Internships

Strength and Conditioning Internships 2011/12

DNA Sports Performance aims to provide scientifically underpinned strength and conditioning services to elite and amateur athletes across the UK. We have a proven track record in helping maximise the genetic potential of athletes in various sports and are currently working with Olympic and professional athletes across a diverse range of sports.

Working alongside The University of Manchester SPORT department, an opportunity has arisen for a number of individuals to learn and develop vocational skills as a professional strength and conditioning coach through an expansion of our established internship program. The program is being offered for the very first time at the following levels:

If successful in your application for a place on the internship programme you can expect the following from each level:

Level 1 ~ Residential Internship

This internship offers an intensive five day program for individuals who are looking to enhance their practical and theoretical understanding of strength and conditioning. The internship aims to provide an insight into the operation of strength and conditioning support to a major sporting University in the UK, National Governing Bodies and to TASS Athletes (Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme, http://www.tass.gov.uk/ ).

Level 2 ~ Mentoring Internship

This internship offers a unique opportunity for individuals who are currently coaching athletes and are working towards building their experience, accreditation and or performance results to apply for a full time position. This one year internship will provide the individual with the ability to apply for professional indemnity, have interventions quality assured, have access to unique professional development opportunities and work with their own mentor on a one to one basis.

Level 3 ~ Annual Internship

The annual internship has been established for five years. During this time it has seen a number of individuals gain vital practical experience in order to gain accreditation and employment within the field. The annual internship takes the format of weekly support during academic terms at The University of Manchester; there is a minimum commitment of four hours per week which will be undertaken on consistently on one of the following days; Monday, Tuesday or Thursday.

Level 4 ~ Pre-Accreditation Internship

This final level aims to refine the practitioner’s delivery process in order for them to be ready to undertake the accreditation processes by either the National Strength and Conditioning Association or by the United Kingdom Strength and Conditioning Association. Limited numbers are available and it is expected that individuals will have undertaken either level 2 or 3 before applying.

Benefits:

The four levels of internships require travel to the North West of England. If successful in the application the candidates at all levels can then expect the following benefits:

Exclusive access to internal professional development sessions
Preferential access to external professional development sessions
Experience and opportunities to observe working with elite athletes
Experience and opportunities to observe working within a multi-disciplinary team
Effective opportunities to transfer theory into practice
Enhancement of practical delivery skills
Enhance your CV and improve of your future employability

Application requirements:

Currently hold or be enrolled in a sports related degree course (undergraduate or postgraduate)
Knowledge of sports conditioning
Understanding of resistance training methods
Knowledge of anatomy and physiology
Be committed, self motivated and reliable
Be interested in strength and conditioning as a career
Be confident when speaking to groups, open minded and willing to learn