At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the development of young football talent and coaches at Manchester United.
- Company: Join the iconic Manchester United Football Club and shape future stars.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to work in elite football.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the next generation of footballers and coaches.
- Qualifications: Experience in elite youth football and strong coaching leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
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.
- 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 escalates safeguarding concerns where required.
The Person
Essential
- 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
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Assistant Head of Academy Football Development and Methodology in Stretford employer: Manchester United
At Manchester United, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, fostering a high-performance culture that prioritises collaboration and continuous growth. Working at our iconic Old Trafford Stadium, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the wellbeing of young players while benefiting from a diverse and inclusive environment that values your unique contributions. We are committed to your professional development, offering tailored support and resources to help you thrive in your role as a Casual Girls Academy Wellbeing Officer.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Head of Academy Football Development and Methodology in Stretford
✨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.
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✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
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We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Head of Academy Football Development and Methodology in Stretford
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 Manchester United 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 Manchester United
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Manchester United, 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.
