Lead Academy Strength and Conditioning Coach
Sunderland AFC
Job Type
Full-time, permanent
Location
Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, UK
Salary
Competitive, not disclosed
Closing Date
12 November 2026
Classification
IQF Level 7
Job Summary
Lead the academy strength and conditioning programme and develop coaches delivering physical preparation across youth age groups. Design and evaluate individualised strength, speed, power, movement and conditioning plans with regard to growth and maturation. Work with football coaches, medical practitioners and other performance staff on physical testing, player readiness, rehabilitation and progression to older age groups. Establish consistent coaching standards, support staff development and contribute to the club’s long-term player-development pathway.
IUSCA IQF Classification
Level 7: Leads academy S&C programming across the development pathway, establishes standards and develops the coaching team while reporting to the Head of S&C. Integrates long-term athletic development, maturation, rehabilitation and multidisciplinary monitoring. The employer requires a relevant postgraduate degree and recognised S&C accreditation, preferably UKSCA or a club-accepted equivalent; CASES accreditation or progress towards it is desirable. Staff development and programme-level accountability support Level 7.
Associated IUSCA IQF Certification
IUSCA IQF Level 7 Accredited International Strength and Conditioning Practitioner (aISCP*m)
Salary and Role Alignment
Grey. Salary is described as competitive but no figure is disclosed, so alignment cannot be fully assessed. IUSCA Indicative Minimum Salary Benchmark: £55,000 per year for a full-time role, reflecting Level 7 academy-wide programme leadership, coach development, postgraduate requirements and multidisciplinary accountability. This is an editorial benchmark, not a verified employer offer.
IUSCA Alignment Statement
This role has been classified by IUSCA using publicly available information at the time of review and the published IQF Role Classification & Salary Alignment methodology. The IQF classification, salary alignment assessment and associated IUSCA IQF certification represent IUSCA's assessment of the advertised role. They do not alter or replace the employer's stated qualification, certification or eligibility requirements and do not imply employer endorsement, approval of, or affiliation with IUSCA. Vacancy information may change, and applicants should review and verify the original employer advert before applying.