Pre Academy Lead

Manchester United; Manchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading football club in Manchester is seeking a Pre-Academy Recruitment Lead to enhance their scouting operations and attract local talent. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in academy football, excellent relationship management skills, and a network within grassroots sports. Responsibilities include overseeing recruitment strategies, managing scouting teams, and maintaining compliance with club policies. This position offers a dynamic environment focused on player development and community engagement.

Benefits

Annual incentive scheme

Wellness support

Exclusive discounts

Gym facilities

Enhanced family leave benefits

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven track record in academy football as a coach or recruiter.
• Strong network in grassroots football including local leagues.
• Experience leading or coordinating scouting teams.
• Knowledge of talent ID and player development pathways.

Responsibilities

• Lead Pre-Academy Operations and recruitment strategy.
• Coordinate grassroots scouting to identify potential players.
• Manage Pre-Academy scouts and set clear targets.
• Ensure compliance with club policies and safeguarding standards.

Skills

Relationship management

Youth player identification

Leadership and mentoring

Communication skills

Education

FA Talent ID qualifications or coaching badges

Safeguarding certification

Job description

Location: Carrington Training Complex

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.

The Role

To lead the Pre-Academy Operations, recruitment strategy and coordinate the Academy scouting operation in the Northwest region. The role will ensure Manchester United remain competitive in attracting and retaining local talent through innovative recruitment strategies and programme initiatives, while providing market intelligence to strengthen the Academy’s long-term player pathway.

• Oversee the recruitment strategy within the Pre-Academy phase, ensuring Manchester United has leading understanding of the local talent.
• Coordinate the casual scouting network to identify, track, recommend, and support the recruitment of grassroots players of potential interest in the North West region.
• Act as a figurehead for the Pre-Academy from both a recruitment and programme perspective.
• Line-manage the Pre-Academy Scouts & Hub Managers, setting clear goals, targets, and expectations.
• Build and enhance relationships with key stakeholders, while maintaining high levels of communication with parents.
• Work closely with the Head of Academy Recruitment, Lead National Scouts, Pre-Academy Manager And Head of Player Development FP to deliver the club’s recruitment strategy.
• Oversee and manage the Pre-Academy budget, including the validation of expenses for casual scouts.
• Produce detailed knowledge and recommendations on players, presenting evidence to support U9 recruitment decisions.
• Implement and oversee a leading programme that supports both recruitment and retention of Pre-Academy players.
• Take a proactive approach to scouting & self-sufficiently attending matches, sessions, and overseeing the HUB programme
• Compile and maintain up-to-date Target Lists, Monitor Lists, and Market Depth Lists for Pre-Academy players in the North West.
• Play a key role in recruitment and retention decisions, ensuring regular player review meetings take place with relevant staff.
• Develop strong knowledge and opinions of all players in the Manchester United Pre-Academy system from U6–U8.
• Manage the performance and development of casual scouts in the North West.
• Maintain a working knowledge of Premier League and Football League rules, particularly regarding player registrations.
• Ensure compliance with the Manchester United Academy Scouting Internal Code of Conduct, wider club policies, health and safety procedures, and safeguarding standards.
• Always maintain professional conduct and confidentiality, safeguarding the image and reputation of Manchester United.

The Person

Professional Experience

• Proven track record in academy football and working with pre-academy and foundation phase age groups whether coaching or recruitment
• Strong network within grassroots football (Local Leagues, schools, community clubs, regional FAs, development centres).
• Prior experience of leading or coordinating scouting teams at academy or pre-academy level.
• Background in talent ID and player development pathways (knowledge of characteristics at Pre Academy, Foundation, Youth Development.
• Demonstrable experience of collaborating with coaches, parents, and education staff to support holistic player development.

Knowledge & Understanding

• Deep knowledge of the local football landscape (Greater Manchester and surrounding regions).
• Familiarity with Premier League Academy rules, EPPP (Elite Player Performance Plan) standards, and safeguarding requirements.
• Strong grasp of youth player profiles, including technical, tactical, physical, and psycho-social attributes.
• Understanding of diversity, inclusion, and equality challenges in football recruitment.

Skills & Attributes

• Excellent relationship management with local clubs, schools, and community groups.
• Ability to spot potential early (not just current performance).
• Strong leadership and ability to mentor scouts, ensuring alignment with academy philosophy.
• Excellent communication skills (report writing, presenting, engaging with parents).
• High levels of discretion, integrity, and professionalism & representing Manchester United values at all times.

Qualifications (Desirable but not always essential)

• FA Talent ID qualifications (Level 2/3 working towards level 4).
• FA Youth Modules / UEFA C or B coaching badges (to enhance understanding of development needs).
• Safeguarding certification.
• Full UK driving licence.

What We Offer

• Annual incentive 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 an opportunity to purchase additional holiday days
• 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

At Manchester United, 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 are at the core of our recruitment strategy, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Ready to Join Us?

If this sounds like the perfect role for you, please submit your application by Tuesday 23rd December. Please allow us slightly more time to respond during the Christmas period.

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 feel free to 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.