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Academy Sports Science Undergraduate Placement Student
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Undergraduate Work Placement – Sports Science Placement (Academy)
Engagement
Location: The Nigel Doughty Academy, Nottingham, NG2 7SR Working Arrangements: On-site Reporting To: Head of Academy Performance & Medical Placement Term: 2026/27 Season
Role Overview
We are seeking three driven undergraduate students to join us for the 2026/27 football season as part of our Academy Sports Science placement program. This full-time, paid stint is designed for students on their placement year within a BSc in Sports Science or equivalent degree. The role is based across multiple teams within our Category One Academy, offering a unique insight into professional sports science.
Key objectives:
- Gain hands-on experience in sports science, performance analysis, and athlete development.
- Contribute to an elite working environment that enhances your academic studies.
- Commit to the entire 2026/27 season to ensure full engagement.
Key Tasks & Responsibilities
-
Performance Support & Execution:
- Assist the Strength & Conditioning (S&C) department in delivering:
- On-pitch conditioning sessions
- Gym-based programmes
- Rehab exercise
- Pre-activation routines
- Use state-of-the-art technology for physical profiling:
- VALD (technique analysis)
- Speed Gates (speed & power testing)
- Catapult GPS (performance monitoring)
- TeamBuildr (session & pf data)
- Tableau (data reporting)
- Assist the Strength & Conditioning (S&C) department in delivering:
-
Athlete Monitoring & Analytics:
- Collect, organise, and analyse performance data (e.g. heart rate, workload, recovery metrics).
- Build and configure daily reports with actionable insights for coaching staff.
- Maintain centralised databases with updated performance information.
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-
Operational & Technical Support:
- Manage and maintain gym equipment and training environments.
- Contribute to internal departmental meetings, sharing ideas and research findings.
- Upload session plans, iPFs, and reports across platforms (SharePoint, TeamBuildr).
- Support the Academy Nutritionist in delivering nutrient education and meal plans.
- Handle pre-match and mid-season administrative support (e.g., hydration stations setup, conditioning checks).
-
Match & Welfare Management:
- Assist in packing and transporting match equipment.
- Oversee in-field conditioning and warm-up sessions.
- Support with GPS heart rate monitoring and athlete weigh-ins.
- Administer fatigue and wellness assessments/post-match recovery protocols.
-
Administrative & Development:
- Complete successful end-of-year reporting under the internship programme.
- CPD and personal growth, including reflective documentation.
The Candidate
Requirements & Attributes
- Currently studying for a BSc in Sports Science or related field, with an active year-long placement year (sandwich course).
- Minimum background knowledge across:
- Anatomy & physiology
- Field-based physical conditioning
- Data analysis (spreadsheets, reports)
- Qualities desired:
- Strong communication and keen cross-teamwork.
- Proactive attitude along with innovative thinking.
- Athletic experience (relevant coaching history an advantage).
- Passion for evidence-based sports science.
- Passion and potential for emerging research contributions.
What You Gain
- Monthly allowance: £500 contribution to living costs
- Elite work environment: Exposure to professional Academy practice and Preparation Lab standards.
- Learning opportunities: Structured CPD programmes and hands-on coaching.
- Nutritional support: Provision of breakfast and lunch daily.
- Club benefits: Full access to academy staff kit.
- Academic partnerships: Club will coordinate with University for research projects, including:
- Final year projects
- Professional practice pieces
- Contemporary research methods
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Commitments & Policies
- Willingness to attend additional evening/weekend sessions on demand.
- Enhanced DBS check required prior to the start of the role.
- Club’s health and safety responsibilities must comply with all guidelines.
Forest For Everyone
Mission: Nottingham Forest promotes a culture of inclusion, veterinary, and reduction of unconscious biases—knows this is key to innovation.
Commitments:
© Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
The club is a firm, equal-opportunities employer and invites applications from all prospective community regardless of:
- Age, disability, gender identity and reassignment
- Marital status, pregnancy or maternity care
- Nationality (subject to qualifying eligibility), race
- Religious belief, or sexual orientation
Disability Consultant Employer
Nottingham Forest is fully committed to creating opportunity for disabled individuals from recruitment (working with Disability Confident and reasonable adjustments) through their careers to conclusion.
Safeguarding
- Candidates’ commitment to safeguarding principles is essential in any role involving children.
- Enhanced FA DBS check required as a basic requirement for the position.
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