8 questions, with why they’re asked and how to answer.
General
1Tell us about yourself and why you want to work in football.
Why they ask this: They want a clear, short story that links your experience to this role, and to see real motivation beyond being a fan.
How to answer: Spend about a minute: where you are now, two or three experiences that prepared you for this job, and why this step makes sense. Keep “I love football” to one sentence and focus on the work.
See an example answer
“I’ve spent three years coaching in grassroots and academy football while finishing my degree. The part I enjoy most is seeing players improve week by week, which is why I want a full-time academy role where I can work with the same group across a season.”
2Why do you want to work for our club?
Why they ask this: Clubs want people who have done their homework and will fit their culture, style and plans.
How to answer: Mention something specific: their playing style, academy pathway, community work or a recent change at the club, and connect it to how you work.
See an example answer
“Your academy has given first-team debuts to five players in two seasons, and the pathway is clearly a priority. That matches how I coach: I focus on long-term development, not just results on a Saturday.”
Role-specific
3How do you work with coaches who want a player back quickly?
Why they ask this: Physios balance player health and team needs.
How to answer: Explain clear communication, sharing timelines and risk, and agreeing decisions with the medical team.
Technical
4Talk us through your rehab plan for a hamstring strain.
Why they ask this: Shows clinical reasoning and return-to-play planning.
How to answer: Cover assessment, stages of rehab, criteria to progress, running progressions, and how you decide a player is ready.
5What do you do on match day pitch-side?
Why they ask this: Checks emergency readiness.
How to answer: Mention equipment checks, emergency action plan, assessing injuries quickly, concussion protocols and communication with the bench.
Behavioural
6Tell us about a difficult injury case and what you learned.
Why they ask this: Shows reflection and learning.
How to answer: Describe the case, your decisions, the outcome and what you would do differently.
Situational
7A player hides an injury because they don’t want to miss a game. What do you do?
Why they ask this: Tests trust and player welfare.
How to answer: Build trust so players report early, explain the risks, and follow medical protocols, involving the head of medical.
Questions to ask them
8What would success look like in this role after six months?
Why they ask this: Asking this shows you’re thinking about results and how you’ll be measured, not just about getting the job.
How to answer: Ask it near the end, listen closely, and briefly connect their answer to something you’ve already mentioned.
