First Team Head Physiotherapist

Role Purpose

The Head Physiotherapist will lead and deliver best-practice medical and physiotherapy services to all players at Swindon Town FC.

The role is responsible for safeguarding player health, optimising availability, injury prevention, player assessment, rehabilitation and return-to-play processes as part of a multidisciplinary team, in line with club objectives and competition medical standards.

Key Responsibilities

Medical & Physiotherapy

• Lead and direct the provision of comprehensive medical and physiotherapy services to all players.

• Demonstrate expert assessment, diagnostic and clinical reasoning skills.

• Promote and protect the health, safety and well-being of all players at all times.

• Deliver best-practice physiotherapy and professional care in line with current evidence and governing body standards.

• Manage the medical rota/calendar to ensure appropriate medical cover at all required times.

• Maintain accurate and confidential medical records in line with club policy, league regulations and legal standards.

• Oversee medical screening, cardiac assessment and annual health evaluations.

Injury Management & Rehabilitation

• Work alongside the First Team Sports Therapist and interdisciplinary team in the implementation and progression of individualised rehabilitation programmes.

• Manage the return-to-play process ensuring safe and effective return to training and competition as part of an interdisciplinary team.

• Be confident working across the full spectrum of injuries expected in a high-performance football environment.

• Ensure adequate medical and rehabilitation cover for players requiring ongoing support during the off-season.

Screening, Testing & Injury Prevention

• Lead all musculoskeletal screening and testing, including pre-signing medicals and baseline testing.

• Provide clear, relevant medical information to the club Doctor, Director of Sport, Head Coach to support informed decision-making.

• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide individual pre-habilitation and corrective exercise programmes addressing flagged risk areas throughout the season.

• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to utilise testing data to monitor adaptations, strength changes and improvements in identified areas of concern.

• Lead the monitoring of injured players injury status fitness and availability in relation to training and matches.

• Develop and implement injury prevention strategies in collaboration with the wider medical and performance team.

• Within scope of practice, deliver daily preventative treatments including soft tissue therapy and manual techniques.

Match Day Responsibilities

• Lead match-day medical provision for all First Team fixtures (home and away).

• Provide pitch-side assessment, treatment and emergency care as required.

• Deliver appropriate treatments to players on match days.

• Ensure all match-day medical equipment is maintained, checked and fit for purpose.

• Be present at training sessions and matches as assigned, providing immediate medical support when necessary.

Medical Governance & Compliance

• Oversee medical governance and clinical standards across the club.

• Work closely with the Club Doctor, involving them where appropriate (e.g. cardiac screening, concussion management).

• Ensure full compliance with competition minimum medical standards, anti-doping regulations and standard operating procedures.

• Collaborate with the wider medical and performance team to review and update the club's clinical governance framework annually.

• Maintain accurate, confidential and up-to-date medical records and documentation.

• Work with the Head of Performance to manage and monitor the medical department budget effectively.

Communication & Collaboration

• Communicate clearly and effectively across the multidisciplinary team, providing regular updates on player availability for training and matches.

• Build strong working relationships with coaching, performance and medical staff.

• Demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional development (CPD) and remain up to date with advancements in football medicine and physiotherapy.