Ensuring FA Whereabouts information is maintained accurately in collaboration with Academy staff.
This role will involve working collaboratively with colleagues across the club in a dynamic sporting environment where flexibility, teamwork and professionalism are essential.
What We're Looking For
· A team-first mindset and pride in contributing to collective success
· The ability to perform and make sound decisions in a high-pressure sporting environment
· Relentless attention to detail and commitment to elite standards
· Accountability, professionalism and a willingness to go the extra mile
Experience / Qualifications
Essential
· BSc (or equivalent) in Physiotherapy.
· Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).
· Minimum three years' full-time experience working as a Physiotherapist within elite sport.
· Experience working as an MSK Physiotherapist.
· Willingness to obtain an Enhanced FA DBS check if not already held.
Desirable
· ATMMiF qualification (or equivalent), or the ability to secure a place on the next available course.
· FA Safeguarding Children Certificate.
· Experience working within elite sport.
· Experience working with young athletes and/or within paediatrics.
· Experience working within professional football.
Skills & Attributes
· Excellent IT and medical record management skills.
· Strong organisational and time management abilities.
· Ability to remain calm and make effective decisions under pressure.
· High levels of personal drive, motivation and accountability.
· Ability to build collaborative working relationships across multidisciplinary teams.
· Understanding of the culture and demands of an elite professional football environment.
· Commitment to continuous professional development and learning.
Experience working within elite sport is beneficial but not essential for many roles – what matters most is attitude, commitment and a willingness to contribute to the success of the club.
Why Join Charlton Athletic?
· Work within a professional football environment
· Contribute to a historic club with a proud identity
· Be part of a collaborative and passionate team
· Develop your career in elite sport
Safeguarding
Charlton Athletic Football Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
If successful, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check.
Additional Information
· This role may involve evening and weekend work
· This is a full-time position requiring regular evening and weekend work.
· The role will involve working across Sparrows Lane Training Ground, The Valley Stadium and other locations as required.
· Applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK
· Charlton Athletic is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all backgrounds
This advert will close on 07 August 2026, but due to the volume of applications we receive, we may close this advert early. The proposed start date for this role is ASAP.
Pay: £44,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
