Lead Strength & Conditioning Coach

About Finn Harps FC

Finn Harps FC, located in Ballybofey, County Donegal, Ireland, competes in the League of Ireland and is undergoing strategic enhancements to reach elite professional standards, including updated player pathways and physical performance.

Role Purpose

The Lead Strength & Conditioning Coach will focus on maximizing the athletic ability, performance, and availability of the First Team squad and those transitioning from the academy while minimizing injury risks. This role involves directing strategy, deploying technology, developing long-term athletic programs, interdisciplinary collaboration, and player profiling. Daily duties include overseeing pitch and gym-based training, periodization cycles, integrating physical preparation with tactics, matchday readiness, and monitoring load dynamically.

Main Objectives and Responsibilities

• Create periodized training schedules addressing off-season, pre-season, and in-season cycles tailored to the first team and individual players.
• Implement comprehensive pitch and gym programs to enhance speed, power, repeat sprinting, and durability for match play.
• Coordinate with medical personnel to enforce robust injury prevention methods, conduct movement screenings, and manage return-to-play protocols.
• Develop and maintain a data-driven infrastructure using GPS, force plates, and wellness metrics for informed coaching decisions.

Key Duties

• Strategic planning: Formulate a club-wide physical performance philosophy harmonized between the First Team and Academy.
• Cross-department collaboration with medical, technical, recruitment, and analysis teams as well as external experts.
• Lead physical profiling to contribute to individualized development plans alongside relevant staff.
• Support recruitment by evaluating physical assessments and injury risk data of potential signings.
• Stay current with sports science research and integrate evidence-based methodologies.
• Design and supervise high-quality pitch conditioning and gym strength-power regimens focused on tactical periodization.
• Deliver dynamic warm-ups and activation exercises for training sessions and matches.
• Provide daily reports on player readiness and training loads to coaching staff.
• Manage and mentor academy interns and part-time staff to enhance youth athletic development.
• Collaborate closely with medical professionals on end-stage rehabilitation programs pertaining to pitch and gym phases.
• Conduct seasonal physical and movement screenings to identify injury risk and imbalances.
• Administer targeted conditioning protocols for players recovering from illness or injury.
• Oversee GPS tracking operations and monitor neuromuscular fatigue, asymmetry, and performance metrics regularly.
• Produce visual data reports on physical load and injury trends at daily, weekly, and monthly intervals.
• Lead matchday physical preparation activities including warm-ups, bench setup, and GPS telemetry management.
• Implement effective post-match recovery procedures.

Qualifications and Experience

• Essential: BSc in Sports Science, Strength & Conditioning, or a related discipline.
• Accredited UKSCA (ASCC) or NSCA (CSCS) certification.
• Current Emergency First Aid in Football (EFAiF) or equivalent FAI certification.
• FAI Garda Vetting and Safeguarding clearance.
• Minimum 3 years of experience providing strength and conditioning in elite or professional team sports.
• Hands-on experience utilizing GPS systems and designing integrated pitch and gym conditioning programs.
• Desirable qualifications include MSc in Strength & Conditioning or High-Performance Sport and UEFA Fitness or Coaching Diplomas.
• Professional football experience is an added advantage.

Knowledge, Skills & Attributes

• Strong understanding of football-specific energy systems and positional physical demands.
• Capability to manipulate and visualize data effectively for coaching purposes.
• Proficiency in translating complex physiological data into simple actionable insights for players and coaches.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills.
• Commitment to instilling high standards and fostering a culture of excellence.

Application Instructions

Candidates should submit a one-page cover letter explaining their fit for the position along with a current CV by 28th August 2026, 5 PM, addressed to Shane Elliott.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Finn Harps FC endorses equality, safeguarding, and promoting the welfare of all staff and athletes.