Academy Sports Medicine Lead in Stretford

The Role

Reporting directly to the Head of Academy Performance, the Academy Sports Medicine Lead will play a critical role in delivering world‑class medical care to Manchester United’s Academy players, supporting the health, wellbeing, and long‑term development of elite young athletes from the Foundation Phase through to the Professional Development Phase. Leading the Academy’s medical provision, the successful candidate will drive exceptional standards of clinical care and player support within a high‑performance environment. Working collaboratively with medical colleagues across the Academy, First Team, and Women’s Team, the role will help ensure a connected and progressive approach to player health and performance across the club, operating within a helix model under the Head of Sports Medicine.

Key responsibilities

• Act as the lead doctor for Manchester United’s Academy, taking primary responsibility for the medical care of all Academy players.
• Oversee and coordinate medical provision for Academy training sessions, matches, tours, and tournaments, including national and international travel.
• Assess, diagnose, treat, and manage injuries and medical conditions, ensuring appropriate rehabilitation plans are implemented.
• Provide pitch‑side and clinic‑based medical cover at the Carrington Training Complex and match venues as required.
• Manage relationships and referrals to external specialists and consultants as needed.
• Develop and oversee clinical governance protocols specific to the Academy, including emergency action planning, concussion management, cardiac screening, and anti‑doping education.
• Support the education and development of Academy medical and physiotherapy staff, promoting continuous professional development and best practice standards.
• Collaborate closely with the Head of Academy Physiotherapy and other sports science and performance departments to deliver integrated care.
• Work with parents/guardians to communicate relevant medical information appropriately while maintaining full confidentiality and safeguarding compliance.
• Maintain accurate and timely medical records using the club’s athlete medical system, ensuring robust data protection and audit practices.
• Contribute to regular multidisciplinary case meetings and liaise effectively with coaches, support staff, and other departments to align medical decision‑making with performance goals.
• Occasionally support the First Team Doctor and Women’s Team Doctor, when appropriate and agreed with the Head of Academy Performance.
• Undertake other duties and projects as assigned by the Head of Academy Performance in line with the club’s evolving needs.

The Person

• Proven experience in general medical practice and sports medicine, ideally in an elite high‑performance youth development.
• Extensive background providing medical care to elite young athletes, with strong knowledge of child and adolescent physiology.
• Fully GMC‑registered and in good standing.
• Confident in emergency care, pitch‑side trauma, and safeguarding.
• Excellent communicator with the ability to engage young players, parents, coaches, and multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Methodical, organised, with high standards of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Calm, resilient, and decisive under pressure; comfortable handling complex cases and making sound judgments.
• Committed to best practice, continuous learning, and maintaining the highest medical and ethical standards.
• Flexible and adaptable to the demands of elite sport, including evenings, weekends, travel, and unsociable hours.
• Proficient in IT systems, Microsoft Office, and electronic medical records.

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.
• 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.