Elite Academy Sports Science Intern

Charlton Athletic Football Club is more than a workplace. It is a club with deep roots in Southeast London, built on community, resilience and ambition.

Founded in 1905, Charlton has a proud history that includes an FA Cup triumph in 1947 and generations of supporters who see the club as part of their identity.

From our historic home at The Valley to our high-performance training ground at Sparrows Lane, every role at Charlton contributes to something bigger than a job - helping deliver elite performance on the pitch and unforgettable experiences for supporters.

We are proud to be a family club with ambition, where passionate and committed people can build meaningful careers in football.

"Working at Charlton means you're part of something bigger than yourself. On a matchday you feel the energy of the supporters and know the work you do matters."

Simon Lenagan - Group Sports Director

Job Details

Job Title: Academy Sport Science Internship

Location: Sparrows Lane Training Ground

Salary: £Unpaid

This position is a sandwich year placement and is open to currently enrolled students undertaking a placement year as part of their academic programme.

This position includes a £50 per week travel expenses budget.

Hours: Full time / matchdays & weekends inclusive

We are looking for an academy sport science intern to join our team and play an important role in supporting the club's continued growth and success.

Working within a fast-paced professional football environment, you will contribute to delivering high standards across the club while helping create an environment where players, staff, and supporters can thrive.

This role includes supporting the delivery of Sport Science within the Academy's Professional Development Phase (PDP). You will assist the Sports Science and Strength & Conditioning Department in providing high-quality support to players within the U17-U21 age groups to aid the development of elite football players.

What You'll Be Doing

• Maintain high standards of professionalism, confidentiality, and player welfare at all times, demonstrating a proactive and enthusiastic approach to learning and development.
• Support the delivery of gym-based and on-pitch physical performance sessions for Academy PDP players within the U17-U21 age groups.
• Support Academy training days, fixtures, and travel requirements, including evenings and weekends as required.
• Support the collection of player profiling, athlete monitoring, and physical testing data using relevant performance technologies and systems.
• Assist with the delivery of recovery strategies, matchday support, warm-ups, and post-training/post-match provisions.
• Assist with the setup, organisation, and maintenance of gym, pitch-based, and testing equipment to ensure a safe and professional environment.
• Assist with the collection, organisation, and presentation of physical performance data.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary staff within the Academy programme.
• Observe and contribute to multidisciplinary discussions where appropriate.
• Apply and develop an understanding of evidence-based practice within an elite football environment.

This role will involve working collaboratively with colleagues across the club in a dynamic sporting environment where flexibility, teamwork, and professionalism are essential.

What We're Looking For

• A team-first mindset and pride in contributing to collective success
• The ability to perform and make sound decisions in a high-pressure sporting environment
• Relentless attention to detail and commitment to elite standards
• Accountability, professionalism and a willingness to go the extra mile

Essential Experience / Qualifications

• This is a full-time role that includes working on weekends and evenings.
• Applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK.
• Charlton Athletic FC is committed to following relevant health & safety regulations and all members of staff are expected to be fully aware and adhere to, always, the Club's H&S and fire safety procedures.
• Charlton Athletic Football Club is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment.
• CAFC is committed to the principle of equal opportunity and its policies for recruitment, selection, training, development and promotion are designed to ensure that no job applicant receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, ethnic and national origin, disability or gender reassignment.

Personal Requirements

• Studying towards a BSC (undergraduate) in sport science or related discipline, looking to complete a sandwich year or equivalent.
• Knowledge in utilising Microsoft Office (excel, etc.), desirable knowledge in the use of Tableau software.
• Knowledge of sport science practice and its role within a professional football environment.
• Full UK driving license or ability to travel to various locations due to the demands of the role.
• Ability to commit to the 2026/2027 Season (June 2026-May 2027).
• Understanding of the Clubs commitment to EDI & Safeguarding.
• Applicants should ideally be based locally in Southeast London or the surrounding area and be a UK resident or non-UK resident with a valid UK work permit.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong teamwork and communication.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• High levels of organisation and attention to detail.
• A positive and professional approach. Experience working within elite sport is beneficial but not essential for many roles - what matters most is attitude, commitment and a willingness to contribute to the success of the club.

Why Join Charlton Athletic?

• Work within a professional football environment.
• Contribute to a historic club with a proud identity.
• Be part of a collaborative and passionate team.
• Develop your career in elite sport.

Safeguarding

• Charlton Athletic Football Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• If successful, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check.

Additional Information

• This role may involve evening and weekend work.
• Applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK.
• Charlton Athletic is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.

Due to the volume of applications we receive, we may close this advert early.