About the Opportunity
A funded MRes Applied Sport Science scholarship is available for an ambitious graduate seeking to develop expertise in athlete development, applied sport science practice, and research. Developed in partnership between Athlete Focused and the University of Glasgow, this opportunity is unique in combining rigorous postgraduate research with hands-on, gym-based sport science delivery within a high-performance Football Academy in Glasgow, supporting the Next Generation squads (U13, U15, and U17) on their pathway to professional football.
The successful candidate will be supervised by Dr Stephen Leckey, working closely with coaches, practitioners, and athletes in a Football Academy‑based performance environment. The programme blends taught and research components, providing the scientific knowledge, research capability, and applied expertise needed to tackle real‑world challenges in sport, exercise, and athlete development. The MRes can be completed over up to two years, beginning with an initial 12‑month data‑collection period, followed by a dedicated phase for analysis and write‑up.
There is genuine flexibility to shape your own research pathway. In collaboration with the supervisory team, you will design and lead a project that aligns with your professional interests and ambitions, addressing contemporary issues within athlete development and performance sport. Informal enquiries about the position can be directed to Stephen Leckey (Stephen.leckey@glasgow.ac.uk).
Research Focus
Your research project will investigate key aspects of athlete development, performance, and long-term athletic progression. Specific research questions will be developed collaboratively, and may encompass topics such as:
Physical development and monitoring of young footballers
Training load management and adaptation
Strength and conditioning interventions
Long-term athlete development (LTAD) pathways towards professional football
Injury prevention and athlete wellbeing
Applied sport science support within youth football environments
The project will be designed to generate novel, evidence-based findings with direct application to athlete development programmes and real-world sport performance practice.
Applied Sport Science Experience
Alongside your research, you will gain substantial practical experience supporting the delivery of athlete development programmes in a leading Football Academy, working in the gym with the Next Generation squads (U13, U15, and U17). This is not a purely academic role, you will be embedded in an applied setting.
Applied responsibilities may include:
Athlete testing, profiling, and performance monitoring
Data collection and performance analysis
Gym-based strength and conditioning programme support for the Next Generation squads (U13, U15, and U17)
Physical development programme delivery supporting players' progression towards professional football
Coach and athlete education
Research implementation and evaluation
This embedded experience will provide invaluable insight into the day-to-day demands of applied sport science practice and significantly enhance your employability within the sport performance sector.
Funding and Commitment
The successful candidate will receive financial remuneration in kind, equivalent to the full cost of their MRes tuition fees, meaning they will not be required to pay for their programme. The role involves a 10-hour weekly commitment, covering both delivery and administrative duties. Sessions will take place at G21 4DD and G33 4EG, delivered across three evenings per week. The structure of the role allows the candidate to undertake additional work or study during the day.
The support package includes:
Support towards achieving the UKSCA Trainer Award
Potential opportunities for additional paid applied sport science work through Athlete Focused, subject to operational requirements and availability
Entry Requirements
Applicants should normally hold:
A minimum of a 2:1 Honours degree in Sport Science, Strength and Conditioning, Sports Coaching, Exercise Science, or a closely related discipline
A strong interest in athlete development, football, research, and applied sport science practice
The right to live and work in the United Kingdom
The ability to undertake in-person research and delivery activities in Glasgow
A full job description including essential skills, knowledge, experience, and key responsibilities is available separately and should be read alongside this advertisement prior to applying.
Essential Skills, Knowledge and Experience
Qualifications
A minimum of a 2:1 Honours degree in Sport Science, Strength and Conditioning, Sports Coaching, Exercise Science, or a related discipline
Eligibility for admission to the MRes Applied Sport Science programme at the University of Glasgow
A valid UK driving licence and access to transport is desirable
Knowledge
Knowledge of long-term athlete development (LTAD) principles and their practical application within youth football environments
Understanding of gym-based strength and conditioning principles for developing young footballers
Knowledge of athlete monitoring, testing, and profiling procedures
Understanding of training load management and physical development strategies
Knowledge of sport science disciplines including physiology, biomechanics, performance analysis, and athlete wellbeing
Understanding of safeguarding and professional practice when working with children and young people
Awareness of research methods, data collection procedures, and evidence-based practice within sport science
Experience
Experience delivering gym-based strength and conditioning or athletic development programmes with youth footballers
Experience conducting athlete testing, monitoring, and performance profiling
Experience working within football academy, club, or performance sport environments
Experience collecting, managing, and interpreting sport science data
Experience working collaboratively with coaches, athletes, and multidisciplinary support staff
Experience planning, delivering, and evaluating athlete development interventions
Skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with athletes, coaches, parents, and colleagues
Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively
Ability to work independently whilst contributing positively to a wider performance team
Competence in data analysis and interpretation using sport science software and Microsoft Office applications
Ability to communicate scientific findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to apply evidence-based approaches to athlete development
Commitment to professional development and reflective practice
Personal Attributes
The successful applicant will demonstrate:
Alignment with Athlete Focused values of professionalism, honesty, and care
A genuine passion for athlete development and youth football
Enthusiasm for applied sport science practice and postgraduate research
Professionalism, integrity, and reliability in all aspects of their work
A proactive and innovative approach to programme development and delivery
The ability to engage, motivate, and inspire young footballers
A commitment to creating positive sporting experiences and supporting long-term athlete success
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted by 17:00pm (UK Time) on Monday 28th September 2026
Please submit your application as a single PDF document, including:
A current CV
A cover letter clearly outlining your suitability for the role
In your cover letter, please describe how your qualifications, experience, and skills meet the requirements of the scholarship, and highlight your motivation and interest in athlete development, applied sport science, and postgraduate research.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview following the closing date.
For further information about the scholarship, research project, or application process, please contact Dr Stephen Leckey (stephen.leckey@glasgow.ac.uk) at the University of Glasgow.