At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead rehab programmes for young athletes and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team.
- Company: Join Manchester City, a prestigious Premier League club with a rich history.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, private healthcare, and lifestyle discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young athletes' performance and recovery.
- Qualifications: Experience in elite sports rehab and relevant degrees required.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equal opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Closing Date of Applications: 31 March 2026
Our Story
Manchester City is an English Premier League club whose roots began in East Manchester. From its first incarnation as St Mark’s West Gorton in 1880, the club became Manchester City FC in 1894. Behind each title lies emotion, moments and memories that resonate with millions of supporters around the world. Manchester City fans are known for their commitment and togetherness, as a Club that fights to the end. MCFC is built on a vision for sustainability, with an academy structure designed to support long‑term first team success, to engagement with the communities in which we reside. Together with our passionate fans and valued network of partners, we are developing Manchester City’s future history.
The Role
The Physical Performance Coach – Rehab Lead (Academy) will lead the Academy Rehab/Return to Play (RTP) Physical Performance service aligned to the Academy Performance Services strategy. You will lead the design and delivery of individualised and integrated strength & conditioning programmes to identified PDP players that are criteria led in order to return players to play within agreed timeframes. You will deliver a collaborative physical performance rehab/RTP approach while leading and managing a team of Physical Performance coaches delivering criteria led integrated rehab programmes across the academy.
Your Impact
- Lead the development and delivery of a collaborative and integrated physical performance rehab/return‑to‑performance strategy for Manchester City Academy, aligned to the overall Academy Physical Performance approach and Academy Performance Services strategy.
- Lead the delivery of individualised rehabilitation and return‑to‑performance programmes with U18 and U21s players.
- Lead and manage Rehab Physical Performance Coaches working with PDP and YDP aligned to a common integrated approach.
- Work collaboratively with wider MDT staff (Sports Medicine, Physiotherapy, Coaching, Psychology, Nutrition, Lifestyle, Analysis) to deliver integrated return‑to training pathways.
- Align rehabilitation ways of working and physical development support to wider physical performance approach to support effective transition back to team training.
- Oversee rehabilitation profiling and monitoring systems that align to wider Performance strategy to inform MDT decision‑making and player management.
- Model effective interdisciplinary working, upholding Manchester City Academy standards and behaviours.
- Support integrated nutrition strategies during rehabilitation working in collaboration with Performance Nutrition staff.
- Contribute to the ongoing development of the Academy rehabilitation and physical performance approaches.
What we are looking for
Essential
- Significant experience of delivering physical performance support to teams/individuals to achieve objective outcomes in elite high‑performance sport.
- Experience of working collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary support team in elite sport.
- Ability to write and deliver strength and conditioning programmes focussed on specific adaptations to achieve targeted physical change.
- Undergraduate & Postgraduate degree in related field with UKSCA accreditation or equivalent.
- Current FA safeguarding and emergency aid certifications.
- Enthusiasm and willingness to be flexible.
Desirable
- Previous experience of line management/leading a team and implementing strategy in physical performance, sport science or strength and conditioning in professional or Olympic sport.
- Previous experience of delivering physical performance support in elite football at Senior or Academy level.
- Understanding of growth & maturation related influence on physical development & injury risk.
- Detailed understanding of common football injuries and related physical training concepts.
- BASES accreditation or currently engaged in achieving accredited status.
- UEFA B licence.
This Is Your City
As part of our team, you will be entitled to 26 days annual leave plus an additional day off for your birthday, private healthcare and dental cover, an annual discretionary bonus, plus a range of partnership and lifestyle discounts.
How to Apply
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career with Manchester City, please submit an application via our career’s portal by 31 March.
Equal Opportunities
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 experiences 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. 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.
Physical Performance Coach - Rehab Lead (Academy) in Manchester employer: City Football Group
Contact Detail:
City Football Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Physical Performance Coach - Rehab Lead (Academy) in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the club! Research Manchester City’s history, values, and their approach to physical performance. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or at industry events. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider tips or even a referral, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to rehab strategies and team collaboration. We recommend role-playing with a friend to get comfortable discussing your experience and how it aligns with the Academy's goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Manchester City family.
We think you need these skills to ace Physical Performance Coach - Rehab Lead (Academy) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for physical performance and rehabilitation shine through. We want to see your commitment to helping players return to peak performance!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in elite sport and how it aligns with the role. We’re looking for specific examples of your work with multidisciplinary teams and individualised programmes.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your qualifications and experiences, so we can easily see how you fit into our Academy's vision.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our careers portal! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at City Football Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of physical performance coaching, especially in rehab and return-to-play strategies. Brush up on your knowledge of common football injuries and how they impact training. This will show that you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the role.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since collaboration is key in this role, be prepared to discuss your experience working with multidisciplinary teams. Share examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated with physiotherapists, nutritionists, and coaches to achieve common goals. This will highlight your ability to fit into their team culture.
✨Bring Your A-Game with Program Design
Be ready to talk about how you design and deliver strength and conditioning programmes tailored to individual players. Have a few examples in mind that demonstrate your ability to adapt programmes based on specific needs and outcomes. This will showcase your practical skills and strategic thinking.
✨Emphasise Your Leadership Skills
If you have experience leading a team, make sure to highlight it! Discuss your approach to managing and mentoring other coaches, and how you ensure everyone is aligned with the academy’s performance strategy. This will demonstrate your readiness to take on the leadership aspect of the role.