Volunteer Academy Physiotherapist / Sports Therapist – Chesterfield FC Academy – August 2026
Location: Chesterfield FC Academy
Position: Volunteer Academy Physiotherapist / Sports Therapist
Commitment: Flexible (training sessions and matchdays by mutual agreement, including evenings and occasional weekends).
Chesterfield FC Academy is seeking enthusiastic and motivated Volunteer Physiotherapists and Sports Therapists to support the delivery of medical services across both our Academy and newly established Youth Section.
This voluntary role offers an excellent opportunity for aspiring sports medicine practitioners, recent graduates and clinicians looking to gain valuable experience within a professional football environment. Successful applicants will work alongside the Academy’s Medical Department, gaining exposure to the assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of youth footballers within a multidisciplinary performance team.
Sessions will be allocated flexibly based on availability, making this role suitable for individuals looking to gain experience alongside university studies or other employment.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide pitch-side medical cover for Academy and Youth Section training sessions and fixtures.
- Assess and manage acute injuries sustained during training and matches.
- Assist with the clinical assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of injured players.
- Support return-to-play planning and rehabilitation sessions where appropriate.
- Maintain accurate and professional medical documentation.
- Assist with pre-training and pre-match medical preparations.
- Support the day-to-day running of the Academy Medical Department and work collaboratively with the Sport Science and Coaching staff.
- Promote a safe, professional and player-centred environment in line with Academy policies and procedures.
Essential Criteria
- Studying towards or qualified with a degree in Physiotherapy, Sports Therapy or a related sports rehabilitation discipline.
- Registered with, or eligible for registration with, the HCPC (Physiotherapists), or a member of the Society of Sports Therapists (SST) or British Association of Sport Rehabilitators and Trainers (BASRaT), where applicable.
- A genuine interest in pursuing a career within elite football or sports medicine.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Professional, reliable and organised.
- Ability to remain calm and confident in a pitch-side environment.
- Willingness to learn and work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Hold the FA Safeguarding Children Course and FA Emergency First Aid in Football (EFAiF) qualification, or be willing to complete both courses as a condition of appointment.
Desirable Criteria
- Previous experience within football, rugby or another sporting environment.
- Experience providing pitch-side first aid or sports injury management.
- Experience in musculoskeletal assessment, rehabilitation and return-to-play planning.
- Full UK driving licence.
This voluntary role is ideal for physiotherapy, sports therapy and sports rehabilitation students seeking practical experience (where appropriate), recent graduates looking to build experience within professional football, or qualified clinicians wishing to gain further exposure to academy sport.
To apply, please send your CV and a short covering letter outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience to [email protected].
Application Deadline: 17th August
Successful applicants will be required to complete an Enhanced DBS check prior to commencing the role. Applicants who do not already hold the FA Safeguarding Children Course and/or FA Emergency First Aid in Football (EFAiF) qualification will be expected to complete these as part of their onboarding before undertaking independent duties. Appointment is subject to satisfactory DBS clearance and completion of all required club safeguarding and onboarding requirements.
Please note this is a voluntary position and is intended to provide valuable hands-on experience within a Category 4 Academy environment.
