Salary -  Commensurate depending on qualifications and experience. 

As a progressive Premiership rugby club we are looking for an exceptional individual to take responsibility for the physical preparation and conditioning of our academy players aged from 13 through to the first team squad.

You must be able to demonstrate a thorough knowledge and understanding of the needs and development of young high performance rugby players and have a successful track record in formulating and delivering individual and squad based strength and conditioning programmes for the relevant age groups.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential, as is the ability to engage with and motivate players of all ages.

A degree in Sports Science or a related area specialising in the physical preparation of junior and professional athletes, plus a UK Strength and Conditioning accreditation ( or ability to achieve within 12 months), which should be combined with at least three years experience in the provision of strength and conditioning services to elite athletes and coaches. It would be desirable that the candidate has a rugby background, ideally with a rugby coaching qualification.

A CV, covering letter and details of current remuneration should be sent to;

Richard Metcalf
Academy Manager
Newcastle Falcons
Kenton Bankfoot
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE13 8AF

richard.metcalf@newcastle-falcons.co.uk

Closing date for applications is on or before 19th May
Interviews will take place on Friday  30th June

JOB DESCRIPTION and PERSON SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE:   Strength and Conditioning Coach, Newcastle Falcons RFU Academy

EMPLOYER:   Newcastle Falcons Rugby Club

RESPONSIBLE TO:  Academy Manager

SALARY BAND:  Commensurate depending on qualifications and experience

HOURS OF WORK:  A minimum of 37 hours per week, work outside of normal office hours at evenings and at weekends will be required.

LOCATION:   The normal place of work will be at Kingston Park, home of the Falcons, although there will be extensive remote working across our region.

Job Purpose;

The delivery and development of a world class strength and conditioning support service to the Newcastle Falcons RFU Academy. Working with the Lead strength and conditioning coach and the team of rugby coaches to establish a world class high performance training programme and environment.

Key Responsibilities/ Accountabilities

• The delivery of strength and conditioning services for the RFU Academy players across the Newcastle Falcons region.
• Working closely with the technical coaching staff of the club to place the athletes in the best possible position to be ultimately successful in Premiership rugby.
• Deliver individual and group strength and conditioning sessions to members of the academy in a variety of training environments.
• Work with the club lead for strength and conditioning to improve performance through developing, implementing and evaluating strength and conditioning programmes that reflect scientific principles as they relate to adaptation, periodisation, peaking, tapering and injury rehabilitation.
• Maintain a comprehensive indexed database of work conducted with athletes and coaches.
• Perform reliable physical testing, monitoring and assessment activities for the profiling and tracking of players and adaptation of programmes.
• Work effectively with other support staff and services, including physiotherapy/medical services, to provide an integrated approach to performance enhancement.
• Ensure that the delivery of the strength and conditioning service effectively meets its commitments to the athletes, coaches and Newcastle Falcons.
• Coordinate nutritional intervention strategies for athletes during practice and competition.
• Within the rules of professional confidentiality liaise with athletes, coaches and other support staff as appropriate
• Work within the rules of the RFU Professional Code of Conduct, standards and guidelines.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties for the Academy Manager, Lead for strength and conditioning, Head Coach, Assistant Coaches, Team Manager, and other colleagues as requested

The post holder shares with all colleagues the responsibility:

1.For making suggestions to improve the working situation and contribute to positive employee relations within their area of work and Newcastle Falcons as a whole;
2.to cooperate with measures introduced to ensure there is equality of opportunity in employment and sports equity.
3.For ensuring that the working environment is free of sexual and racial harassment and intimidation and any other form of harassment constituting unacceptable behaviour which is personally offensive.
4.To comply with all aspects of the Health and Safety Policy and Arrangements.
5.To comply with all aspects of any codes of conduct that might apply by virtue of the RFU and Newcastle Falcons having a presence in facilities operated by third parties.

Person Specification:

Qualifications

A qualification at degree level (or equivalent) in sports science or related area specialising in the area of physical preparation of elite young athletes, UK Strength and Conditioning Association Accreditation (or equivalent), or ability to work towards acquiring within 12 months.

Experience

Significant experience in the provision of strength and conditioning services to athletes and coaches to improve performance. It is desirable that this experience should include work within rugby with high performance athletes. A verifiable record of working within a multi-disciplinary team in the delivery of strength and conditioning services to high performance sport. Demonstrable experience and ability to develop, implement and evaluate strength and conditioning programmes to individual athletes. Experience of developing and implementing innovative ideas and putting them into practise, including working in an applied and integrated manner.

Knowledge

Knowledge of and ability to teach Olympic lifting techniques, and the ability to construct strength, power and endurance based training schedules, both gym and field based. A comprehensive understanding of the physical demands of elite international rugby and the preparation of rugby athletes for a high performance environment. Knowledge of and ability to coach and integrate rugby skills and techniques into strength and conditioning sessions where deemed appropriate. Excellent anatomical knowledge and the ability to apply this to an elite strength and conditioning setting. A thorough understanding of various sports science and medicine disciplines.

Skills and Abilities

Ability to implement innovative ideas and influence athlete and coach support programmes. Ability to modify strength and conditioning programmes according to the results of assessment data, in conjunction with coaches and other staff. Ability to supervise athlete testing protocols. Ability to work under pressure,prioritise workloads, balancing conflicting demands and tight time scales. Excellent problem solving and decision making skills. Excellent presentation and communication skills that can motivate behavioural change to have a positive impact on performance

Personal Disposition

A positive attitude to information technology in carrying out the responsibilities of the post. Personal commitment to continuous professional development. Team player with excellent communication skills. Open minded with a view to adopting new practises. Highly motivated with a passion for high performance sport. Personal integrity and the ability to invoke trust and respect from others

Other Considerations

An understanding of individual responsibility in complying with Health and safety policies and arrangements of Newcastle falcons and all relevant partners. Conveys an image that is consistent with Newcastle Falcons values, demonstrating qualities, traits and demeanour that command respect. Willing to work irregular hours and travel extensively both within the UK and across our region, with overnight stays and weekend work. Shows integrity and is fair, equitable and ethical in approach. Protects confidential information, adheres to policies and demonstrates loyalty to Newcastle Falcons and rugby

This job description is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. It is intended as an outline indication of the areas of activity and may be amended from time to time in the light of the changing needs of the organisation through appropriate processes of consultation and the mutual agreement of both parties.

The will be significant travel across the region, access to one's own transport would be essential.

The successful candidate would be required to hold or undertake a valid RFU enhanced CRB check.