Overview

This role offers a unique opportunity to operate at the forefront of elite sports medicine within a high-performance football academy environment. The Academy Doctor will play a critical leadership role in safeguarding the health, wellbeing, and long-term development of emerging professional athletes while contributing to a culture of medical excellence and innovation. Working closely with a multidisciplinary team of physiotherapists, sports scientists, rehabilitation specialists, and technical staff, the successful candidate will influence clinical decision-making, injury prevention strategies, and return-to-play protocols that directly impact player performance and career longevity. The position provides the opportunity to apply advanced medical expertise in a dynamic, elite sporting environment, while shaping medical standards, contributing to athlete development pathways, and supporting the next generation of professional footballers. The role also offers the platform to collaborate with leading practitioners in sports medicine, expand professional expertise, and contribute to the continuous evolution of medical practices within professional football.

Job Responsibilities

Leadership and Management

• Lead the Academyu2019s delivery of all medical services in consultation with the Academy Technical Director.
• Create, review, and refine data, administration and communication processes for the Medical Department, ensuring an effective and efficient service is being run at all times.
• Oversee the operations of the clinic, effectively managing supplies, equipment and orders.
• Design, implement and supervise the work of all Academy Physiotherapists, providing guidance and expertise in the implementation of treatment plans.
• Evaluate rehabilitation plans designed by the Return to Play coach(es), ensuring alignment with best practice and the specific needs of individual players.

Medical Assessments and Interventions

• Coordinate the transfer of players/staff to hospital where necessary and provide timely, appropriate and accurate medical interventions.
• Conduct medical assessments and screenings for all Academy players.
• Provide immediate medical assistance and treatment for injuries sustained during training/matches.
• Develop and implement injury prevention strategies and protocols.

Collaboration

• Collaborate across departments to ensure a safe and healthy Academy environment.
• Communicate effectively and empathetically with players and their families.
• Serve as a liaison between the Academy and external medical professionals and specialists.

Desired Candidate Profile

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Mastersu2019s Degree in Sports Science, Medicine or related area
• Extensive experience in a medical role within a professional sports environment, preferably football
• Demonstrable experience in medical services, with a background in diagnosing, treating, and preventing sports-related injuries.
• Experience in leading or managing medical teams and coordinating multidisciplinary teams, including doctors, physiotherapists, and rehab coaches.
• Training and proficiency in the use of ultrasound for diagnosis and ultrasound-guided procedures.
• In-depth experience in rehabilitation programs and return-to-play protocols.
• Experience working with elite athletes, ideally football players, and familiarity with the demands of professional football and its unique injury patterns.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across multi-disciplinary departments

Desirable

• PhD specializing in Sports Science, Medicine or related area
• Specialization in Rehabilitation, Orthopedics, Nutrition, Sports science, physiotherapy, Radiology (Ultrasound- MRI- Xrays- CT Scan), Bio mechanics.
• Previous experience in Saudi Arabia or the Middle East
• Multilingual skills, particularly English, Spanish and Arabic - English (Essential)