Manchester United
Assistant Head of Academy Football Development and Methodology
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Location: Carrington Training Ground
At Manchester United, we believe that excellence on the pitch starts with excellence off the pitch. Our team thrives in a high-performance environment, united by a shared passion for success. We aim to elevate the standard of performance through collaboration and continuous growth, creating a space where everyone can contribute their best to our common goals.
We work together at our iconic Manchester United offices, enabling connection and innovation as we look ahead to what we can achieve as a global football club. We are excited to bring in passionate people who share our vision and drive for success.
The Role
The role of Assistant Head of Academy Football Development and Methodology is fundamental to supporting the long-term vision of Manchester United Football Club by helping to identify, develop and support the best coaches and young players for the Club. Working closely with the Head of Academy Football Development and Methodology, the role will support the delivery of the Academy Coaching Programme, contribute to the development of the coaching curriculum, and provide day-to-day leadership and guidance to coaches across the pathway. The successful applicant will help embed consistent coaching standards, support evidence-led player development, and contribute to the Academy’s high-performance environment.
Key Accountabilities
Coaching Standards
- Support the design, delivery, and ongoing review of the Academy Coaching Programme in line with the EPPP.
- Assist in embedding the Coach Competency Framework and Coaching Code (“The Manchester United Way”) across the Academy.
- Support the planning and delivery of an age-specific games programme that maximises development opportunities.
Coach Development
- Role model and support high coaching standards across the Academy.
- Support coach recruitment, succession planning, and department structure in partnership with the Head of Academy Football Development and Methodology.
- Contribute to a culture of continuous professional development, supporting coaches to maintain effective IDPs.
- Support coach appraisals, CPD reviews, and departmental performance audits.
Performance Analysis
- Support the use of coaching and IDP data to inform evidence-based coach and player development.
- Help ensure tactical and game model alignment with the Manchester United playing philosophy.
- Work with Performance Analysis to maintain coaching dashboards and reporting systems that inform practice.
Management, Governance & Compliance
- Support Academy governance and audit requirements to meet EPPP standards.
- Help maintain a well-organised, accountable, and risk-aware department.
- Work with Safeguarding to promote safe working practices.
- Support budget planning and monitoring as agreed with the Head of Academy Football Development and Methodology.
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Player Development
- Support U9–U21 interdisciplinary teams (IDTs) for player assessment, squad audits, and pathway planning.
- Assist with long-term talent profiling, IDP monitoring, and player succession planning.
- Help ensure team selections (U9–U21) prioritise long-term development.
- Contribute to retain/release and full-time/hybrid model discussions and recommendations.
- Work with the Head of Academy Football Development and Methodology, Head of Recruitment and Academy Director on player succession plans.
- Maintain strong relationships with staff, players, families, and intermediaries, and escalate safeguarding concerns where required.
Essential
The Person:
- Significant experience in a Category 1 Academy or elite youth football environment.
- Proven experience in a coaching, coach development, or technical leadership role.
- Strong knowledge of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) and academy compliance requirements.
- Experience supporting the design and implementation of coaching curricula and development frameworks across the full pathway U7–U21.
- Demonstrable experience supporting coach development, appraisals, CPD and IDPs.
- Experience working with interdisciplinary teams (IDTs) across performance, medical, psychology, and analysis.
- Ability to analyse and apply performance data to improve coaching and player development.
- In-depth understanding of football tactics, game models, and age-appropriate development.
- Strong leadership, communication, and people management skills.
- Ability to influence and operate effectively with coaches, multidisciplinary staff, and senior stakeholders.
- Strong organisational, governance, and planning capability.
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting player welfare.
Desirable
- UEFA A Licence, UEFA Pro Licence or equivalent.
- Experience within a Premier League Academy.
- Experience in coach recruitment and succession planning.
- Experience using performance analysis systems and coaching dashboards.
- Knowledge of Manchester United’s playing philosophy and Academy culture.
- Experience preparing reports and presentations for senior technical boards.
Personal Attributes
- Embodies the values of Badge, Bravery and Spirit.
- Collaborative, inclusive, and relationship focused.
- Innovative with a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Resilient and effective in a high-performance environment.
- Ethical, professional, and player-centred in approach.
Our Values
Badge – Earn the badge, every day. Respect our history and heritage. Be best in class and deliver to the standards expected of Manchester United. No one is bigger than the club.
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Bravery – Be bold, be brave, and take calculated risks. Do things differently and innovate. Lead by example and do what’s right for the club, even when it’s hard.
Spirit – Embody the spirit of Manchester United. Show strength of character, act with passion, and fight back, no matter what.
What We Offer
At Manchester United, we recognise that our people are at the heart of our success. That’s why we offer a range of rewards designed to support your professional and personal well-being:
- Annual Incentive Scheme to reward your dedication and hard work
- 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and an opportunity to purchase additional holiday days
- Electric Vehicle scheme via Octopus and cycle to work scheme
- Simplyhealth Cash Plan: Supporting you with your everyday healthcare needs
- Wellness Support with access to mental health resources, digital health checks, and nutritionists through Aviva Digicare+ Workplace
- Exclusive Discounts through our United Rewards platform, giving you access to exclusive deals from the club and partners
- Gym Facilities in our onsite locations and opportunities for regular social events and team-building activities
- Enhanced family Leave Benefits and policies
- Enhanced Career Development with access to professional learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning, and internal training programs
- A Supportive Work Environment that values diversity, equity and inclusion, and individual growth
Our Commitment To You
We believe that a diverse and inclusive environment makes us stronger. We are committed to building a team where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. Diversity, equity, and inclusion sit at the core of our recruitment strategy, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Ready to Join Us?
If this sounds like the perfect role for you, please submit your application by Wednesday 5th August 2027
Manchester United is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, and as part of this commitment, all candidates will undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check and reference checks.
If you need any adjustments to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, please contact us, and we will be happy to discuss them with you.
It is unlawful to employ a person in a UK-based job who does not have permission to live and work in the UK. You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to you before applying for any of our roles.
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