Academy PDP Athletic Development Coach

Manchester United; Manchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Incentive Scheme

25 days annual leave

Electric Vehicle scheme

Simplyhealth Cash Plan

Wellness Support

Exclusive Discounts

Gym Facilities

Enhanced family Leave Benefits

Enhanced Career Development

A Supportive Work Environment

Job summary

Manchester United Academy is seeking a qualified Athletic Development Lead for the Professional Development Phase. You will design and deliver individualised programmes to advance PDP players toward senior football, analysing GPS data and coordinating with coaching, medical and performance teams to ensure integrated development.

The role requires managing movement, strength and conditioning sessions, supporting return-to-play, and contributing to IDPs, performance reviews and ongoing

Qualifications

• Degree in sport science or related field with postgraduate study and professional accreditation (UKSCA/BASIS High Performance), plus first aid.
• Experience delivering athletic development in elite sport or football academy environments with adolescent development knowledge.
• Ability to design, deliver and adapt gym-, grass- and field-based athletic development programmes that improve movement quality and performance.
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary performance environment with coaches, medical staff and players.

Responsibilities

• Deliver an Athletic Development programme for PDP players to progress toward senior football.
• Design and implement individualised development plans based on profiling and performance goals.
• Use GPS, VALD and Output Sports data to inform development plans.
• Coordinate with coaching, medical and performance teams for integrated player development.
• Plan and deliver gym-based and on-pitch sessions, including conditioning and activation.
• Support return-to-play programmes with medical and performance staff.
• Contribute to IDPs and performance reviews with stakeholders.
• Analyse and report on physical performance data to inform strategies.
• Prepare players for matchday demands and post-match recovery.

Skills

Youth sport experience

Athletic development

GPS data analysis

Player development comms

Coaching design

Collaboration

Education

Degree in sport science or related

UKSCA/BASIS High Performance accreditation

Postgraduate study / applied experience

Tools

GPS technology

VALD

Output Sports

Power BI

Job description

Description

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.

Application Deadline: 23 September 2026

Description

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.

Key Responsibilities

As a key member of Manchester United Academy's Professional Development Phase, you will play a vital role in preparing high-potential young players for the demands of senior professional football. Combining expertise in athletic development, coaching and performance support, you will design and deliver individualised programmes that enhance physical capability, resilience and performance. Working collaboratively across coaching, medical and performance teams, you will use data and player insights to create meaningful development plans, helping to provide a world-class environment that accelerates player progression and supports the future success of the Club.

• Deliver a high-quality Athletic Development programme for Professional Development Phase (PDP) players, supporting their progression towards senior professional football.
• Design and implement individualised development programmes based on physical profiling, developmental stage, training history, performance goals and injury considerations.
• Use performance technologies, including GPS, VALD and Output Sports, to assess, monitor and profile players, translating data into meaningful development plans.
• Help players understand the relationship between physical preparation, availability and on-pitch performance, fostering ownership of their development.
• Plan and deliver a range of gym-based and on-pitch sessions, including movement development, strength and conditioning, activation, recovery and conditioning programmes.
• Support the design and delivery of return-to-play programmes in collaboration with medical and performance staff.
• Work closely with coaching, medical and multidisciplinary teams to ensure an integrated approach to player development and contribute to Individual Development Plans (IDPs).
• Attend and contribute to performance reviews, player-parent meetings and other stakeholder forums, providing clear and timely updates on player progress.
• Analyse and report on physical performance data to inform training, match preparation and long-term development strategies.
• Prepare players for matchday demands and coordinate appropriate post-match conditioning and recovery interventions.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of evidence-based systems, processes and best practices that enhance player performance, availability and readiness for the demands of senior football.
• Build positive relationships across the Academy and with external partners, consistently demonstrating the highest standards of professionalism, care and player-centred support.
• Maintain a commitment to continuous professional development, innovation and lifelong learning, ensuring practice remains aligned with current research and best-in-class performance environments.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Relevant qualifications and accreditation:

• Degree-level qualification in sport science, strength and conditioning or a related discipline, supported by postgraduate study or equivalent applied experience, plus recognised professional accreditation such as UKSCA, BASES High Performance, international equivalent, and current emergency first aid requirements.
• Elite youth sport experience: Proven experience delivering athletic development within elite sport or professional football academy environments, with a strong understanding of adolescent development and the transition toward senior performance.
• Coaching and programme design: Ability to design, deliver and adapt high-quality gym-, grass- and field-based athletic development programmes that improve movement quality, physical robustness, availability and performance transfer.
• Interdisciplinary impact: Experience working effectively within a multidisciplinary performance environment, building strong relationships with coaches, medical staff, performance colleagues, players and parents to support individual development plans.
• Data-informed practice: Confident using physical profiling, monitoring, GPS and performance data to inform decision making, communicate insight clearly and shape individual player priorities.
• Player development and communication: Excellent communication, education and mentoring skills, with the ability to create positive learning environments and support young players as people as well as athletes.
• Professional standards: Demonstrable commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion, continuous professional development, high personal standards and the practical demands of academy football, including evening, weekend and travel commitments.

Desirable

Second language – Spanish, French

Understanding and a working knowledge of Power BI

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

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.