ACADEMY PSYCHOLOGIST: MANCHESTER UNITED FC
About the job
JoJob Title: Academy Psychologist
Organisation: Manchester United Football Club
Location: Manchester, UK (on-site)
Contract Type: Full-Time
Application Deadline: Friday 22nd August 2025
Department: Academy Psychology
ROLE OVERVIEW:
At Manchester United, success on the pitch starts with excellence off it. Working from our world-renowned training facilities, the Academy Psychologist will help nurture young players’ psychological development, building resilience, mental skills, and performance capacity in alignment with the club’s high-performance culture.
Reporting to the Lead Academy Psychologist, the successful candidate will lead the psychological support provision for the Youth Development Phase (U13–U16), contributing to wider interdisciplinary development initiatives and promoting psychological best practice across the Academy.
Key Responsibilities:
Deliver psychology support in line with the Academy’s strategy across all development phases.
Lead psychology provision for the Youth Development Phase (U13–U16).
Design and deliver content for the Academy’s CORE Programme.
Collaborate with coaches and MDT staff to enhance teaching, learning, and feedback methods.
Develop and monitor multi-disciplinary Agreed Development Plans (ADPs).
Integrate psychological skills into technical and tactical coaching sessions.
Act as a core member of the MAPS working group, supporting complex performance and/or wellbeing cases.
Contribute to the continued development of a world-class, player-centred academy environment.
Undertake additional duties as directed by the Lead Academy Psychologist, Academy Director, or Technical Board.
WHAT THEY’RE LOOKING FOR:
Essential Qualifications & Experience
BSc (Hons) and MSc in Psychology or Sport Psychology.
Professional qualification via BPS QSEP, BASES SEPAR, or HCPC-approved doctorate.
HCPC Registered Practitioner Psychologist, or eligible for registration within an agreed timeframe.
Experience providing psychology services within a professional football academy setting.
Understanding of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) framework.
Demonstrated ability to work systemically within a multi-disciplinary team (MDT).
Proven experience integrating psychological approaches with coaching and performance programmes.
Passion for supporting young people’s development, both on and off the pitch.
Commitment to continuous professional development and innovation.
Personal Attributes
A strong belief in the power of sport to positively shape young lives.
A collaborative, growth-oriented mindset.
Resilience and professionalism in high-performance environments.
Strong communication skills and emotional intelligence.
WHAT MUFC OFFER
Annual incentive scheme
Mental health resources and wellness support via Aviva Digicare+ Workplace
Access to exclusive club and partner discounts via United Rewards
Onsite gym facilities and team-building events
Enhanced family leave benefits and option to purchase additional holidays
Access to LinkedIn Learning and internal training programmes
A supportive work culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion
How to Apply:
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