Head of Academy Performance Support

Contract

Full-Time | Permanent

Location

Based at Leicester City Football Club Training Ground, Seagrave

Department:

Academy

Reporting to:

Academy Manager

Lead the Future of Elite Player Development

Leicester City Football Club is seeking an exceptional leader to join our Academy as Head of Academy Performance Support.

This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead a multidisciplinary performance support department within one of the country’s most respected football academies. Working at the heart of our player development programme, you will create an integrated, innovative and evidence-informed environment that gives young players the best possible opportunity to fulfil their potential and progress towards first-team football.

We’re looking for an ambitious and forward-thinking professional with a proven track record in elite sport—someone who can inspire people, develop strategy, embrace innovation and build high-performing teams that place player development at the centre of everything they do.

About the Role

As Head of Academy Performance Support, you will provide strategic leadership across the Academy’s performance support functions, creating an aligned, multidisciplinary environment that maximises long-term player development and prepares players for the demands of senior football.

You will lead the development and delivery of the Academy Performance Support strategy, ensuring close integration between Coaching, Medical, Education and Player Care departments. You will also play a critical role in strengthening relationships with First Team Performance staff, supporting player progression and ensuring a seamless transition through the football pathway.

As a member of the Academy Management Team, you will help shape the direction of the Academy, champion innovation and continuous improvement, and foster a culture where players and staff can thrive.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead and continuously develop an integrated Performance Support department.
• Develop, implement and evaluate the Academy Performance Support strategy aligned to the Academy Performance Plan.
• Monitor departmental effectiveness through agreed KPIs and quality improvement measures.
• Create clarity, alignment and collaboration across all performance support functions.
• Act as a proactive and influential member of the Academy Management Team.
• Develop and sustain a high-performance culture built on accountability, innovation and excellence.

Player Development

• Lead the academy performance planning process alongside coaches and multidisciplinary colleagues.
• Design and oversee long-term athlete development programmes.
• Ensure Performance Support contributes effectively to Individual Learning Plans.
• Work closely with the Medical Department to support rehabilitation and return-to-performance programmes.
• Support the development of players progressing towards senior professional football.

Leadership & People Management

• Line manage and support lead practitioners across Performance Support disciplines.
• Empower staff to develop new and innovative ways of maximising player potential.
• Mentor and guide staff in the design and delivery of academy sessions.
• Support the professional development of staff through Individual Development Plans.
• Create an environment where collaboration, learning and continuous improvement are encouraged.

Performance Innovation & Research

• Lead the development of an integrated performance data framework to support decision-making and player development.
• Identify, evaluate and implement emerging technologies and innovative practices.
• Develop strategic partnerships with universities, research institutions and industry experts.
• Translate contemporary research into practical solutions that improve player outcomes.
• Lead and support applied research projects across the department.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) and associated audits.
• Maintain the highest standards of safeguarding, governance and confidentiality.
• Ensure compliance with GDPR, information security and cyber security requirements.
• Promote and uphold Club policies relating to equality, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding and health and safety.

Who We’re Looking For

You will be an experienced leader within elite sport who combines strategic thinking, exceptional people skills and a passion for developing young athletes.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Postgraduate qualification in a Performance Support discipline.
• Minimum three years’ experience in a Head of Department or similar leadership role within an Academy or high-performance sporting environment.
• Minimum five years’ experience working with athletes or players in a development setting.
• Demonstrable experience leading multidisciplinary teams within elite sport.
• Experience designing and implementing long-term athlete development programmes.
• Proven leadership, staff development and people management experience.
• Experience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary performance environments.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to influence and challenge constructively across teams and departments.
• Experience using performance data to support strategic and operational decision-making.
• BASES and UKSCA accreditation.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, bank holidays and travel when required.

Desirable

• Chartered status with a relevant professional body.
• BASES High Performance Sport Accreditation.
• Experience managing applied research projects.
• Experience leading organisational or cultural change.
• Experience supporting players transitioning into senior football.

What Will Make You Successful?

You’ll bring:

• Strategic Thinking – balancing immediate operational demands with long-term player and departmental development.
• Innovation – curiosity and creativity to solve performance challenges and deliver impactful solutions.
• Strong Leadership – the ability to inspire, develop and empower high-performing teams.
• Excellent Organisation – effectively managing multiple priorities within a demanding environment.
• Data-Driven Decision Making – using insight and evidence to enhance performance outcomes.
• Outstanding Communication Skills – building trust and influence across the Academy and Club.
• A Passion for Development – a commitment to helping young people and colleagues fulfil their potential.
• An Inclusive Mindset – creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected and able to contribute.

Additional Information

The role will occasionally require travel within the UK and overseas, including overnight stays. As football operates beyond traditional working patterns, the successful candidate must be prepared to work evenings, weekends and bank holidays when required.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to lead a critical area within one of English football’s leading academies. You’ll play a key role in shaping the future development of talented young players, influencing the Academy’s strategic direction, and driving innovation within a high-performance environment.

If you are an inspiring leader with a passion for athlete development and a desire to make a lasting impact, we’d love to hear from you.

About The Club

Leicester City Football Club has a rich and proud history – we’re more than just a football club; we’re a community. Formed in 1884, we’ve achieved incredible milestones, including becoming Premier League champions in 2016 and winning the FA Cup in 2021.

Our commitment to the local community, fans, and world-class experiences extends beyond the pitch. With the opening of our new state-of-the-art training ground in 2021, we continue to invest in our growth and success. Our team at Leicester City is more than just colleagues – we invite you to join our Club and experience the exciting opportunities of a life in the football industry!

Benefits Package

Our people are the lifeblood of the Club, and we feel should be rewarded as such – we offer a competitive salary, pension scheme and life assurance for all permanent employees. You’ll enjoy free onsite parking, access to our subsidised staff restaurants and up to 33 days of annual leave (including bank holidays) amongst a host of other great employee benefits!