At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead player support programmes and help Academy players thrive on and off the pitch.
- Company: Join Manchester City, a football club with a rich history and a global outlook.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days of annual leave, private healthcare, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Access to sports clubs, free meals, and a culture of collaboration and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young athletes' lives while working in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in youth development or player support, with strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Based at City Football Academy in Manchester, this permanent full-time role leads the delivery of a comprehensive player support programme for Academy players aged U9 to U21. You will work closely with players, families and Academy colleagues to help ensure every player is supported to develop, thrive and perform on and off the pitch.
Within our Academy Operations division, our Performance Lifestyle and Player Support team works alongside players, families and colleagues across the Academy pathway to create an environment where young people feel supported, informed and able to reach their potential. We combine high standards of care with close collaboration, helping to build positive experiences on and off the pitch.
In this role, you will lead the delivery of a player support programme that places the wellbeing, personal development and day-to-day experience of Academy players at the centre of everything we do. You will help ensure players are supported in a way that is practical, thoughtful and tailored to their stage of development, while keeping their wider needs in view. You will coordinate and deliver lifeskills and personal development sessions, work with players who need additional support, and provide mentoring and one-to-one guidance where it is needed. You will also help shape and deliver parent and player voice activity, making sure feedback is gathered, understood and used to improve the Academy experience. Alongside this, you will build trusted relationships with players, families and stakeholders across the Academy, maintain accurate records and communicate clearly across the team. The role also includes line management of the Performance Lifestyle and Player Support Executive, so you will provide supervision and guidance through regular feedback and mentoring.
What You’ll Bring
- Experience of managing, supporting and developing team members in a care, wellbeing, education, youth development or player support setting
- Experience of working within an elite sporting, youth development or other high-performance environment
- Ability to design, coordinate and deliver engaging presentations, workshops or development sessions for different audiences
- Experience of building trusted relationships with young people, families and multidisciplinary stakeholders
- Ability to manage sensitive situations with discretion, empathy and sound judgement
- Comfort working flexibly outside normal office hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet the needs of the role
Why Choose Us
Working at Manchester City means being supported to do your best, with the flexibility and encouragement to look after your wellbeing. We are committed to helping our people learn, grow and thrive in a culture built on collaboration, openness and hard work. As part of our team, you will receive 26 days’ annual leave plus a day off for your birthday, private healthcare and dental cover, and an annual discretionary bonus. You will also have access to a Health Cash Plan, Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP support, and a company pension and life assurance. Manchester-based employees also benefit from free on-site parking, complimentary breakfast and lunch, and access to a range of sports and leisure clubs. You can enjoy a range of additional benefits, including cycle to work, Give As You Earn, discounted match tickets, savings in the City Store, a free City+ subscription, stadium tour discounts, and wider retail and lifestyle offers.
City Football Group promotes equal opportunities in employment and we positively welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We will screen all applicants and select candidates whose skills and experience seem to meet our needs. We will carefully consider your application during the initial screening and will contact you only if you are selected for an interview. If you require reasonable adjustments or any support throughout the process, please contact hiring@cityfootball.com and we will be happy to help.
Employment is subject to the provision of proof of eligibility to work in the UK. Due to our safeguarding promise, all UK-based CFG roles will be subject to a DBS check upon commencing employment with us. This will be either a basic, standard or enhanced check depending on the job role and responsibilities.
Performance Lifestyle and Player Support Manager in Manchester employer: City Football Group
At Manchester City, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. As a PDP Performance Psychologist, you will be part of a collaborative team dedicated to developing young talent in elite football, with access to comprehensive benefits including private healthcare, generous leave, and opportunities for continuous learning. Join us in Manchester, where your expertise will directly contribute to shaping the future of aspiring athletes in a dynamic and psychologically informed setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Performance Lifestyle and Player Support Manager in Manchester
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
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✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
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We think you need these skills to ace Performance Lifestyle and Player Support Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining City Football Group aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at City Football Group
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with City Football Group, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
