U21 Physiotherapist

Job Location: Academy Training Ground, BR3 1NZ

Contract Type: Full-time

Deadline: 19th November 2026

Who we are:

We are Crystal Palace Football Club, a Premier League Football Club with more than 160 years of proud history. Spread across three different sites - brand new main offices at Selhurst Park Stadium, our London office, and our Training Ground/Academy, we offer the best atmosphere and culture for our fans and our employees.

We strive for excellence in the workplace with a philosophy of high standards, professionalism, and a strong work ethic from our employees. We are constantly trying to grow, diversify and build with not only our team on the pitch, but also our team in the offices and on the ground.

About this role:

• To deliver outstanding physiotherapy services to Crystal Palace FC U21 players, aiming to optimise performance, reduce injury risk and minimise recovery time from injury.
• Responsible for leading on all aspects of U21 players’ medical and physiotherapy requirements, including rehabilitation of U21 players in collaboration with the medical and performance support teams.
• To adopt a player-centred, interdisciplinary approach to player care.
• To inspire player development and performance through individualised care, positive connection and the highest professional standards.
• To drive the highest medical and performance standards in Academy football, by participating in periodic structured review and refinement of processes.

Responsibilities:

Leadership and Communication

• To communicate effectively with the U21 interdisciplinary team to ensure the highest quality care of U21 players - especially with respect to managing injury risk, performance preparedness, rehabilitation and holistic player needs.
• Co-ordinating the daily and long-term schedules for injured players.
• To develop strong working relationships with 1st team and U18 staff to ensure effective transition of players between age-groups.

Clinical

• Providing an excellent standard of assessment, treatment and rehabilitation to all players.
• To lead on musculoskeletal screening for U21 players, and, in collaboration with the wider interdisciplinary team, to develop individualised plans aimed at reducing injury risk and optimising readiness to perform.
• To provide medical cover for every U21 fixture (including away travel).
• Accompanying players to medical appointments as required.

Administration

• Ensuring all players’ medical files are up to date in accordance with professional body standards, stored securely with relevant medical information, and shared to appropriate stakeholders.
• To contribute positively to the Crystal Palace Football Club Medical and Performance Operations Manual.
• To carry out departmental administration tasks as required (including FA Whereabouts information).
• To ensure physiotherapy equipment and supplies are maintained, stored and replenished to a high standard.
• To produce daily and weekly rehabilitation plans for sports science and medicine staff.
• To produce weekly injury reports and to collate data for the CPFC Academy availability audit.
• To participate and contribute to the CPFC Academy Continuing Professional Development programme.
• Other duties and responsibilities as required by line manager.
• Upholding and promoting the Club’s policies and procedures, including Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities policies and procedures.
• Other duties and responsibilities as required by line manager.
• Upholding and promoting the Club’s policies and procedures, including Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities policies and procedures.

Experience, Skills and Qualifications:

• Chartered Physiotherapist with HCPC and CSP registration.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience working in professional football – including experience working in a Category One Academy.
• Postgraduate qualifications in Sports Medicine / Strength & Conditioning / Sport Science (MSc/PhD) – or working towards.
• Up to date ATMMIF qualification
• Significant experience of using clinical, gym-based and pitch-based objective measures to inform clinical decision making in rehabilitation.
• Evidence of completion of the FA Safeguarding Children course.
• Knowledgeable of current sports injury research
• Knowledgeable in the assessment, treatment and diagnosis of sports injuries
• Comprehensive knowledge of rehabilitation and injury reduction strategies
• Caring, positive and enthusiastic nature with players and staff
• Decisive – able to make decisions based on sound reasoning and communicating them clearly and appropriately with players and staff
• Soft skills: team player, organised, composed, conscientious
• Flexible, especially in terms of the hours that will be necessary

Benefits:

• Complimentary match day ticket
• Reward and Discount Scheme through our Tech Scheme and Simple Health app
• Health and Wellbeing benefit scheme
• 20% Discount in our Retail Stores
• Discounts in various gyms through GymFlex
• Volunteering Day - 1 Workday off to support a charity of your choice.
• Travel Season Ticket loan
• Holiday allowance: 25 Days

Our commitment to Equality

At Crystal Palace Football Club, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion is spirited and continues to grow due to the working environment, which makes all staff feel appreciated and welcomed. Crystal Palace Football Club do this by encouraging good relations and practices towards different groups and are committed to promoting employment opportunities that celebrate diversity.

We are committed to attracting, recruiting, and retaining the most talented candidates and the club intends to ensure that everyone who wishes to engage with the club, whether as matchday fans, staff, players, board members, participants in Foundation programmes and any other person engaged with the club's activities, has a real and equal opportunity to do so.

Reasonable Adjustment

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role, ensuring equitable opportunities for everyone.

If you require disability-related adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected] (DLO inbox is for disability-related queries only, if you wish to gain further information regarding this vacancy, please contact [email protected]). We are here to help you through the whole recruitment process including trying to apply for a vacancy, getting in touch with us through the process, and/or helping with access in case you are required to come in for an interview.

Safeguarding

Crystal Palace Football Club is committed to safeguarding and ensuring the welfare and protection of children and vulnerable people and expects all staff to share this commitment. As such, the post holder will be required to undergo any relevant security checks, including a comprehensive background check, Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to ensure the safety and protection of children and vulnerable individuals.