Job Description

U21s Women's Physical Performance Coach

Location:

Leigh Sports Village

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.

As a Womens team we are young and at the start of our journey within an institution with rich history, pedigree and success. Within the Womens game we are disruptor who do things differently and break the status quo. The club's ambition is to win out first WSL title by 2028 by producing a Women's First Team that succeeds, entertains, innovates and inspires. Having a thriving Academy program which develops home grown players is part of the clubs DNA and essential for future success.

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 Purpose:

To deliver a physical development programme to the Manchester United U21 Women's Team. This involves the delivery of comprehensive physical preparation programmes, based on sound strength and conditioning and physiology principles. To produce players who are durable, injury resilient and possess a level of physicality that enables them to execute technical and tactical skills required and transition to the senior Women's team.

The Role:

To ensure that, at all areas of Women's Football Science and Athletic Development operations meet FA criteria. To ensure that every individual player is treated as a unique individual and is afforded the highest level of physical development care and attention. To attend and contribute to reviews and provide regular reports at timely intervals to key stakeholders to support the development of the women's programme. To develop and implement a physical development strategy to improve athletic performance throughout the women's U21s Squad in line with First Team requirements. To create and implement sports science strategies in collaboration with MDT staff to optimise the squad's ability to perform throughout the season. To deliver on aspects of rehabilitation, pre-habilitation and recovery modalities in line with the club's best practice and bespoke to the individual and group needs. To implement the Manchester United women's fitness testing programme and ensure that it is age-specific, comprehensive and meets FA requirements. To develop physical performance profiles and benchmark in accordance with FA WSL standards to ensure physical readiness for first team progression. To collect, capture, analyse and interpret data to inform programme prescription in line with the Head Coach's principles of play and tactical vision. To support the Women's first team senior performance coach with any identified job roles. To oversee physical performance across the Manchester United Regional Talent Club. To demonstrate the desire to engage with and support continuous professional development in areas that promote the development of a world class performance environment.

The Person:

Essential

A Degree level (or equivalent) in sports science or related area, specialising in physical preparation of elite players. UKSCA Accredited Strength & Conditioning Coach (or international equivalent). Experience in the provision of strength and conditioning services, including coaching players and coaches to improve performance. Experience working with and preparing elite players for competition. Experience using and interpreting GPS data, ideally in a football context. Competent in the use of Microsoft Excel. Experience of working within a multi-disciplinary performance team in the delivery of strength and conditioning to elite players. Excellent communication skills able to build meaningful, strong strategic relationships with Club staff and players. Experience of and enthusiasm for coaching and mentoring elite young and senior players. Ability to demonstrate good session planning and strong organisational skills. Understanding of learning, development and high performance with a proven ability to create optimum learning environments for players. Understanding and empathy with education and learning with a strong commitment to personal development and training. Awareness of diversity and equality challenges in football. Empathy and commitment to the long-term development of the game. Willingness to work weekends and be flexible with fluctuations in scheduling. Ability to travel independently.

Desirable

Post graduate Degree in sports science or related area, specialising in physical preparation of elite players. BASES Accreditation FA Fitness Trainers Award UKAD Level 1 Experience in the use of data visualisation software eg. Tableau & Power BI FA Level 2 Coaching (or international equivalent

What We Offer:

At Manchester United, we recognize 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

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 Friday 11th July 2025.

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. Your personal data will be processed on MU's behalf by Korn Ferry