Volunteer Sports Science Intern – Chesterfield FC Academy – August 2026
Location: Chesterfield FC Academy
Position: Volunteer Sports Science Intern
Commitment: 2 days per week (either Monday/Tuesday or Thursday/Friday), with a rotating Saturday matchday commitment. Flexibility is essential.
Chesterfield FC Academy is seeking two enthusiastic and motivated Volunteer Sports Science Interns to join our multidisciplinary performance team for the upcoming season. This is an excellent opportunity for aspiring sport scientists to gain valuable experience within a professional football academy environment, working closely alongside our Medical, Sport Science and Nutrition departments.
The successful candidates will play an active role in supporting the physical development and performance of our academy players while gaining exposure to the day-to-day operations of an elite academy.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with the design and delivery of gym-based strength and conditioning programmes.
- Support pitch-based conditioning sessions.
- Assist with player load monitoring and management.
- Help deliver pre-training and pre-match warm-ups, as well as post-session recovery and cool-downs.
- Download, process and manage GPS data using the PlayerData platform.
- Assist with the daily operations of the Medical, Sport Science and Nutrition departments where appropriate.
- Support the multidisciplinary team in delivering a high-performance environment for academy players.
Essential Criteria
- Studying towards or graduated with a degree in Sport & Exercise Science, Strength & Conditioning, Sports Performance or a related discipline.
- A genuine interest in pursuing a career within elite football or professional sport.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Professional, reliable and organised.
- Willingness to learn and take initiative.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Flexible approach to working hours, including occasional Saturdays.
- Hold the FA Safeguarding 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 a football academy, professional sport or a similar performance environment.
- Experience using athlete monitoring systems and/or GPS technology.
- Knowledge of strength and conditioning principles and long-term athletic development.
- Full UK driving licence.
This voluntary role is ideally suited to current university students seeking practical experience alongside their studies, or recent graduates looking to develop their CV before progressing into paid roles within professional 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.
