Women National Team Performance Support Assistant

Job Title: Women National Team Performance Support Assistant

Location: International Camps & FAI HQ, Abbottstown

Direct Reporting Line: Head of Performance Support

Duration: FTC /Camp Campaigns

Work Model: Hybrid

Introduction

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is the national governing body for football in Ireland, driving the growth, promotion, and development of the game at all levels. We are passionate about inspiring participation, supporting talent, and celebrating the power of football to unite communities across the country. With a proud history and an ambitious vision for the future, the FAI is committed to fostering excellence on and off the pitch, ensuring the game is inclusive, accessible, and a source of national pride.

Purpose of the Position

The Performance Support Assistant will play a central role in preparing the Women's National team (WNT) for competitive games. Working within international camp windows the role strengthens the development of performance support in our international team environments and continues to bridge the service level gap for the WNT across the medical and performance team.

The WNT are typically active in at least five (5) FIFA windows during a calendar year, including UEFA Qualifications for World Cup/European Championships and UEFA Nations League], as well as international friendlies. Additional activity can include UEFA European Women's Championship Finals and FIFA Women's World Cup upon qualification.

The Performance Support Assistant will work as part of a progressive sports science and medical interdisciplinary team promoting the performance and well-being of players, under the guidance of the Performance Support Lead. They will support the implementation of sport science, strength & conditioning, recovery and regeneration and team preparation.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver day-to-day performance support across WNT camps, training and matches.
• Plan and adapt individual and group S&C programmes based on player needs, workload and schedules.
• Monitor and interpret physical, training-load, readiness and recovery data, translating findings into practical recommendations.
• Support individual player preparation, performance, recovery and transition between club and international environments.
• Deliver recovery and regeneration strategies around training, matches and travel.
• Collaborate with medical, performance and coaching staff to optimise player availability and performance.
• Support rehabilitation and physical development within scope of practice.
• Liaise professionally with players' clubs and relevant stakeholders.
• Contribute to player education through conversations, workshops and presentations.
• Manage performance equipment, resources and camp operations to a high professional standard.
• Participate in post-camp reviews and contribute to continuous improvement and evidence-informed practice.

Experience & Qualifications

Essential

• Postgraduate qualification in Sport Science, S&C, Performance Support or related field.
• Relevant S&C/Sport Science accreditation.
• Applied football/S&C/sport science experience.
• Experience delivering athlete physical development programmes.
• Strong understanding of football's physical demands.
• Experience analysing performance and training-load data.
• Experience supporting athlete preparation, performance and recovery.
• Strong multidisciplinary working skills.
• Experience delivering athlete education.
• Commitment to CPD and evidence-based practice.

Desirable

• Women's football experience, ideally elite/international.
• International/national-team experience.
• Experience working with female athletes.
• Club medical/performance liaison experience.
• Rehabilitation and return-to-performance experience.
• UKSCA or equivalent accreditation.
• Relevant CPD in female athlete performance, rehabilitation, analysis, data or nutrition.

Skills and Professional Knowledge

• Professional, reliable and organised, with the ability to build trusted relationships with players, coaches and staff.

• Strong communicator who can connect with, support and influence players in a high-performance environment.

• Player-centred and adaptable, with the ability to respond to individual player needs while supporting team objectives.

• Collaborative and inclusive, with a strong commitment to effective interdisciplinary working. Proactive and accountable, demonstrating initiative, sound judgement and consistently high professional standards.

• Reflective and curious, with a commitment to continuous learning, development and improvement.

• Passionate about developing players, supporting coaches and contributing to the continued growth of Irish football.

• Demonstrates integrity, professionalism and positive behaviours that contribute to a high-quality team environment.

Application Details

Closing date for receipt of applications is close of business on Friday 28th August 2026. Shortlisting and interviewing process will take place thereafter.

The Football Association of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and promotes Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I).