Pre Academy Lead

Manchester United; Manchester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Incentive scheme

25 days annual leave

Electric Vehicle scheme

Wellness support

Exclusive discounts

Gym facilities

Enhanced family leave

Career development

Supportive work environment

Job summary

Manchester United is recruiting to lead the Pre-Academy Operations with a focus on recruitment strategy and Northwest scouting. The role coordinates the casual scouting network, manages budgets, and reports on player potential for U9 recruitment decisions.

You will line-manage scouts and hub managers, build relationships with parents and schools, and ensure compliance with safeguarding and club policies while driving the academy's development pathway.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in academy football or pre-academy recruitment.
• Strong network within grassroots football across local leagues and schools.
• Experience leading or coordinating scouting teams at academy level.
• Knowledge of talent ID and development pathways.
• Ability to collaborate with coaches, parents, and education staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead Pre-Academy Operations, recruitment strategy and coordinate scouting in the Northwest.
• Oversee recruitment strategy within the Pre-Academy phase.
• Coordinate casual scouting network to identify and support recruitment of grassroots players.
• Line-manage Pre-Academy Scouts & Hub Managers.
• Build relationships with stakeholders and communicate with parents.
• Oversee Pre-Academy budget and validate expenses.
• Produce knowledge and recommendations on players for U9 recruitment decisions.
• Implement a programme to support recruitment and retention of Pre-Academy players.
• Attend matches and oversee HUB programme.
• Maintain Target Lists and Market Depth Lists for Pre-Academy players in the North West.
• Ensure compliance with codes of conduct, safeguarding, and club policies.

Skills

Academy recruitment

Scouting coordination

Talent ID

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Parent communication

Education

FA Talent ID qualifications

FA Youth Modules / UEFA C or B coaching badges

Safeguarding certification

Full UK driving licence

Job 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.

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.

Application Deadline

29 September 2026

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

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 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.